5-String Bass playing..

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Matthew Heintz

Arnold, I understand that you've recently built a four string and a five string from Walnut (both based on the same model?). I understand that each instrument is custom built for your customers, but, to the extent possible, can you compare the sound from each instrument? Does the fiver have roughly equivalent volume, projection, response?

Ken, having converted four stringers to five stringers, can you describe the response of the instrument with an additional string? I read that the additional string adds pressure to the top and may restrict movement of the top; hence, some old basses sounded more open strung as three-stringers. But perhaps this is mostly a set-up issue?

The Bass that was converted to a 5er went in for a Restoration. The Top was very highly arched and very strong. It barely needed much of a Bassbar at all, just ask Arnold. This was a newish Bass and was healthy for the most part. It needed Top graduation and some work to the Back as well. The Scroll/Pegbox was all plugged up and then drilled and fitted with 5 Gears. The Bassbar that went is was way more than needed for a 4-string as it was going to be a 5. This was also a fairly large Bass like a 7/8 we call it here in USA and maybe a 4/4 in Europe.

The Fingerboard was as wide as Arnold could get and I think we had 25-26mm bridge spacing (not sure but closer to 25 maybe, can't recall). It played tight with the Bow but played well.

I had it set-up for Orchestra with a Low B. When it was sold, it was re-strung with a High C down to E for a jazz player. This 4-5 conversion was done before I got my first Chromatic Extension which was on the Martini. From then on I played all the Lows on the Extension. This season I did 2 Orchestra Christmas concerts with my current 4/4 sized (or 5/4) 5er. This huge Bass was actually made as a 5er from the start. This FB is about 4" wide at the high C (on the G) at the end of the FB.

On the Top pressure, most old Basses were made for 3 or 4 Gut strings, not Steel. From Gut to Steel the Bass internally needs to be re-worked usually. From 3 to 4-string, it does as well. From 3 Gut strings to 4 Steel strings, the Top needs extra support unless its a real real strong Top. My Mystery bass still has its short low Bassbar for Gut strings but in the last 100 years was converted to 4-strings. I don't know how old the Bar is but it could be as new as the 4-string conversion within that 100 years. At the recent/current restoration, we left the 'Bar in as-is. This Top is super strong. Only time will tell how it works with 4 steel strings. The Bridge that came with the Bass had wider notches cut for Gut. I am re-using the old Bridge but re-cut and adjusters added.

Every Bass and every piece of wood is different. You just have to look at each one individually and judge them as they are strength and repair wise.