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Conklin

N

Nickstobias

May 15, 2020
14
5
#1
Hello and good morning to all...

I need some opinions on this, Ive been trying to find a signature series Bill Dickens Bass the GTBD7 and it looks like this is scarce guitar. My question is what does everyone think of the GT7 and has anyone modified it? I was thinking about buying it and swapping out the preamp with a Aguilar OBP-3TKPP. Has anyone done anything similar? I have a Ibanez BTB7E and im just not in love with the bass like I thought I would be.

Thanks!
 
#2
Welcome to Talkbass. I haven't really thought of Conklin for a while, but I remember playing their GT7s at Guitar Center back in the day. I think the construction is quite sturdy, probably had some cheapie pickups and preamps in them. Still, other pickups will probably fit, especially with custom covers. I have no idea about current prices, new or used (are they still in production?) But they were reduced to 500 new back in the day. John Turner is a Conklin expert but not sure he's very active on this site anymore.

Also, the search tool is your friend. You can pick which forums to search, titles only, etc. Cheers!
 
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#7
I personally prefer the BD7 over the regular GT7. The preamp is great, I really like the sound/tone I get out of it vs the GT7. The neck is thinner too if that is a concern and it's neck through. I've seen GTBD7s pop up from time to time around or just under $1k. It may be worth waiting for one to pop up.
 
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#11
It got closer, but still missing the distinctive growl the GTBD7 offers. It's a signature preamp/pickup so I can't duplicate the sound on the GT5 that I can get with the BD7, but it still sounds good. Just my personal taste on the tone. I don't know what you're going for, you may not like it. I play mostly metal and I like the cut through tone I can get out of it. Here's one of our songs so you can hear what I mean.

 
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#12
CoR Bass said:
It got closer, but still missing the distinctive growl the GTBD7 offers. It's a signature preamp/pickup so I can't duplicate the sound on the GT5 that I can get with the BD7, but it still sounds good. Just my personal taste on the tone. I don't know what you're going for, you may not like it. I play mostly metal and I like the cut through tone I can get out of it. Here's one of our songs so you can hear what I mean.

Click to expand...


That sounds killer man! I love metal as well and it definitely cuts, Im am also a huge RHCP and Primus fan as well and like slap as well, how did that sound on your setup?
 
#13
Nickstobias said:
Hello and good morning to all...

I need some opinions on this, Ive been trying to find a signature series Bill Dickens Bass the GTBD7 and it looks like this is scarce guitar. My question is what does everyone think of the GT7 and has anyone modified it? I was thinking about buying it and swapping out the preamp with a Aguilar OBP-3TKPP. Has anyone done anything similar? I have a Ibanez BTB7E and im just not in love with the bass like I thought I would be.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
I had both.

Both were heavy as hell but they sounded great!
The GTBD7 was more on the luxury side with his gold hardware, and fancy preamp and electronics (too fancy, it had so many options I found difficult to find "my sound").
The GT7 I had was magenta with black hardware, very cool, and had US Bartolini pickups and electronics.

I prefer the GT7, is cheaper and sounds fantastic as is. With a Aguilar preamp it could sound better, but I don't think is worth.

YsN2rGA.jpg
 
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