I was playing a friend's classical guitar yesterday (you know, the spanish/flamenco nylon string type with the wide string spacing) and, being a bass player, I did what all bass players do when they pick up a guitar. I plucked a few mingus lines on the bottom four strings and WOW. The tone of those nylon strings were SO DEEP. Aside from the fact that it was an octave higher than what I would prefer, it was my dream tone. I would buy a nylon string classical style acoustic bass in heartbeat, IF I could find any. A google search turned up nothing. Does such a thing exist? I know about nylon tape wound strings for electrics, but that isnt what I'm looking for. Point me in the direction of an acoustic nylon string bass guitar with that thumpy, beefy upright tone and I will be a happy camper.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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 free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
classical style acoustic?
- Thread starter thunderbolt
- Start date
I know exactly what you mean. My best solution thus far has been to just keep a classical around and adapt it to what I'm doing. Are you wanting to work this into an ensemble, just jam with a couple of people, or solo?
I've also been toying with the idea of tuning it down - heavy gauge strings and all that. Maybe do a tenor type thing in fourths, A - Bb, or even E - F, if I can find a low string heavy enough to handle it. They're pretty resilient instruments, and the strings feel like they have such low tension that I don't worry too much about the neck. The top of the body worries me slightly, but mine is over 40 years old and has been all over the world and the top isn't pulling up, so it's clearly pretty hardy. I wonder, though, if those low pitches would really project.
A Guitarron would be the closest thing to a "classical" style acoustic bass guitar. It has 6 strings and a very short neck, and is fretless, so it might not be exactly what you are looking for, but they have a very deep woody sound.
Nylon stringed bass guitars are very popular among flamenco players. I found a place that had some recently. I will find it again and post. Also do a google search on classical bass guitar strings, I forget who makes them.
Look at this bass: http://cgi.ebay.com/ESTEVE-PS75-CON...R-/190488163244?pt=Guitar&hash=item2c59fab3ac
Made in Spain, 29.5" scale, six string (E-A-D-G-B-E), nylon strings, funky pickguard(s)
.
Made in Spain, 29.5" scale, six string (E-A-D-G-B-E), nylon strings, funky pickguard(s)
.
As an eBay Associate, TalkBass may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Here's luthier who makes classical bass guitar - at whooping 3.800€. Looks like guitar, but tuned whole octave below.
Scroll all the way down: http://saliguitars.com/pricelistNEW.htm
Scroll all the way down: http://saliguitars.com/pricelistNEW.htm
Maybe not exactly what you're looking for... the 8-string Brahms classical guitar is similar to a 6-string bass - a lower string and a higher string added. Played like a cello. Might be expensive and might take some learning... but pretty awesome.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
