7 String Help

[Aldrnari]

Hello,
I would like to inquire of your help, fine ladies and gentlemen of TalkBass.
I have been playing bass a while, I started on a 4 string and after deciding I knew I wanted to play bass I moved up to a 5 string (I play a lot of metal)
I have wanted a 7 String for a while now but here is my question too keep this short and snappy:
If I were to get a 7 String tuned BEADGCF would I be able to retune it FBEADGC, or restring it to put the thicker strings on?

Also, I know a decent bassist should be able to do the job with 1 string, but I really enjoy experimenting with things, It would only be a cheap 7 string. So if there are any you can recommend, that would be great I have been looking at the Raven West Guitars seven strings and the much controversial Antoniotsai 7 strings
Thanks
-Aldrnari

 

[TolerancEJ]

I haven't personally tried a Raven West or Antonio Tsai yet, so I cannot offer any comments on those.

7-strings are a blast to play. I own a GTBD-7, which has more EQ, switches and knobs than I know what to do...

Used, I was lucky enough to find mine for $750 + shipping.

I've seen some used GT-7 basses listed between $650-700.

I believe if you want to restring as F# B E A D G C, you'd just go up a gauge. You'd need to make some intonation adjustments, and perhaps adjust the truss rod(s).

 

[bassbenj]

I haven't personally tried a Raven West or Antonio Tsai yet, so I cannot offer any comments on those.

7-strings are a blast to play. I own a GTBD-7, which has more EQ, switches and knobs than I know what to do...

Used, I was lucky enough to find mine for $750 + shipping.

I've seen some used GT-7 basses listed between $650-700.

I believe if you want to restring as F# B E A D G C, you'd just go up a gauge. You'd need to make some intonation adjustments, and perhaps adjust the truss rod(s).

I agree. My GTBD-7 has an internal switch for F# BEAD etc. tuning vs BEADGCF etc tuning, so I'd say the bass is designed to go either way without much of a hassle. it's just the usual setups. You know, nut, truss rod(s), bridge etc.

Unfortunately my luck wasn't with me and I had to pay more than $750 for mine used. Of course it was like new, but it had a couple of high frets and I decided to have it pleked which added an additional $200 to the already high price. No matter. I was in love and couldn't live without it!

Yes, if you love to experiment with solos and chords and things like that a 7 string is just the ticket. I'm still not quite used to mine yet, because I always feel like I don't know what to do with the extra string (mostly been a 6 string player). I'm just going to have to sit down and woodshed all the 7 string chord forms one of these days, that's all there is to it!

 

[TolerancEJ]

I agree. My GTBD-7 has an internal switch for F# BEAD etc. tuning vs BEADGCF etc tuning, so I'd say the bass is designed to go either way without much of a hassle. it's just the usual setups. You know, nut, truss rod(s), bridge etc.

Which switch is that? I honestly don't know the function of most of the switches/knobs. I have a PDF of the GTBD-7 wiring diagram, but I don't understand them so it didn't help me.

 

[Aldrnari]

Thanks to the both of you
And geez that GTBD-7 looks to be one hell of a bass... I think I will stick to a cheaper 7 string, no matter the quality, for now.
Unless its actually falling apart I will be happy with it, its not going to replace my 5 anyway.
Thanks again

 

[IronSpatula]

Look up Bass Mods. I've never played one but it might be better than Raven West, probably is better than Antoniotsai.

IMO a used GT-7 (non-BD) is probably your best bet. You can probably find one for not much more than the others mentioned and it will be significantly better. But if you do find a BD for cheap, might as well...