Recommendation for a 5-String Bass

Hello! I’m Kaoru, a composer!

Today, I’d like to talk about the 5-string bass. A few decades ago, 4-string basses were the norm, but recently, extended-range basses have become very popular.
Beginners may wonder,

“Why are 5-string basses so popular?” or “Why are they necessary?”

So, I’ll be discussing the differences between 4-string and 5-string basses, their pros and cons, and provide you with some guidance if you’re considering purchasing one.

■ The History of the 5-String Bass

When the electric bass was first invented, the 4-string bass was standard, so it’s the one most people are familiar with.
In the 1980s, Japan’s legendary rock bands like BOØWY and X Japan had famous bassists like Tsunematsu Matsui and Taiji who played 4-string basses. Many bassists were inspired by these charismatic players and chose 4-strings themselves.

Though 5- and 6-string basses existed at the time, they were not widely used.

However, in the 1990s, players like Tetsuya from L’Arc-en-Ciel began to embrace the 5-string, and the idea of extended-range basses started to spread.

In the 2000s, attention shifted to rising stars like IKUO and BOH, who popularized 5-string basses further, leading to the release of numerous artist models.

As musical genres diversified and became more complex, the role of the bass changed.
Once considered a ‘quiet’ instrument, basses now take on melodic lines with slap and tapping techniques that stand out in the music scene.

As a result, demand for 5-string basses has grown, with manufacturers offering a variety of models, including budget options, making it easier for beginners to start with an extended-range bass.

■ Benefits of a 5-String Bass

○ Handles Drop Tunings Without Retuning

On a 4-string bass, the lowest note is E, so if you need to play lower notes, you have to use effects or rely on techniques like drop D or half-step down tuning.
However, adjusting tuning mid-performance can be a hassle.

With a 5-string bass, the lowest note is even lower—B—expanding the bass’s range and eliminating the need for alternate tunings to reach lower notes.

○ Powerful Built-In Preamps

Many 5-string basses come with built-in preamps, meaning they are often active models.

These preamps not only enhance the powerful sound of a 5-string bass but also help clarify the low B string, which can sometimes sound muddy. This allows for greater sound-shaping possibilities.

Additionally, players who favor extended-range basses often use techniques like slap and tapping, so many 5-string models are designed to accommodate these versatile playing styles.

○ Easier to Cover Songs Tuned to Drop D or Half-Step Down

Many sheet music books sold in music stores have arrangements in tunings like Drop D.
While it’s possible to play these on a 4-string bass, it often requires checking and converting the chords and notes, which can be challenging for beginners.

If you’re interested in playing heavy genres like metal or hardcore, a 5-string bass is highly recommended!

○ No Need to Switch Basses During Live Performances

Musicians who perform across multiple genres often carry several basses to accommodate different sounds and tunings. However, handling multiple basses can be inconvenient due to the time required to switch instruments and the need to transport them.
These factors can hinder your performance, so it’s best to keep things as simple as possible.

A 5-string bass can handle a wide range of genres, eliminating the need to swap basses in many cases, allowing you to stay focused on the performance—a win-win situation for live shows!

■ Disadvantages of a 5-String Bass

○ Weight

With a 5-string bass, the amount of wood and metal parts increases, which leads to added weight. These instruments typically weigh around 5 to 6 kg, which can be challenging, especially for smaller players.

During a live performance, carrying a bass over 5 kg for more than 30 minutes can put significant strain on the body. It’s also tiring to transport!

As a solution, you may want to use a strap with extra cushioning for comfort.

○ High Maintenance Costs

Bass strings are already expensive—ranging from about 2,000 to 3,500 yen for a 4-string bass. For a 5-string bass, the cost is even higher.

Using a fretboard lubricant and other methods can help extend the lifespan of the strings!

Let me introduce some recommended products available at Sound House.

Yamaha / BB235 RBR 5-String Electric Bass

This is the 5-string model from Yamaha’s popular BB Series.
Compared to the previous BB models, it features a thinner neck shape, enhancing playability. The taper is also slimmer, allowing for comfortable high-position play.

Its sound is clean, powerful, and full-bodied, with ceramic magnets that help reduce noise.
It offers a tone that’s somewhere between a Precision Bass and a Jazz Bass!

With a wide range of color options available, it’s also a great choice for those who care about design.

There’s also an upgraded model available, so please check it out!

Yamaha / BB435 TB 5-String Electric Bass

That wraps up my post on the 5-string bass.
This bass is perfectly suited for today’s music scene, and its popularity is likely to keep growing!
Give it a try!

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