Contra guitar / low octave guitar

[Cristofre]

First, a little explanation as to what I am referring to:

A contra guitar is a guitar that is strung and tuned a whole octave below a standard guitar.
Some people call this a "contrabass guitar" but that is confusing as "contra" already means "lower", so contrabass would mean "lower than average bass".

I've scoured the net and so far have only found classical contra guitars, no steel string types:

Classical contra-guitar


I've been experimenting with this set of strings installed on a few modified guitars:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002DUVJU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Ernie Ball 2837 Slinky 6-string Nickel Wound Bass Set with small ball ends, Short Scale (20w - 90)

These were intended for Fender Bass VI type instruments (though not specifically for Bass VI, as these are too short)
I modified an electric guitar and an old 12 string acoustic to fit these strings, and it's a really interesting sound. Though the low E string is a bit floppy at 90 gauge, it still works well enough to get the idea.

I especially like the acoustic I converted from a 12 string (for the extra heavy duty construction to handle string tension) , very mellow sound. Chords sound "rounded" and warm, bass runs ring clear with lots of over tones.

I know the distinction is little different than a "6 string bass" , but with the guitar scale and string spacing, it lends itself better to guitar techniques.

I guess I am just curious if this is even a "thing" outside of classical music and guitar orchestras?

 

[Mr.Fingers]

I know Wes Montgomery played guitarstuff on a Gibson EB6, that's the closest I guess.

 

[Bob_Ross]

A contra guitar is a guitar that is strung and tuned a whole octave below a standard guitar.
Some people call this a "contrabass guitar" but that is confusing as "contra" already means "lower", so contrabass would mean "lower than average bass".

I think your semantic logic makes perfect sense. I wish the 30" scale instruments from Fender (Bass VI), Gibson (EB-6), and Danelectro/Jerry Jones (Longhorn 6) were more commonly referred to as "Contra Guitars" so that there was more clarity when discussing Guitars and Baritone Guitars and Bass Guitars and Contra Bass Guitars etc etc etc.

 

[bholder]

First, a little explanation as to what I am referring to:

A contra guitar is a guitar that is strung and tuned a whole octave below a standard guitar.
Some people call this a "contrabass guitar" but that is confusing as "contra" already means "lower", so contrabass would mean "lower than average bass".

I've scoured the net and so far have only found classical contra guitars, no steel string types:

Classical contra-guitar


I've been experimenting with this set of strings installed on a few modified guitars:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002DUVJU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Ernie Ball 2837 Slinky 6-string Nickel Wound Bass Set with small ball ends, Short Scale (20w - 90)

These were intended for Fender Bass VI type instruments (though not specifically for Bass VI, as these are too short)
I modified an electric guitar and an old 12 string acoustic to fit these strings, and it's a really interesting sound. Though the low E string is a bit floppy at 90 gauge, it still works well enough to get the idea.

I especially like the acoustic I converted from a 12 string (for the extra heavy duty construction to handle string tension) , very mellow sound. Chords sound "rounded" and warm, bass runs ring clear with lots of over tones.

I know the distinction is little different than a "6 string bass" , but with the guitar scale and string spacing, it lends itself better to guitar techniques.

I guess I am just curious if this is even a "thing" outside of classical music and guitar orchestras?

Oh great, one more type of specialty low note instrument I'm going to have to get one of!

Edit - was kind of joking at first, then I watched the video, now I'm perfectly serious - I love that sound! And another different take on the contra guitar idea: the bajo sexto - octave down 12 string - though normally tuned differently, all in 4ths (not mine, though, I tune it so I can play it!).

 

[Cristofre]

Oh great, one more type of specialty low note instrument I'm going to have to get one of!

Edit - was kind of joking at first, then I watched the video, now I'm perfectly serious - I love that sound! And another different take on the contra guitar idea: the bajo sexto - octave down 12 string - though normally tuned differently, all in 4ths (not mine, though, I tune it so I can play it!).

yeah, good point, bajo sexto is basically a contra 12 string guitar. I listen to Mexican music at times- bajo sexto is used basically as a rhthym guitar, the bands will have a bassplayer too.
In any case the old 12 string I converted to try out the concept of a contra guitar works well enough. $8 for the strings and a little work redoing the nut,etc.

 

[Cristofre]

I think your semantic logic makes perfect sense. I wish the 30" scale instruments from Fender (Bass VI), Gibson (EB-6), and Danelectro/Jerry Jones (Longhorn 6) were more commonly referred to as "Contra Guitars" so that there was more clarity when discussing Guitars and Baritone Guitars and Bass Guitars and Contra Bass Guitars etc etc etc.

names of types of bass instruments can be pretty confusing, especially once you get beyond the standard four stringer.....

 

[Cristofre]

I know Wes Montgomery played guitarstuff on a Gibson EB6, that's the closest I guess.

Hey, yeah, thats what I am talking about. I found a thread on this guitar here: http://www.talkbass.com/threads/gibson-eb-6-alternative.969374/

 

[Cristofre]

Incidentally, here is my electric "contra guitar".

 

[Mr.Fingers]

Doug McCombs from Tortoise/Brokeback is an avid user of the Bass VI in the guitar-role. He said that Tortoise wouldn't exist if it wasn't for the VI.