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Another NBD Experiment

Salicete

Salicete

Gold Supporting Member
Aug 20, 2006
1,409
4,086
Godforsaken-Maryland
#1
I had a stroke back in 2024 that left my left side diminished. I got ~most~ of my functionality back, but the middle two fingers on my left-hand work about as well as a slightly bent rim on a bike, and likely always will, just a bit clumsy and awkward.

I found that I did well working across the neck, but problems arose when I tried to play quickly up and down the neck.

I tried flipping it and going lefty, as I can grip and work a pick well in my left-hand, and my right-hand is 100%, but at my age, I just could not make that drastic of a change.

The next experiment, how about 7-strings?

It seems to be working right out of the box (case). I can stay in one position and hit just about any note I need.

We shall see how it works out. I got this Conklin GT-7 at a really nice price off Reverb, thinking I could just resell it if it didn't work out, but it looks like I'll end up keeping it.

B2.jpg
 
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#7
Glad you found something that works for you! I know of at least one or two others on TB who have gone similar route for similar reasons, but made Sixers work for them. I have not seen many sevens, but that appears to be a really nice one.
 
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#11
Low Main said:
You are bolder than I am. Recovering from GBS (Guillain-Barre), I play more keyboard right now. Any bass with more than 4 strings looks like a blur.
Musically, I'm doing the equivalent of walking laps at the community center while you're going up the Himalayas. More power to you.
Click to expand...
I dunno, 88 keys scares me way more than 7 strings. ;)
 
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#12
Salicete said:
I had a stroke back in 2024 that left my left side diminished. I got ~most~ of my functionality back, but the middle two fingers on my left-hand work about as well as a slightly bent rim on a bike, and likely always will, just a bit clumsy and awkward.

I found that I did well working across the neck, but problems arose when I tried to play quickly up and down the neck.

I tried flipping it and going lefty, as I can grip and work a pick well in my left-hand, and my right-hand is 100%, but at my age, I just could not make that drastic of a change.

The next experiment, how about 7-strings?

It seems to be working right out of the box (case). I can stay in one position and hit just about any note I need.

We shall see how it works out. I got this Conklin GT-7 at a really nice price off Reverb, thinking I could just resell it if it didn't work out, but it looks like I'll end up keeping it.

View attachment 7503511
Click to expand...
Man that looks like fun

I love that you are figuring what works for you so you can stay being creative!
 
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#16
Hurricane Jimmie said:
So Anyway, Good Health to you!

What's the Low Bass string on your instrument?
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B-E-A-D-G-C-F is the current tuning I've been using. I may experiment with other tunings, but this one sems to be working out fine.

I have a multiscale 5-string inbound too. I tried an Ibanez at a local store, and the fanned frets were like an old man with terrible vision (me) being a handed a big print book for the first time. My slow left hand just found it way more comfortable. I bought a Helms 5-string that should come today. Between these two basses, I'm thinking my problems are pretty much solved.
 
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#17
Salicete said:
B-E-A-D-G-C-F is the current tuning I've been using. I may experiment with other tunings, but this one sems to be working out fine.

I have a multiscale 5-string inbound too. I tried an Ibanez at a local store, and the fanned frets were like an old man with terrible vision (me) being a handed a big print book for the first time. My slow left hand just found it way more comfortable. I bought a Helms 5-string that should come today. Between these two basses, I'm thinking my problems are pretty much solved.
Click to expand...
Well, you have certainly taken the fun out of practicing around the cycle. Where's the challenge in that now?

You need another string just to make it more interesting? Make it another 2?

Just kidding.
 
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