Well, I suppose we all must start somewhere. I'm beginning to plan for my first building project, which (hopefully) will be a fretless six-string bass. I have a few questions though:

1) I know some bass players who have six strings (tuned B-E-A-D-G-C) but they say that the top string isn't very useful to them. I don't know how much I would use it either, but I would probably use a lower string if I had it instead. Could a beginner make a six string that is tuned F#-B-E-A-D-G? Would I need two truss rods in the neck to compensate for the F#'s string pressure?

2) Can I buy a pickup that would pick up the F#'s low notes?

3) How many amplifiers can handle the lower frequency of the F# string?

4) How hard/expensive would it be to get strings made for this?

Here is a very basic design shape that I am working on: http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/7460/sixstringpreview02md5.png . All comment and suggestions are helpful. Thanks. :)

Well, I suppose we all must start somewhere. I'm beginning to plan for my first building project, which (hopefully) will be a fretless six-string bass. I have a few questions though:

1) I know some bass players who have six strings (tuned B-E-A-D-G-C) but they say that the top string isn't very useful to them. I don't know how much I would use it either, but I would probably use a lower string if I had it instead. Could a beginner make a six string that is tuned F#-B-E-A-D-G? Would I need two truss rods in the neck to compensate for the F#'s string pressure?

2) Can I buy a pickup that would pick up the F#'s low notes?

3) How many amplifiers can handle the lower frequency of the F# string?

4) How hard/expensive would it be to get strings made for this?

Here is a very basic design shape that I am working on: http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/7460/sixstringpreview02md5.png . All comment and suggestions are helpful. Thanks. :)

1) The F# has lower tension than the high C in all likelihood so if you don't need two truss rods for the C, then you don't need two for the F#.

2) Any six string pickups will work with an F#. Lower frequencies are no problem for pickups... higher frequencies could be.

3) All amplifiers will handle a low F# string. F# is around 23 Hz. An amplifier rolling off before that would be unusual. Most amplifiers aren't going to be rolling off until the 10 - 20 Hz range. The bigger issue, IMO, is speakers that will reproduce the fundamental of the F#. Some say you don't need it, but I'd rather have it.

4) Strings shouldn't be a huge issue. At the very least, you can buy a low F# string (.165) from Conklin (http://conklinguitars.com/accessories.html). SIT also makes them, but I'm not sure where to buy a single .165 from. I'd recommend emailing them.

Well, I suppose we all must start somewhere. I'm beginning to plan for my first building project, which (hopefully) will be a fretless six-string bass. I have a few questions though:

1) I know some bass players who have six strings (tuned B-E-A-D-G-C) but they say that the top string isn't very useful to them. I don't know how much I would use it either, but I would probably use a lower string if I had it instead. Could a beginner make a six string that is tuned F#-B-E-A-D-G? Would I need two truss rods in the neck to compensate for the F#'s string pressure?

2) Can I buy a pickup that would pick up the F#'s low notes?

3) How many amplifiers can handle the lower frequency of the F# string?

4) How hard/expensive would it be to get strings made for this?

Here is a very basic design shape that I am working on: http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/7460/sixstringpreview02md5.png . All comment and suggestions are helpful. Thanks. :)

Been there, done that...

1) The F# is not very much used, either. Actually, it's probebly less used than a C, considering the problems of Q3. A C is very useful if you play cgords, possibly for certain solo parts. Otherwise, a 5er is really enough for ordinary bassists.

2) Any pickup, just make sure it is wide enough.

3) Any amp will cope with the F#. Barely any speaker will, so you will have a lot of trouble getting the low string into real work.

4) Conklin has them in their pricelist. All string makers seem to make them, if you research carefully, but they will probaly cost a great deal. Conklin Snakeskins aren't for, either...

From what I read in your post, I'd recommend a 5er.

Hmm, so apparently I can put an F# string on a bass, but when playing live it will be pretty much useless unless I bring speakers that can take the frequency of it? Thanks for the input.

Useless? Naaao, you can have use for it if you like to play low lines high on the neck... Just don't expect too much gut rattle, unless you spend a fortune on speakers.