John Paul Jones' 5 string bass.

[joey1985]

Online. All I know is that it was the first five string bass ever put into production and the high C was there so that while reading sheet music you could hit high notes faster and easier instead of going up the fretboard and looking away from your music. Apparently it was not popular and only about 1,000 were made

[joey1985]

the reason for a C instead of B is because you could keep moving up the strings playing a 1 and 4 without moving out of formation. If it were B you would have to move up a half step, thus C makes it easier to play while reading music

[JimmyPageZoSo56]

IMO, you shouldn't even have sheet music on stage with you. In the studio, that'st a different story

[joey1985]

well it was probably geared toward jazz players or ensembles than rock bands.

[dazedjeffy]

The following description is taken from the 1969 Fender lovin' carecatalogue

All bassists appreciate the Fender 5-String Bass design for its increased range and fast action. he added fifth string is a high C, allowing faster technique with the lower frets and five additional notes at the top.

A single split pickup positioned for maximum string response may be adjusted for any custom string action. Separate volume and tone controls enable the player to achieve a wide range of settings and are positioned for easy reach. The slim ample neck with rosewood fingerboard has the adjustable truss-rod.

Individually adjustable bridges may be set for perfect string intonation and comfortable low playing action. "Off-set" waist design contributes to playing ease and comfort of the player. It places the arm in a natural position over the strings which allows more flexible playing technique. The 5-String Bass is finished in Shaded Sunburst or selected custom colors.

http://www.vintageguitarandbass.com/fender/bass/Bass_V.php

[Z-o-S-o]

I once saw a picture of the Kezar gig where Jones is playing the 5-string while Jimmy uses the bow, indicating that he also used it on DaC.

[joey1985]

pretty cool stuff

[porgie66]

Regarding: Like I said, "Dancing Days" was NOT played on the U.S. tour of 1973 yet Jones was clearly still playing the Fender V.

Not true. They played Dancing Days on the USA '73 tour at least once, Detroit July 13 1973. There may have been another instance that we don't know of but that one is definitely documented. Minor detail, but..... ;-)

Clearly the 5 string got some use in the first half of the US '73 tour . Sounds like he rides up high on it in Song Remains the Same and in the jam sections of Dazed.