You're about to buy a bajo and you've seen two names: bajo quinto and bajo sexto. They look almost the same in photos, so which one do you need? The answer depends on the music you play and the part you need to fill on a recording.

Below we cover how the two instruments differ, which one suits norteno, conjunto and Tejano, and how the H. Jimenez LBQ4EBT El Patron Bajo Quinto works for tracking at home.

View the H. Jimenez LBQ4EBT El Patron Bajo Quinto in Gloss Black w/Gig Bag Product Page

What Is a Bajo Quinto?

A bajo quinto is a Mexican guitar-family instrument with 10 strings in 5 courses (a course is a pair of strings played together). It is tuned A-D-G-C-F, and the lower courses pair a string with an octave string. That octave doubling gives it a bright, chimey low end that cuts through a mix instead of sitting underneath it.

How the Bajo Sexto Differs

A bajo sexto has 12 strings in 6 courses. The extra course is a lower one, so the bajo sexto reaches deeper than the bajo quinto. In a mix that means more bass-note foundation and a bigger, wider low-mid presence.

• Bajo quinto: 10 strings, 5 courses, tuned A-D-G-C-F. Tighter and brighter, with a more focused range.
• Bajo sexto: 12 strings, 6 courses, with an extra low course. Fuller and deeper, with more bass-note authority.

Which One for Norteno, Conjunto or Tejano?

Honestly, it depends on the ensemble and the arrangement. Both instruments play the rhythmic, bass-walking role that sits under an accordion. The bajo sexto's extra low course makes it the more common pick when the player is also covering bass lines. The bajo quinto's tighter range suits players who want a punchy, articulate rhythm part that stays out of the way of a bassist or bass track.

If you're joining a working band, ask the bandleader what they expect before you buy. If you're producing, think about whether a real bass is already in the arrangement. If it is, a bajo quinto leaves the low end to the bass player. If the bajo is your only low-end voice, a bajo sexto may serve you better. We wouldn't call either choice wrong.

The H. Jimenez El Patron Bajo Quinto

The LBQ4EBT El Patron is a 10-string cutaway bajo quinto with a gloss black top trimmed with three white pearloid micas, over natural mahogany back and sides. It's built in China, and it lists at $809 (UPC 842659100782).

Plugging In: Fishman Rare Earth Bajo Pickup

It comes with a Fishman Rare Earth Bajo pickup installed. For a studio, that means you can record a direct signal without buying and fitting a pickup yourself. Run it to a DI box or interface for a clean line track. If you want a fuller recording, blend that signal with a mic on the body, since the octave strings reward a bit of room sound.

Setup: Truss Rod, Thunderwing Saddle, Bone Nut

• Truss rod: lets you adjust neck relief when seasons or string changes shift it.
• H. Jimenez Thunderwing adjustable saddle: lets you fine-tune action and intonation without replacing parts.
• Bone nut and saddle: a harder, brighter material than plastic, which helps with clarity on a doubled-string instrument.

Because there are 10 strings to keep in tune, a stable nut and saddle and an adjustable bridge matter more than they would on a six-string.

What's in the Box

It ships with a padded gig bag, so you can carry it to sessions or rehearsals right away. It also carries a limited lifetime warranty.

The Catch

This is a bajo quinto, not a bajo sexto. If your band or arrangement needs that extra low course, this isn't the right instrument, and we'd rather say so now than after you've bought it. It's also a made-in-China instrument at a mid-range price, so buy it for the features and playability above, not as a collector's piece.

Why Buy from Studio Gears

• Ships from our Temecula, CA warehouse: in stock now, no drop-ship wait.
• Free US shipping.
• $809 MAP price, with the manufacturer's limited lifetime warranty.

Our Recommendation

If you play or produce norteno, conjunto or Tejano and want a bright, articulate rhythm instrument that's ready to record, the El Patron is a solid pick. If you specifically need the deeper range of the extra course, look at a bajo sexto instead.

View the H. Jimenez LBQ4EBT El Patron Bajo Quinto in Gloss Black w/Gig Bag Product Page

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a bajo quinto and a bajo sexto?

A bajo quinto has 10 strings in 5 courses, tuned A-D-G-C-F. A bajo sexto has 12 strings in 6 courses and adds an extra low course, so it reaches deeper.

Which should I buy for norteno, conjunto or Tejano music?

It depends on the ensemble. The bajo sexto's extra low course suits players covering bass lines, while the bajo quinto gives a tighter, brighter rhythm part. Check with your bandleader first.

How do I plug in the H. Jimenez El Patron?

It has a Fishman Rare Earth Bajo pickup. Connect it to a DI box or audio interface for a direct recording, and blend in a microphone on the body if you want more natural tone.

Does the H. Jimenez El Patron come with a case and warranty?

It includes a padded gig bag and a limited lifetime warranty. Studio Gears also offers free US shipping, and it ships from our Temecula, CA warehouse.