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CONKLIN GTBD 7 :-)

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daranjeri

Sep 17, 2012
7
0
52
Toronto
#1
Hey Everyone:

I'm a novice bassist (I started playing just about a year ago). I stated out on a 5 string Ibanez (SR705). But I've always wanted to play 7 string bass, so after going back and forth for a bit (between the Conkin GT 7 and the GTBD7, I decided to order a wine-coloured GTBD7 yesterday - yaaaayyyy... Can't wait for it to arrive.
So far I've heard good thing about the bass, but I also want to hear from folks here - what do you think of the GTBD 7? I'm interested in using it for soul, funk, and afro-brazillian.

Thanks!
 
#2
Hey fellow Canadian,

Great choice, I had a GTBD 7 strings Conklin, and I had a lot of fun with it. My problem was that I am a 6 string bassist and had a hard time switching between 6 and 7, that additional string totally disoriented me during gigs...I ended selling it at the end.

In spite of the size and the big upper horn I found the instrument very comfortable, the action on mine was the lowest I ever experienced. Great for tapping and soloing, while able to deliver a killer low B sound. Good luck with your new baby!!!
 
#3
I tried a bunch of these back in the days GC carried them. I thought they were pretty decent.

However, I noticed that ever single one I tried at GC all had neck issues. Many had twists or lack of any truss adjustments/ set ups. So, I can;t say what it would really be like with a good set up.

As far as any type of thumb style? I don't see it on this one as the spacing was very tight. But, everybody is different.
 
#4
I've owned a Conklin GTBD-7 for about a year and love it! Before this, I've owned an Ibanez SR885 for 19 years. I also bought a Warwick Thumb BO 6 about a month before my GTBD-7. I have absolutely no problem switching between the 3 pieces.

One cool thing that happened to me re: my GTBD-7... I emailed Conklin directly to order an official case (because all the online reviews of the Groove Tools cases were extremely poor.) Anyway, who took my order? Bill Conklin himself. The man should be designing/building wicked basses. Meanwhile, there he was helping me with my mundane request for a case. I was extremely impressed. I replied to Bill because I really enjoyed the GTBD-7, and told him if this overseas licensed product represented 20% of the quality produced in his shop, then one day I hope to own an actual Conklin.

Cool to see GTBD-7's represented across Canada. Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver :bassist:
 

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