E016

[JoelFT]

Originally Posted by Pacman

You should get two fivers - one for B-G and one for E-C tuning, to satisfy that soloing itch you have.

Done and done. I just turned my SKB into E-C. I love it. It's weird how it sounds so different now, even on the low strings. Still, I want a six, just because.

[SteveC]

Originally Posted by Pacman

You should get two fivers - one for B-G and one for E-C tuning, to satisfy that soloing itch you have.

I you are speaking to me, yes, two fivers would probably be ideal. A 6 string - what I thought was the ideal blending of both worlds - just didn't workout. An E-C (possibly fretless to really spice it up) for "jazz/solo friendly" gigs and a B-G for church and stuff would be a great option for me.

A couple Standard Plus Roscoes would fit the bill very nicely :-) That Bubinga/BEM Century Standard Plus that Greg has would be a great B-G fretted. Don't see a Century Standard Plus fretless 5 anywhere right now - although they still have that 4 piece KOA top I set aside in June. Put that on a Mahogany body with a diamond wood board with black hardware and I'd have a nice E-C fretless.

[JoelFT]

Whoops, spoke out of turn.

[SteveC]

I think I did. I really should stay focused on 4 strings anyway. It's just those Roscoe 5's are so seductive....

[Pacman]

Originally Posted by SteveC

I you are speaking to me, yes, two fivers would probably be ideal. A 6 string - what I thought was the ideal blending of both worlds - just didn't workout. An E-C (possibly fretless to really spice it up) for "jazz/solo friendly" gigs and a B-G for church and stuff would be a great option for me.

A couple Standard Plus Roscoes would fit the bill very nicely :-) That Bubinga/BEM Century Standard Plus that Greg has would be a great B-G fretted. Don't see a Century Standard Plus fretless 5 anywhere right now - although they still have that 4 piece KOA top I set aside in June. Put that on a Mahogany body with a diamond wood board with black hardware and I'd have a nice E-C fretless.

Yeah, that was for you. I've always shied away from the C string on fretless. Intonation on that string can be a bear. I'd go fretless for the B-G and fretted for the E-C. You'll have to get Gard to find you a matching top...

[SteveC]

Originally Posted by Pacman

I've always shied away from the C string on fretless. Intonation on that string can be a bear. I'd go fretless for the B-G and fretted for the E-C. You'll have to get Gard to find you a matching top...

My thinking was I'd use fretless on "jazz" gigs where I solo more so maybe have the extra high range there. I tend to "go low" more at church where I don't use a fretless. Honestly, I don't know that I really NEED a fretless - or any additional bass for that matter, but you know me.

My "jazz" gigs are far from "traditional" and even when I do play a more traditional set, most players around here use a fretted bass anyway. A couple guys I sub for use an EUB for maybe half a dozen tunes but I think it's more of a novelty. The Rob Allen Mouse I had made more of an impression when I filled in than any EUB I tried.

I've been enjoying playing 4 string lately. A D-tuner has covered a majority of my "need" for a B string - other than position options of course. Then again, I like to move around the neck anyway. Greg has a really nice LG3000 that he just did some sound clips for. Pretty nice. I think a 24 fret 4 string with a D-tuner would get me very close to covering about 97% of my playing needs.

Of course, a lot of ground could be covered with 24 "fret" B-G fretted and fretless 5er's... I loved that fretless SKB3005 that I played at Greg's place this summer. Ebony board, unlined, sweet tones...

As always, too many basses/choices for me.

[nostatic]

Originally Posted by Pacman

You should get two fivers - one for B-G and one for E-C tuning, to satisfy that soloing itch you have.

Or matching fretted and fretless E-C 5-strings with a D-tuner.