• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

15-string bass

I can't find the thread but I recall someone posting that bass or one a lot like it (same sort of mess with the lowest stings) before when it was listed on ebay. I gotta say, if it's the same bass, I'm surprised at the sound he's getting out of it.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Watchootognbout
Pratt made a 24 (8x3)string bass. I've had up to a 7 string. I sold it because while playable it was too heavy to rock out onstage with. Was a fun couch bass though.
IMG_0120.JPG

For me my Warwick thumb NT6 covers all my extended range needs. 6 strings, 26 frets. Small body so it's not ridiculous to manage.
IMG_2811.JPG
I wouldn't mind owning Andy Irvines 12 (6x2) string custom shop Warwick streamer but I talked to him about it a little and I doubt he'd sell it for less than 10k and at that price I can't justify it.
IMG_3014.JPG
I honestly find it kind of funny when I see the no name 7,8, and 9 string basses having owned a 7 and having tried low f# strings. In a lot of those cases by the time they've bought a couple sets of strings they've spent more in strings than they have on the bass. Low f#, c# and g# strings are insanely expensive. They can cost more than a 6 string set of strings for a single string.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Watchootognbout
Pratt made a 24 (8x3)string bass. I've had up to a 7 string. I sold it because while playable it was too heavy to rock out onstage with. Was a fun couch bass though.
View attachment 1179798

I"ve got a Conklin 7 string too and I very much agree. VERY Heavy and also neck width is the absolute max I can handle without resorting to tapping or the like. But I also agree a very fun bass. I'd never sell it. Since 7 strings is my max for straight tuning, some 15 string thing is of no interest to me (I can't tap for crap.) However on the other hand 15 strings that is 5 x 3 is a bass I have major GAS for provided I didn't have to sell a kidney to buy it. Hey RondoMusic.com! You listening to this?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Watchootognbout
That thing is absurd. This is coming from a guy who has built some absurdities in the past, like the whacko step necked bass for Vic Wooten and an 8 string bass that went down to low F#... And a 51" scale 5 string bass (no kidding) as a functional stage prop for a touring act.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ICM
Of course he doesn't try to play the low strings 'cause they're probably not working... they're too high on the nut, the gauge isn't right etc.
I've built a working 13 strings, tuned G#00 - G# but it's pretty much the maximum stretch possible with actual strings construction technology. I had to make a compromise about the scale lengths since the highest string wouldn't survive to the tension of a long scale, so it's only 26" long. That bass is probably 34" or 35", no way to have the same pitch. So it's just for bragging, as you can probably guess.
 
  • Like
Reactions: HaphAsSard
That thing is absurd. This is coming from a guy who has built some absurdities in the past, like the whacko step necked bass for Vic Wooten and an 8 string bass that went down to low F#... And a 51" scale 5 string bass (no kidding) as a functional stage prop for a touring act.

Not to change the subject, but are you the Jack Read that built a Purity preamp for me?