From 5 to 6

[Amaunator]

Hey guys,

i am currently playing a 5 string warwick corvette custom shop and i have been playing 5 string basses for years now.

So as i am buying this new bass i was wondering if choosing a 6 string instead would be a good idea.

So from the more experienced players out there, can you give me some advice about this transition?

Thanks.

 

[DiMarco]

Well personally I feel crippled on a 6 string bass as my hands aren't really big and I do need proper stringspacing.

I am sorry to say that I can not speak for you though, this is such a personal thing really.
All I can advise you to do is first play on some 6 strings in the shop before trying to decide on this.

 

[Trey]

Well personally I feel crippled on a 6 string bass as my hands aren't really big and I do need proper stringspacing.

I am sorry to say that I can not speak for you though, this is such a personal thing really.
All I can advise you to do is first play on some 6 strings in the shop before trying to decide on this.

+1 I was a little scared of changing to a 5 string, but I had to see what a five string was like for myself. It's the same principle with changing to a 6 string. Just go to GC or something like that, find a couple of well set up 6 strings, and pluck away I hope you find what you're looking for!

 

[dazzla]

Well personally I feel crippled on a 6 string bass as my hands aren't really big and I do need proper stringspacing.

I am sorry to say that I can not speak for you though, this is such a personal thing really.
All I can advise you to do is first play on some 6 strings in the shop before trying to decide on this.

+1 I was a little scared of changing to a 5 string, but I had to see what a five string was like for myself. It's the same principle with changing to a 6 string. Just go to GC or something like that, find a couple of well set up 6 strings, and pluck away I hope you find what you're looking for!

All of the above mate. Another thing to look for is scale length of the 6 or any bass for that matter. I have found anything more than a 34" scale is a little uncomfortable for me. I have just sold an Ibanez BTB 676 NTF which had a 35 " scale after just one gig.Funnily enough string spacings don't seem to bother me at all(except for the initial change from a narrow spacing to a wider one) and i highly recommend keeping up your chops on all basses evenly. For example try and play your 5 and 6 pretty equally while practicing, maybe day 1 could be 5 and day 2 the 6 etc.Good luck!!

 

[Amaunator]

Thanks for th ereplies guys, this week ill visit a shop and try a 6 stringer, on a 34 i guess cause its kinda hard to find a 35.

 

[Boodakon]

If you feel the need to upgrade, trust your instincts.

A personal story here....
I started on a 4. 10 yrs later, I got curious about a 5'er, tried it and bought one. Didn't think I'd use the B much, but I did.
Another 10 yrs later (this year actually), got curious about a 6'er. Tried a couple of 'em, liked it and got one. Of course I didn't plan to add another string every 10yrs, it just happened. You get my drift...

I love the 6, such a bigger playing field; more definition on chords, arpeggios and more tapping options too. Of course, I only have 1 guitarist in my band, so I have a little more room for expression. Best of luck, whichever way you go. Peace brother!