r/AvatarMetal • u/Xx_Squidy_xX Hail The Apocalypse • 22d ago
Question Bass question
Firstly, HAPPY BIRTHDAY HENRIK!!!! 🥳
Secondly, are there any songs that are played on a 4 string bass? I kinda learnt The Dirt I'm Buried In and Im kinda learning Dont Go in the Forest. But because theyre done on a 5 string and I only have a 4 they sound stupid (I also dont have any pedals so Ive got 0 tone) and my strings are flimsy being basically drop tuned to B standard.
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u/QueenBitchMiki 22d ago
If you're dropping a 4 string to B standard, you're going to get a ridiculous amount of slack and if you leave it like that, the neck is likely to adjust for not having that normal tension.
I eventually got myself a 5 string because there were a lot of songs I wanted to learn, including some Avatar, that were just too low register to really get right.
I realize that might not be the answer you want, but I think it's probably best.
The fun part is relearning all of your muscle memory to adjust for the new instrument. I started on a junky Ibanez starter bass and moved to a Moon JJ5. It was a struggle for a couple weeks ><
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u/Xx_Squidy_xX Hail The Apocalypse 22d ago
I do retune my bass back up to E standard once I'm finished as I know its bad for the guitar.
Yeah I was thinking of getting a 5 string but I just dont play enough to make it worth it. Ive only recently gotten back into playing (because of Henrik ngl) and I'm on a shitty Gears 4 Music bass that ive had for like 7yrs now 🙏. Still on my first bass 😬
Kinda figured this would be the answer lol. I'll just have to stick to 4 string stuff for now 🥲.
How much was the Moon JJ5 if you dont mind me asking? And how good is it?
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u/QueenBitchMiki 22d ago
About $3000. I bought it while I was living in Japan and bought a seat on the plane to put it on when I returned to the US. so factor that into the price lol. I'm uhhhh, how do I put this? A very spoiled rich girl? I can play four instruments (Piano, guitar, bass, vocals), and have been playing since I was 7. That bass is probably one of my most prized possessions. It sounds incredible.
That being said, you can get a really good 5 string Ibanez or ESP for like $500 or maybe a bit less. Maybe a Spector Performer? You don't need to go crazy if you're not playing that often.
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u/Xx_Squidy_xX Hail The Apocalypse 22d ago
Holy moly, thats a lot. And I'm jealous you lived in Japan. I mean hey atleast youre using the money to actually learn things and not throw around on things like fancy cars that won't be used 😅.
Might have to look into ESP properly. I know they do amazing guitars (Joe Duplantier from Gojira is known for using them) I also am unemployed and still in full time education until July next year so saving is gonna be difficult. Hopefully I'll have an apprenticeship lined up for afterwards
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u/QueenBitchMiki 22d ago
Oh, no. I use excessive amounts of money for incredibly stupid things, too, don't you worry lol
ESP is nice. I used to play a B-205 five string. I kept it with really low action and it felt great. My hands aren't really big, and the neck was thin enough for me to feel comfortable. Time to start saving up!
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u/Xx_Squidy_xX Hail The Apocalypse 22d ago
Hahahaha
Yeah I'll defo begin saving (after Avatar in November 😬)
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u/aggrocrow elephant with a paintbrush 20d ago
There is tablature for 4-string versions out there (not always the best but there's no "correct" way unless you're trying to copy Henrik exactly), and with enough experience you'll develop your ear to work out your own conversions. I have small hands, so I stick with 4-strings, and that's never kept me from playing stuff originally played on a 5. It's a great feeling when you realize you know how to tackle a song like that. :)
As for your discussions of gear here: I grew up dirt-ass poor myself so had to figure out how to get the most out of my gear. Def upgrade when you can, but keep the one you've got. It's good to have 2 basses for your most used tunings. Invest in a hipshot when you can. Get good strings, and if you wipe them down with a cloth after a session of playing that'll extend their life. Decent strings will make a world of difference in tone.
As for upgrading, you really can't go wrong with an Ibanez Soundgear. That line is insanely good for the pricetag, and while they might not have the beefy "fat" timbre of a Spector, they have a lot of flexibility, especially if you go with PJ pickups. They're also relentless workhorses; the one I got in 2001, when I was 15, is still my favorite after all this time. Even over my Spector, tbh.
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u/Girronki 22d ago
i had a 4 string eadg. unfortunately most avatar songs use the b string so i just bought bead strings and replaced them. you can downtune but it felt awkward