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6-stringer with low E?

I

Ivan.Lt

Jan 18, 2011
19
0
#1
Hi, I'm relatively new here. There are probably a number of people who play 6 string basses which add two higher strings to the normal 4 string range -- EADGCF or EADGBE. Are there TB theads or clubs for discussing such instruments? Thanks.
 
#3
Ok, what I want is a 6-stringer with narrow string spacing, under $2k (ideally $1k). I'm not sure I want it custom built because I'm not in the US and I don't want to wait. Any ideas? I'll probably have to start a new thread but anyway.
 
#7
If you were to make the lowest note an E, it would make sense to use guitar tuning so you can then voice chords. Yes, it'd be a baritone guitar which is actually pretty cool and it's surprising it isn't done more often. In a way, it makes more sense than a traditional 5 or 6 tuned to 4ths.
 
#8
Carvin LB 76 has the 2" nut width
It's great of u can get Carvin to make the special saddles for the bridge, they once said they would do it for me, and string it up E to E, You could have them mail u a bass with that bridge, they always have basses in stock, made up..
I think FBB custom Bass Works will make it to order any way u want, scale, woods, shape.. In your price range
He may have a bass made up that he could change the bridge to.They are so awesome I cannot express how organic, woodsy and beautiful they ALL sound,
I've owned two. Email him and ask if he has a sixes in production (or built) that he can convert,
 
#9
Thanks for the suggestions, I'll look into them. Hope to find something of the above mentioned locally to try.

Hobobob said:
Do you want a six string extended range bass, or a baritone guitar/bass
Click to expand...
Sorry, I don't know the common "baritone guitar" definition. I don't want the low B -- bottom like the usual 4 string bass and two higher strings on top.

Jerry Callo said:
If you were to make the lowest note an E, it would make sense to use guitar tuning so you can then voice chords. Yes, it'd be a baritone guitar which is actually pretty cool and it's surprising it isn't done more often. In a way, it makes more sense than a traditional 5 or 6 tuned to 4ths.
Click to expand...
Actually I kinda like the uniform 4th tuning. I used to have a 6-stringer (BEADGC) and played a lot of chords. I'm comfortable with guitar too, but are we bass players or what? :)
 
#10
Ivan.Lt said:
Thanks for the suggestions, I'll look into them. Hope to find something of the above mentioned locally to try.

Sorry, I don't know the common "baritone guitar" definition. I don't want the low B -- bottom like the usual 4 string bass and two higher strings on top.

Actually I kinda like the uniform 4th tuning. I used to have a 6-stringer (BEADGC) and played a lot of chords. I'm comfortable with guitar too, but are we bass players or what? :)
Click to expand...

Look up the Fender Bass VI, the Music Man Silhouette Bass, or the Schecter Hellcat VI. They generally are short scale, have thinner gauge strings, very close string spacing, and are tuned like a standard guitar, E-E (generally speaking, of course).
If you don't want to go that route, there's no reason why you can't take a regular old ERB and slap some lighter strings on it (with the proper set-up, of course). Lots of guys go piccolo on their basses with no ill-effects.
 
#11
I tune by 6'er to EADGCF with a Hipshot on the E string. It works great and I use a tube powered guitar combo running with my bass rig. The bass rig itself runs with a powered 18" sub. The 2 high strings C,F ore B,E are well into the sonic territory of a good guitar amp. Guitar tuning would be cool too.
 
#12
Ivan.Lt said:
Hi, I'm relatively new here. There are probably a number of people who play 6 string basses which add two higher strings to the normal 4 string range -- EADGCF or EADGBE. Are there TB theads or clubs for discussing such instruments? Thanks.
Click to expand...

It does get discussed here. Basically what you are looking for is a bass with an extended upper range without the extended lower range. In other words either a 7 string type bass without the low B or a 6 string bass tuned like a guitar. People who want this usually are very much interested in music where the bass does chords right up against the guitars (or in place of).

The choice is you either go the 7 (or 6 missing B) string route and learn chords for a bass tuning, or do as some players who play guitar and want to tap into the fingering and scales knowledge they already have, and go with guitar tuning.

But understand that bass tuning lets you move scales and patterns all over the fingerboard. Guitar tuning does NOT. That is why learning chords in bass tuning is often worth the extra effort. A bass even with extended range (unless REALLY extended) is not a guitar and they are prone to muddy sounding chords which is why an ability to move things around can be important.

Otherwise, getting a custom built bass like this should be no problem.
 
#15
Thanks for all the input. I've played a couple of baritone guitars and some 6-ers, the search has narrowed down somewhat. No short scale, no cheap instruments (LOL). I've tried a Music Man Bongo 6 and was impressed... it would be hard to settle on a lesser bass. Does anybody know what gauge I should use for the high F?
 
#16
Probably no need to resurrect the thread after a few weeks, but... I have a guy who strings E-e. It all depends on what you want to do with the instrument and where there is room for you in the music. I believe I shipped that bass with an .018. A .020 is typical for f, .022 if you like it tight.
 

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