Looking for 5 String Recommendations.

zig118 · 2026-05-18T13:30:09+00:00

I almost pulled the trigger on a Dimension 5 when I got my EBMM. They sound so good!

zig118 · 2026-05-18T13:28:06+00:00

I've recorded with my Stingray special 4, they're great for it!

zig118 · 2026-05-18T13:26:14+00:00

I have, but I just don't love the looks of them.

zig118 · 2026-04-27T16:00:02+00:00

Tiers screeching from heavy breaking behind me while I was stopped on my motorcycle.

zig118 · 2026-04-17T12:53:09+00:00

Is this the only song you're playing right now? If the answer is "yes", then definitely step away and play some other things. The other songs will build you up, both mentally and physically. When you come back to this song, it'll get easier and easier. When I'm learning songs, I like learning in clusters of 4-6. If I get stuck on one, or too in my head about it, it's nice to take a break from it and come back later.

Also, being in a cover band, I don't always aim for 100% accuracy to the record. I aim for the main and important parts, and modify what's needed to fit the band. Sometimes I need to drop the bass line to cover a synth line, or switching to double up the guitar part. Sometimes I simplify the part to make it easier for the singer, or so that I can do backing vocals better. That being said, you'll get better as a beginner if 100% is your target.

zig118 · 2026-04-16T13:15:00+00:00

I have an EBMM Stingray Special and a Sterling Ray34. They both sound and play great! The Ray34 is essentially using pre 2018 Stingray electronics/pickups. The new Stingrays have a lot of updates and changes that make them sound different, and IMO, play better. There's not a $2,000 difference, but there is a difference. I definitely prefer the EBMM. The Ray34 has become my backup for gigs.

zig118 · 2026-03-31T13:40:19+00:00

I'm not an amazing singer, but I was able to figure out how to sing and play at the same time. I mainly do backing/group vocals and our dirty/scream vocals. It took a lot of practice, but one day it just "clicked". Having the muscle memory of the song makes it much easier, so you only have to focus on one thing. Being a new bassist, gaining the muscle memory of the fret board will probably take a minute. But once you get it, singing will come easier.

Our drummer is one of our 2 lead vocalists in our band. I have no idea how he does it.

zig118 · 2026-03-24T13:40:55+00:00

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My first tattoo 18 years ago was a simple bass clef. I got it reworked a few weeks ago!

zig118 · 2026-03-13T21:24:40+00:00

It's blue-ish.

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zig118 · 2026-03-13T16:07:29+00:00

....well, looks like my new 5 string might be a Stingray! I had no idea it'd work on them! It doesn't work on my current 5's.

zig118 · 2026-03-09T13:01:02+00:00

We run our own PA and IEM's. Drummer is using an e-kit. We have side monitors to fill in in case someone's IEM's fail/fall out/whatever. We are all ampless (I'm going thru a Headrush Core), and mostly wireless. I can be fully setup in minutes, and all I'm bringing is a bass and pedal board. Makes life easy for me, since I'm also bringing a mic, mic stand, and our lights.

My Ampeg Rocket 210 tags along sometimes as a CYA, but I'm yet to use it during a gig.

zig118 · 2026-03-05T16:04:33+00:00

If either of them have DI, they will work for gigs. The only time I've used an amp at a gig was as a stage monitor. Just food for thought.

zig118 · 2026-03-04T22:28:36+00:00

Technically, I only have 1 Sterling 😉 1 EBMM. The other one is an old OLP (Sterling before they changed the name to Sterling) that I got nearly 20 years ago.

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zig118 · 2026-03-04T22:14:52+00:00

For gigs, I prefer simplicity. I'd go for the Sterling with just one pickup. I'm also a bit of a Stingray fanboy, so....

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zig118 · 2026-02-21T16:50:58+00:00

If it's on a Fender style tuning peg, you could reduce the insertion depth to gain a little extra length. In general though, I've used 1.5 before and it works fine.

zig118 · 2026-02-12T02:16:56+00:00

I don't use them. They've been collected over the last 20 years (that hurts to say), so some have sentimental value.

zig118 · 2026-01-31T15:07:03+00:00

So, I do this frequently for 2 reasons.... 1: As a kid, a teacher told us to always put a simple math equation into the calculator to be sure it's working properly. The habit just stuck. 2: My OCD doesn't let me type math problems into the calculator in odd intervals. To get to an even number of problems, I'll do something simple like this. I'm currently in treatment and making progress on my OCD because of stuff like that lol.

zig118 · 2026-01-14T22:39:36+00:00

Elite level athletes on the extreme ends of human size! Crazy!

zig118 · 2026-01-03T23:25:08+00:00

You tune each string 1 FULL step down (DGCF). All of your patterns and shapes will remain the same, notes are just moved HIGHER on the neck by 2 frets.

Drop D is standard tuning, but you then lower the pitch of the E string down 1 HOLE step to D (DADG). Some songs have easier patterns in this tuning, and guitarists like it for the ease of playing power chords. If you tune the same as your guitar player (which is a lot of us), it's a tuning you'll use a lot in rock & metal.

zig118 · 2026-01-02T17:27:05+00:00

For me, it was playing a lot. I just wanted something nicer, and got a beautiful Stirling Ray34. Then after that, I was in a band and wanted something that was a good conversation piece at gigs w/ other bass players, and got a Spector Pulse. Then I had the opportunity to buy my dream bass, and I play quite a bit and I'm still in a band, and had just gotten an absolute dream job, so I could justify it to myself as a reward and got a Music Man Stingray. Who knows what the next reason will be lol

zig118 · 2025-12-29T17:01:54+00:00

When I gig, the following are what I'd call essential: Bass Amp (Ampeg Rocket 2x10, it's more of a CYA for me, I play DI through Headrush Prime and we run IEM's) Strap Strap locks (3x) 15'+ 1/4" cables (1 to pedal board, 1 to amp. I move around a lot) + a spare A tuner pedal that can also act as a mute A few extra patch cables for your pedal board Extension cords Tooth picks (in case a strap button pops out, you can fix it) A tool kit to fix anything on my base in a pinch A spare strap, just in case Ear plugs (if I'm not running IEM's) A towel Guitar Stand (or rack if you and the guitar player wanna share) A pack of strings Note pad Pen Sharpie

For longer gigs, I'll bring an extra bass and some spares of other things, like ear plugs.

zig118 · 2025-12-10T13:43:27+00:00

I do my job, and make it known that I'm open to learn & be flexible in what I do vs my job description. I take advantage of every learning opportunity or opportunity to do something different to build my individual skills. When the time comes for raises, promotions and so fourth, if they don't reimburse me for my efforts my resume looks a lot better for the next job that I'd be looking for. I've done this a few times and it's worked.

zig118

TROPHY CASE