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Double Bass 6 string Double Bass; does it exist?

#21
I played a 5 string double bass before... Was not very impressed with it, didnt feel rite / sound rite to me...

On an upright I want the spring spacing so I can dig in...

4 string with a low C extension perfect for me... but an extension on the D would be wicked for octive jumps!
 
#23
bkbirge said:
You guys are all whimps, you need this :bassist::

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baryton
http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdictionary/textb/Baryton.html

Exh_Sacile03-Baryton.jpg
Click to expand...

Haydn wrote like 700 trio sonatas for this goddamn thing. Apparently Prince Esterhazy was an avid barytonist and couldn't get enough.
 
#27
The_Orlonater said:
I am talking about an Acoustic bass. Call me crazy, but I think it might be a great idea. The high C string could be very useful for some passages , and the low C/B is needed for most playing and genres of music. I understand it'll be bigger then your average double bass, but still.
Oh yeah, first post on the DB side, lol.
I should hang out here more often. ;)
P.S. Or if you have a picture, you can show a 5 string with a high C and an extension.
Thanks.
Click to expand...

See attached
 

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#29
"aren't even 5 string DBs less responsive due to the increased pressure on the top plate?
JtheJazzMan said:
Not really. More down to the individual setup of the instrument.
Click to expand...

There have been many threads on this. I say yes, adding a fifth string absolutely dampens responsiveness, but many disagree.
Too bad our old buddy isn't around anymore to tell us about how well he can play the storm sequence from Beethoven's 6th on either a fiver or an extension. This would have been a perfect opportunity for him!
 
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#30
I used to play a lot of jazz guitar in a past life. I would love it get a 6 string E A D G B E made… @james condino, have you ever experimented with this?

The chordal potential would be amazing !!
 
#31
JBarz said:
I used to play a lot of jazz guitar in a past life. I would love it get a 6 string E A D G B E made… @james condino, have you ever experimented with this?

The chordal potential would be amazing !!
Click to expand...

Cooke Harvey @tappingtrance had a 6 string double bass built for him by Seth Kimmel, tuned EADGBE. I had a chance to play the instrument once briefly. It is a wonderful and unique bass. Cooke started a thread about it here: Seth Kimmel #32 6 String
 
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#33
JBarz said:
I used to play a lot of jazz guitar in a past life. I would love it get a 6 string E A D G B E made… @james condino, have you ever experimented with this?

The chordal potential would be amazing !!
Click to expand...

I've been playing guitar almost every day since I was five years old, & I've built around 200 of them over the years. Even when I use an octave pedal, I find that sticking with the bass-ics and avoiding the treble notes seems to work better for my needs.

Whenever I play a six string electric bass, I find them very interesting as a solo instrument, but I feel like I tend to overplay them when I'm with others, so I have not pursued them as a builder. The same thing with seven string guitars and ten string mandolas- I've built a few, but never felt the need to keep one for myself.

I can certainly make a custom one, but the idea of building one on spec and then having it sit unsold in a shop for ten years does not inspire much confidence. As of this week, I currently have over $40k worth of instruments in other folks shops awaiting buyers....that starts adding up fast....

Seth is a good friend of mine; I'll be at his place in Oregon in a few weeks for some goof off time! I used to live about 20 miles down the road.
 
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#34
Scott Lynch said:
Cooke Harvey @tappingtrance had a 6 string double bass built for him by Seth Kimmel, tuned EADGBE. I had a chance to play the instrument once briefly. It is a wonderful and unique bass. Cooke started a thread about it here: Seth Kimmel #32 6 String
Click to expand...

I've got a feeling something like this, as a solo instrument, is going to be a "magical power-axe" of sorts for me.

I wonder if a ply bass with a real good top isn't the ideal candidate for a retrofit, like an old King or Standard. I don't intend to play much arco on this axe, probably an 80/20 situation - but good amplification is going to be paramount.

James, man - that funky axe you built with the F heel stop, cutaway, and bolt on neck might be even better! …the more I think about this, the more I'm all about it. I'm going to give you a call tomorrow.
 
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#36
james condino said:
I can certainly make a custom one, but the idea of building one on spec and then having it sit unsold in a shop for ten years does not inspire much confidence
Click to expand...

It's funny you mention this. I was in Cincinnati this morning and called up the Bass Cellar guys to see if there were any 5r's with a high C for me to blow on. He said they didn't, they only had one 5'r (low B) that they've been sitting on for over 2 years that is a cannon, but no one is interested. He said they go in and out of style.
 
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#38
I believe this 7 string is a regular carved Hofner that was customized by Louis Saverino.
Not designed by Saverino then built by Hofner.

There will be many issues with this type of alteration.
Top thickness, durability, weight, playability etc.

Converting it back to original may be a positive option.
 
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