TalkAwhile - The Folk Corporation Forum

Dave,in your capacity as a bass legend, when did you move on to the 5 string bass and why?
i speak as the dad of a 16 year old bass player who has just ditched the thunderbird and moved on to a 5 string fender jazz(mexican)
 he has also threatened to get a 6 stringer next

if 4 strings were enough for James Jamerson, Jaco and Rick Danko what is the benefit?
 oh! and do you still have the walnut jazz bass you used to play in the early/mid 70's? was it custom made? and if so who dunnit?
 
Good luck with the new cd and the Dylan/PJ gigs
 

Hi Jim. I changed to 5 string in the early 80's. I only really use the low B string to play notes below the 4th. E string. Literally I never play the 5th. string above the 5th. fret.  I am not a fan of 6 string basses. There are some fantastic 6 string players, Anthony Jackson  being a prime example. I think your son will benefit from the 5 string.
  I hd a jazz bass when I first joined F.C. but it was stolen. Dick Knight made me a birds eye maple one and also the body for the strat. which I later sold to Simon.  The only Jazz bass I have now is a Squier 4 string "Jaco". Best wishes, Peggy.

Interesting....My favourite 6-string player has to be Phil Lesh.  I found this on an interview site somewhere:

"as asks: Phil: when did you switch to the six string, and why? Do you ever play the 4 string anymore?

Phil_Lesh_Live says: There's just more notes on the 6 string and they're easier to get to. It has a extreme low register that I like. It's tuned in fourths, so everything is just right under your fingers. "   ;D

thanks for the reply Dave, Much appreciated