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I have a GTBD-7 and one of the first "limited edition" BTB7Es. Maybe not exactly the bass you have or exactly the one you're looking at, but they're fairly similar so I'll weigh in.
Though the style of the BTB is way more in my wheelhouse than the purple, melted-looking Conklin, the Conklin is better built overall IMHO. The fretwork on the BD was almost perfect out of the box. The BTB's fretwork wasn't bad by any means but didn't allow for the same super-low setup the Conklin came with. The cutaway on the Conklin is better executed and the shorter horn is less likely to impede upper fret access. I also marginally prefer the Conklin neck profile which is a little shallower, particularly near the edges.
In regards to sound, I actually prefer the BTB. The electronics used in the first two iterations of the BTB7 are the same as Ibanez used in their top-tier Grooveline basses. It's a "modern jazz bass" type of sound with very nice midrange color. Probably the best Ibanez OEM I've ever heard - no need for aftermarket upgrades as far as I'm concerned. The GTBD-7 has custom Bartolini electronics that are different from your bass, but I wouldn't be surprised if you found the CAP setup in the Ibanez to be significantly better than the stock electronics in the GT-7.
I haven't heard many demos of the new BTB747 with the BH-2 pickups, but based on what I have heard they don't sound quite as good as the BTB7E or BTB7NTF. I wouldn't be surprised if the BH-2 is easier to find upgrades for than the skinny CAP pickups, though. The BTB747 also has stainless frets, which is a plus.
Though the style of the BTB is way more in my wheelhouse than the purple, melted-looking Conklin, the Conklin is better built overall IMHO. The fretwork on the BD was almost perfect out of the box. The BTB's fretwork wasn't bad by any means but didn't allow for the same super-low setup the Conklin came with. The cutaway on the Conklin is better executed and the shorter horn is less likely to impede upper fret access. I also marginally prefer the Conklin neck profile which is a little shallower, particularly near the edges.
In regards to sound, I actually prefer the BTB. The electronics used in the first two iterations of the BTB7 are the same as Ibanez used in their top-tier Grooveline basses. It's a "modern jazz bass" type of sound with very nice midrange color. Probably the best Ibanez OEM I've ever heard - no need for aftermarket upgrades as far as I'm concerned. The GTBD-7 has custom Bartolini electronics that are different from your bass, but I wouldn't be surprised if you found the CAP setup in the Ibanez to be significantly better than the stock electronics in the GT-7.
I haven't heard many demos of the new BTB747 with the BH-2 pickups, but based on what I have heard they don't sound quite as good as the BTB7E or BTB7NTF. I wouldn't be surprised if the BH-2 is easier to find upgrades for than the skinny CAP pickups, though. The BTB747 also has stainless frets, which is a plus.
I'm looking at picking up a 7 string, and am comparing these 2 models. I have an opportunity to pick up either one. The GT-7 looks to be in "good" condition, functional with some wear and tear, for $599. The BTB7 is in excellent condition, with some of the gloss finish slightly worn off on the top edge of the body where someone's arm rested, $899. Any opinions?
Well, in the interest of full disclosure I haven’t done a side-by side with the exact basses in question. I do have the same BTB, but my Conklin is the Bill Dickens signature, which has upgraded electronics, tighter string spacing at the nut and is neck-through.
That said, IMO the BTB is going to be the better sounding of these two. As I mentioned, the OEM pickups and electronics in the BTB are great. Kind of a “jazz on steroids” vibe with a very usable passive mode. The electronics in the GT-7 are probably fine but kind of generic sounding IIRC. I think you could get a good feel for the sonic difference between the two by watching some YouTube demos.
I’d be inclined to guess the factory fretwork on the Conklin was better, but since it looks like it’s been well played that might be a moot point.
I have big hands, so the long lower horn on the BTB can get in the way of my left wrist if I’m doing big stretches, but the neck to body transition is nicely sculpted. Conklins have an unobtrusive lower horn and although this one is a bolt-on, they have a very extended joint to smooth the transition.
I think if you’re buying sight unseen, I’d recommend BTB unless you really think the lower horn will get in your way a lot, or if you’re opposed to using a plain high F (wound F strings are delicate at 35”.) You could probably sell either of them without taking a significant hit if need be, but I’d still try to play both if that’s an option.
Thanks for your take, it certainly helps. I've played the current BTB747 and thought it was pretty good. I know it's a bit different than the 2013/14 BTB7, but the bass was comfortable. I think the design of the BTB7 is better than the 747.
I like what I've heard of the GT-7, it sounds pretty good to me. I checked with someone I know who's a conklin artist to get his take. These days he plays a custom 10-string, but also played the GT-7 for awhile and had good things to day about it. Unfortunately I don't have the ability to get my hands on a GT-7.
Money's a bit tight, and the GT-7 will come out about $300 cheaper overall for me. I'm not in a band or playing in public or anything, so I don't have anything really riding on it.
Could you tell me what the string guages are on the GT-7? I can't seem to find the info anywhere. I'll need to find a padded bag or case for the GT-7. Any ideas?
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For messing around at home or just learning to play a 7, the GT would be more than adequate. You could absolutely gig it too if the opportunity comes. I think the BTB sounds better, but if money’s tight it totally makes more sense to go with the GT.
Regarding cases, I still use the stock ones. The GT will fit in a Conklin Sidewinder case but I think those are expensive. I haven’t done any research beyond that, but I imagine you could email Conklin and see if he recommends any particular bags for the GTs/Sidewinders.
Regarding the strings - they may have come stock with Conklin strings. The gauges for a seven string set should be on the website. Something in the neighborhood of .125-.025 for BEADGCF I think...
Regarding cases, I still use the stock ones. The GT will fit in a Conklin Sidewinder case but I think those are expensive. I haven’t done any research beyond that, but I imagine you could email Conklin and see if he recommends any particular bags for the GTs/Sidewinders.
Regarding the strings - they may have come stock with Conklin strings. The gauges for a seven string set should be on the website. Something in the neighborhood of .125-.025 for BEADGCF I think...
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