Putting a F# string on my Conklin GT7

Athe · #1 09-11-2007, 04:24 PM

Hey all.

I bought a fretless Conklin GT7 this summer, strung B-E-A-D-G-C-F. Id like to change this to F#-B-E-A-D-G-C.
Has anyone here ever done this with a Conklin GT7? I imagine it cant be that uncommon..
Will I need to make some adjustments to the bass in order to get a F# string on there? If so, what and how do I do?
Also, will the fact that it is a fretless be a problem in any way?
Im pretty terrible when it comes to these kinds of stuff.
Thanks

(I hope I posted this in the right section

)

meev992 · #2 09-11-2007, 04:50 PM

fretless, no real problem.

a nut modification is in order, hope you've got the steady hand to do that.

Other than that, go right ahead!

Jeez, and I thought B was low, WOW

YCBass · #3 09-11-2007, 07:27 PM

You may want to seek the advice of Jauqo III-X as he created a new subcontra bass that is strung C#, F#, B, E.
I'm sure he will be able to give you some pointers.

THSL · #4 09-11-2007, 07:35 PM

It's easy. You might not even have to adjust the nut. You will have to adjust your intonation and action though...

HaVIC5 · #5 09-11-2007, 07:44 PM

Filing away at the nut is the main thing you need to worry about. I had my GT-7 tuned that way for a while, but I switched back to BEADGCF because of several reasons. 1) Unless you get a string guage of .175 or higher, its going to be really floppy at that 34" scale (don't get Conklin's .165 guage, it was far too floppy for my taste). 2) Make sure you have really good electronics for reproducing the F# fundamental at a reasonable volume. I was never able to get the F# string to sound as loud as my other strings.

JAUQO III-X · #6 09-11-2007, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Athe

Hey all.

I bought a fretless Conklin GT7 this summer, strung B-E-A-D-G-C-F. Id like to change this to F#-B-E-A-D-G-C.
Has anyone here ever done this with a Conklin GT7? I imagine it cant be that uncommon..
Will I need to make some adjustments to the bass in order to get a F# string on there? If so, what and how do I do?
Also, will the fact that it is a fretless be a problem in any way?
Im pretty terrible when it comes to these kinds of stuff.
Thanks

(I hope I posted this in the right section

)

First decide what you think will be the proper low F# string gauge for you(no different than finding the right low B string)and the have your nut properly made to correctly accommodate the low F#.

and from there if you don't like the sound then it's time to experiment with an on board pre and once you get that then it's time for the right amp.

If you have any more questions just let me know.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HaVIC5

1) Unless you get a string guage of .175 or higher, its going to be really floppy at that 34" scale (don't get Conklin's .165 guage, it was far too floppy for my taste). 2)

This is not the case all the time,I use the a .165 low F# and it's just perfect for my needs.Every one has a different feel,I use a .110 for my low B and most people think that's crazy until they hear it.

meev992 · #7 09-11-2007, 11:23 PM

low low low! Are you sure you guys aren't hitting the "brown" note

?