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Original Thread said:I know a lot of players here don't understand the ERB thing and think that 4 (or 5) strings should be enough, but there are many that like the additional range ERB's provide. Let's make Guideline #1 "Accept the fact that some people like extended range basses" and try not to be mean spirited regarding string count.
There is always debate about what an extended range bass actually is .... 5 string? 6 string? 9 string? It seems to be generally accepted that any bass 6 strings and up is an ERB (since 5 string basses have become so numerous), but in reality any thing that "extends" the bass range beyond EADG could be considered extended range. IMO 6+ strings easily fits most any definition, as do sub-contra range (low F#, C#) or less commonly 5ths tuning or ultra long scale (ex: 39" Knucklebass). But in the spirit of unity, let's make Guideline #2 "String count doesn't matter".
Not all extended range basses are exotic custom made "coffee table top" $5K one of a kinds. Ever since Conklin made the very affordable Groove Tools GT-7 available to ERB players, lesser known factories have been pumping out 6,7 & 8 string basses, too. Brice, Douglas, Galveston, Tennessee, AntonioTsai, etc have been making affordable ERB's for a while now, and they are no longer automatically pieces of junk. You don't need to play a Roscoe, Stambaugh, Skjold, Clement, FBB, LowEnd, Conklin, ACG, Sei, whatever to be in the "club" .... extended range is extended range, regardless of the builder. Guideline #3: "Price doesn't matter"
Another huge misconception is that ERB guys are all soloing/tapping/shredding wankers that don't care about the groove. This may be a good opportunity to have the masses find out that, in fact, most ERB guys are groovers first and foremost. Don't let the YouTube vids fool you, there is a whole lot more to extended range than playing video game themes. So, let's try for Guideline #4: "An extended range bass is, indeed, a bass", not a harp or piano ...
j-raj #119 - It's about time you posted up that beautiful bass!
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I know, I was subscribed and lurking on the last thread... I guess I never asked for a number, because I haven't been into the "#'s club" thang, but I guess that could change.
Glad you had an opportunity to play my SCD 6'er last time you were in town. How's your wife's artwork going, Ed?
You saw NOTHING, Milkbags McGee![]()
Here are my two semi-extended range basses again:
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