I can't get used to the 5th string on my thumb NT :0(

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kornskydiver

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So I picked up a 05' thumb NT5 two weeks ago and I am having trouble getting used to it. It seems that slapping has become extremely difficult and I feel like I need to learn how the bass all over again. So I've decided to post an add here to see if anyone wants to trade a Thumb NT5 for a NT4. Do you guys think I am making the right call? I've been playing a 4 string bass for about 15 years now and the transition to a five string has just been frustrating :((:((
 
Hey kornskydiver :

I know why buddy , it s not the 5-string the problem , it s because the Thumb 5 s a narrow string spacing of 16,5 mm @ bridge & have a narrow nut width of 45 mm .
So , to me , it s too narrow , it doesn t come naturally . You have to practice with it in order to get accustomed to it .

Personnaaly, I don t like narrow necks , but it s personal , some don t mind having a narrow neck , so it s up to you .
 
Moving from four to five string (or fretted to fretless or pick to fingerstyle or etc.) can open a whole world of new possibilities, but you need to give yourself the due time to get comfortable (months to years, not weeks.) Bottom line is that you need to decide whether you want to stick to what you are comfortable with or invest the time and energy to learn something new.
 
Slapping is more difficult on a 5, because it's so easy to hit the low B string a little when slapping the E. Also the narrower string spacing makes it difficult for "wild" technique. My advice would be to take it easy on the slapping for a while, concentrate on figerstyle/pick, and see what music you can make while incorporating the new low B strings' notes into your playing.
The low B is a great thumb rest too!

After you get comfortable in a month or two, go back to your slapping basics, and slowly identify your techical weaknesses with slapping that hinders your music. Practise some drills for a month there too, then you'd be set.

After all, what are some months of practice compared to a lifelong enjoyment of the extended range of your instrument!
 
had that problem myself moving from a stingray to a thumb nt5. you get used to it after a while try messing about with your strap hight,the thumb has a small body and it takes a bit of getting used to...if you trade it you will kick yourself later.give it a little time,you will adjust ....:)
 
Hi there,

I agree with previous comments. 2 weeks is not enough time to adjust your slap technique to a 5 string and diferent string spacing. Give it more time, like if you were starting from the begining. I don´t think you have enough experience with it right now to take a real conclusion out of it. Be patience.
 
I think the guys are right. 2 weeks isn't enough. I don't play 5, but recently I made a change to my slap technique, and it's like learning from the beginning again. I feel like a beginner! It's tempting to go back to my old way, but I know if I give it time it will be better for me.

I think you need to give the NT5 at least a few months before you make a decision.

;)
 
Don't give up. The 5th string is necessary. I don't know why all basses don't have them :D

Just kidding, but its great to have the option of notes lower than E. Give it some time, you will get used to it. I'm sure the first time you tried slapping a 4 string it wasn't easy. You'll need to learn some muting techniques and be more precise with your slapping, but both those things will make you a better player for both 4 and 5 string basses.
 
Thanks for all the great comments fellas. I will give it some time and take it slow. Like someone mentioned earlier, it really does feel like learning the bass all over again. But you guys had some great suggestions/feedback and I definetley would not want to regret it down the road.
 
I agree with everyone, it certainly takes some time getting used to. I've played 5:ers for almost 10 years, and I still make mistakes now and then :lol:
 
Man, I absolutely love these forums. You all are just awesome and so willing to help others. I really appreciate and value your guys' advice. I have had some bad experiences in other forums like TB, but I can always count on sound advice from you all
 
the thumb nt5 is one of the basses I regret selling/trading. Keep on it. You'll be glad you did.

I finally said screw it and kept playing my current 5 string and am finally comfortable with them. I still don't use the B much, and every other string change or two I put it E - C, so it gets a good amount of play.
 
I just started using my thumb bass nt 5 for gigging again recently I love the sound of that thing. Dogman-049.jpg
 
I played 4 string bass for many, many years (30+ years) and could play one in my sleep probably.
I bought my first Warwick, a 5 string Thumb B.O., in 2005. It was difficult for me to get used to for quite a while. But I am glad I learned something new and expanded my bass horizons. Now I only play 5 string Warwicks - my 4 strings sit in their cases or get sold. Give it time - I am glad I did.

My new bass thing to learn is to play my 2007 fretless FNA Jazzman 5 string with Delano preamp and pickups.

Dave
 
Talking about habits, recently I started wearing my Streamer higher, before that I would swear that the best position was low for me, that was as good as it could get. Wrong! I can't describe how much better I feel with the bass right now. Adjusting to a higher position meant I have to play more around the center of the board, say 7th to 15th fret and less on the first frets. But it's cool learning that area better plus the bass allows for perfect intonation so I can use the higher register safely and especially the low B on the higher frets. It's clear, defined and in tune. You know there's more to the low B than it's first 5 frets, not that these aren't cool. :-) Morale of the story is habits can and should change sometimes, even if it feels impossible at first.
 
As stated many times over you can get used to it no problem... I will never buy another 4 string just because the spacing is way too wide.
 
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