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Double Bass 5-string bass

DocBop

DocBop

Feb 22, 2007
2,412
38
Los Angeles, CA
#1
Newbie Alert....

I tried searching but the search engine surprisingly came up blank. So forgive my rookie question.

I see 5-string DB's advertised and some mention here. I wonder are they mainly adding a B-string or a high C-string?
 
#3
DocBop said:
Newbie Alert....

I tried searching but the search engine surprisingly came up blank. So forgive my rookie question.

I see 5-string DB's advertised and some mention here. I wonder are they mainly adding a B-string or a high C-string?
Click to expand...

More often low B or low C below E, but in the jazz world sometimes a high C. The main drive for the 5 string DB came from the need for contra C in orchestral repertoire, and is the most popular way for reaching this in Germany and some other European countries.
 
#5
Jeff Moote said:
More often low B or low C below E, but in the jazz world sometimes a high C. The main drive for the 5 string DB came from the need for contra C in orchestral repertoire, and is the most popular way for reaching this in Germany and some other European countries.
Click to expand...

Personally I've just converted mine to 5 and I can't imagine how I lived with out 5 strings!

Playing low Ds and Eflats Heaven!
 
#6
Well I have been trawling through old posts looking for 5-string info and since this is here I thought I'd resurect an old thread to ask my questions...

I am an EB player saving up for my first DB. I have been looking at a Gilga Series II 5-string model as my first bass. My question relates to getting a 5-string as a first bass. I want a nice bass (solid, not lam) that will last me a while since they are a little more expensive here (Australia) than other places. I'll be up for about $5500 ($AU, list price) for a 5-string and $5000 if I went with a 4-string.

Those that have played both, what advice would you give for a first time DB buyer? Do you think going straight to a 5-string is a wise choice? (I remember when 7-string guitars got popular and a guitarist from some band made a comment about all the teenagers buying them... something along the lines of "they should've learnt how to play 6-stings first!").

While I am here... anyone know much about the Gilga brand? (Romanian or similar I think) I couldn't find much on here.
 

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