john turner
You don't want to do that. Trust me.
Where are the cats?
try as i might, i couldn't get anyone to stay in the pic. when i -want- them gone, they're on my like white on rice.
gotta love cats. :scowl:
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try as i might, i couldn't get anyone to stay in the pic. when i -want- them gone, they're on my like white on rice.
gotta love cats. :scowl:
Alrighty. Just wondered.
Not to sound nooby, but what do you mean when you say "tuned in fifths"?
Basicly adding two semitones difference between each string.
A fourth is 5 semitones (well not exactly according to music theory) and a fifth is 7 semitones (again not quite the rule).
On your normal tuned bass the note on the 5th fret is the same as the open higher string.
On your bass tuned in fiths the note on the 7th fret is the same as the open higher string.
Thus extending the range on your regular 4 string bass with 6 semitones. (4 semis below and 2 semis above if you tuner your 4stringer like a cello.)
But maybe someone can explain this better.
Basicly adding two semitones difference between each string.
A fourth is 5 semitones (well not exactly according to music theory) and a fifth is 7 semitones (again not quite the rule).
On your normal tuned bass the note on the 5th fret is the same as the open higher string.
On your bass tuned in fiths the note on the 7th fret is the same as the open higher string.
Thus extending the range on your regular 4 string bass with 6 semitones. (4 semis below and 2 semis above if you tuner your 4stringer like a cello.)
But maybe someone can explain this better.
Actually, that's a pretty concise explanation
And as noted in the Wiki file reference James provided, C-G-D-A is the "standard" (if there is such a thing) tuning when using 5th's. It's a mind-melter the first time you try it .....
Actually, that's a pretty concise explanation
Thank you.
Caffeine does the trick.
And as noted in the Wiki file reference James provided, C-G-D-A is the "standard" (if there is such a thing) tuning when using 5th's. It's a mind-melter the first time you try it .....
Yes, it's sorta like drop D tuning at first.
DADG is the tuning I use the most.
I had a lot of trouble at first with drop D. I can imagine it's 3 times worse on CGDA.
But once you get the hang of it it's pretty cool.
If you like to play chords or arpeggios tuning in fiths can be very akward.
Damn, all this looking at ERBs is making me gas for a 7-string fretless.
I'm having my first boutique custom bass made, and I choose to remain with a 4-string.
I did the math... with a 7 or 8-string (24frets) you are still nowhere near the range a grand piano (standard 88 keys).
Am I right? (I thought I was missing 2 or 3 octaves)
Are there ERBers here that have a range of a grand piano?
That would be awesome.
And seeing some of the "in action" pics of some ERBers here convinced me that it looks pretty cool to play one on stage.
Maybe next year a 7string for me?
as is 'standard' viola and cello tuning but in the bass register. I think double bass adopted the 4th tuning due to scale length.
yes it is a mind melter when use to 4ths
I first experienced it back when I was starting bass in trying to teach myself the 4 string Banjo.
john turner
You don't want to do that. Trust me.
on an 8 string, that's 73 notes. not too bad. if i were to tune my 8 strings (36 frets) by fifths, i'd get close. 85 notes.
Just drop the tuning of your Peavey an octave, or so, the'll probably accept that!
Talking about fifths, I can play them just fine on my banjo(tenor), or mandolin, but when I tried it with my bass, I instantly got lost, couldn't even play the tunes I can on the banjo......
Well, I was just curious on how big the range really would be.
But that might be going to extremes.
Maybe I'm better off buying a piano if I really want to play piano arranged pieces.
But I'm still seriously interested in a 7-string bass.
So if some ERBists can give me some opinions and feedback that can guide me I'd be much thankful.
And I apologize for this long post upfront.
I play for 10 years now, and I always got by on a 4-string. I never went to a 5-string because I never needed the low B.
I do however tune my 4-string DADG most of the time, it's a tuning and range I am very comfortable with. (Although lately I am missing a low C# for some stuff.)
Half a year ago I bought a used Yamaha RBX6 John Myung signature. Because it was a good deal and because I was interested in experience with a 6-string.
Although I am used to a 4-string, I have no trouble playing a 6-string bass at all. I have big hands and can reach everything with no problem.
I love the extra range on it: some pieces I can play an octave higher, or an octave lower.
When playing alone I like to dabble with some classical music.
But I don't pick up the 6-string Yamaha enough.
Not that I dislike it...
Most of my time I devote on my Tony Franklin fretless.
I adore fretless playing and I absolutely love everything about precision basses.
Plus, it proved to do his job in a band setting. (Well, it's not exactly a band, just some guys with busy jobs that jam whenever they can.)
When playing with a guitarist and a keyboardist I do my part on the low end. And I love it.
If I aquire a 7-string it would be 99% for solowork.
Another aspect that makes me interested in a 7-string is that I also like to play classical guitar. Don't get me confused with a talented musician, but I love to practice classical guitar for technique. And I am a big fan of classical guitar musical pieces. But I'm still a beginner on a classical.
So... bear with me:
A 7-string tuned BEADGBE... so the 6 lowest (or highest) strings are tuned like a guitar.
Would that be a really cool alternative for a classical guitar for me? I still love an electric bass as an instrument the most.
(I assume some bassists frown upon a 6-string bass tuned like a guitar.)
But this way I can play classical guitar pieces on an electric bass with no problem (well, depending on my skill).
Yes, I assume I can get other strings and tune my current 6-string this way... maybe I'll consider this, but if I'm going extended range I would want the low B as well.
And I don't fear adjusting to a 7-string, based on my experience with a 6-string.
Can someone confirm the difference between a 6 and 7 on average (BEADGC to BEADGCF)?
I assume it wouldn't be that much more difficult.
Another thing I am not sure about: fretted or fretless.
Like I mentioned above, I just love playing fretless. Maybe a big reason why my Yamaha 6-string doesn't get played a lot.
If I want an alternative for a classical guitar: fretted seems logical.
OTOH, I saw a youtube video a while ago (it was posted here somewhere but I can't find it) of an awesome ERBist on a 7-string fretless (hollowbody?) bass. Just that guy and a female singer. The duo was asian. (I dunno if they where from Japan, China or Korea.)
I loved their performance. Just vocals and that nice 7-string fretless that was a valid alternative for the ever-so-boring acoustic steel-string guitar that accompanies female singers.
(not that there is anything wrong with that, I myself gigged an acoustic guitar with a female singer several times.)
So fretted or fretless.
That's off course a though decision.Any advice for me? Should I think this all more through? my goals, my needs...
Or do I seem ready to take the plunge?
(well, maybe within a year, maybe sooner funds allowing
)Sorry for the long post.
JAUQO III-X
Inactive
Many extended range players use that tuning, so it's somewhat commonplace although not quite as popular as BEADGCF. The cool thing about having the tonal options of a 7+ string bass is the ability to alter tunings to suit your needs ...
Again, it's a matter of personal preference and application. My primary fretted 7 is BEADGCF, my fretless 7 is F#BEADGC.
The only fretted bass I own is my FBB 7, everything else is fretless. If the FBB wasn't such a magnificent bass I likely would replace it with another fretless from FBB. I have been thinking seriously about having Matt (the luthier) de-fret it for me. Not being a classical guitar player I can't comment on the trials of a fretless for classical playing.
For me, every step in the ERB world has seemed like a logical progression. I'm not 100% sure if my playing as been adjusted because of the additional range, or if the additional range became necessary as I adjusted my playing. All I do know is that I can't really imagine stepping back down to 4's & 5's anymore ......
I actually meant if it's easy getting adjusted to a 7-string when I know I can play a 6 with no problem.
I'm very comfortable playing a 6-string.
So a 7-string wouldn't be that much harder?
Comparing the neck size.
I assume string spacing is also narrower on average between a 6 and a 7. But I assume that that is just a slight difference.
All I do know is that I can't really imagine stepping back down to 4's & 5's anymore ......
That's what I fear about it.
I love my 4-string precision. And I'm having a fretless 4-string custom made.
Do most ERBist neglect their old 4-bangers?
I assume that has more to do with getting used to the way you play an ERB rather than the difference in range.
Well, most likely if I get one it's probably going to be a fretless.
I know I already neglect my fretted basses for fretless.
john turner
You don't want to do that. Trust me.
Well, I was just curious on how big the range really would be.
But that might be going to extremes.
Maybe I'm better off buying a piano if I really want to play piano arranged pieces.
But I'm still seriously interested in a 7-string bass.
So if some ERBists can give me some opinions and feedback that can guide me I'd be much thankful.
And I apologize for this long post upfront.
I play for 10 years now, and I always got by on a 4-string. I never went to a 5-string because I never needed the low B.
I do however tune my 4-string DADG most of the time, it's a tuning and range I am very comfortable with. (Although lately I am missing a low C# for some stuff.)
Half a year ago I bought a used Yamaha RBX6 John Myung signature. Because it was a good deal and because I was interested in experience with a 6-string.
Although I am used to a 4-string, I have no trouble playing a 6-string bass at all. I have big hands and can reach everything with no problem.
I love the extra range on it: some pieces I can play an octave higher, or an octave lower.
When playing alone I like to dabble with some classical music.
But I don't pick up the 6-string Yamaha enough.
Not that I dislike it...
Most of my time I devote on my Tony Franklin fretless.
I adore fretless playing and I absolutely love everything about precision basses.
Plus, it proved to do his job in a band setting. (Well, it's not exactly a band, just some guys with busy jobs that jam whenever they can.)
When playing with a guitarist and a keyboardist I do my part on the low end. And I love it.
If I aquire a 7-string it would be 99% for solowork.
Another aspect that makes me interested in a 7-string is that I also like to play classical guitar. Don't get me confused with a talented musician, but I love to practice classical guitar for technique. And I am a big fan of classical guitar musical pieces. But I'm still a beginner on a classical.
So... bear with me:
A 7-string tuned BEADGBE... so the 6 lowest (or highest) strings are tuned like a guitar.
Would that be a really cool alternative for a classical guitar for me? I still love an electric bass as an instrument the most.
(I assume some bassists frown upon a 6-string bass tuned like a guitar.)
But this way I can play classical guitar pieces on an electric bass with no problem (well, depending on my skill).
Yes, I assume I can get other strings and tune my current 6-string this way... maybe I'll consider this, but if I'm going extended range I would want the low B as well.
And I don't fear adjusting to a 7-string, based on my experience with a 6-string.
Can someone confirm the difference between a 6 and 7 on average (BEADGC to BEADGCF)?
I assume it wouldn't be that much more difficult.
Another thing I am not sure about: fretted or fretless.
Like I mentioned above, I just love playing fretless. Maybe a big reason why my Yamaha 6-string doesn't get played a lot.
If I want an alternative for a classical guitar: fretted seems logical.
OTOH, I saw a youtube video a while ago (it was posted here somewhere but I can't find it) of an awesome ERBist on a 7-string fretless (hollowbody?) bass. Just that guy and a female singer. The duo was asian. (I dunno if they where from Japan, China or Korea.)
I loved their performance. Just vocals and that nice 7-string fretless that was a valid alternative for the ever-so-boring acoustic steel-string guitar that accompanies female singers.
(not that there is anything wrong with that, I myself gigged an acoustic guitar with a female singer several times.)
So fretted or fretless.
Any advice for me? Should I think this all more through? my goals, my needs...
Or do I seem ready to take the plunge?
(well, maybe within a year, maybe sooner funds allowing
Sorry for the long post.
my thoughts on your post.
i've been using the 7 string guitar style tuning on my 7's (and 8's, with the added low f#) for about 16 and a half years now, since i first went to 7 from 4. my first erb was a conklin custom unlined fretless 7 i got in 1993. within a few months of receiving this bass, i put down the 4s i had, both fretted and fretless, and never played em again.
there's nothing you can do on a 4 you can't do on a 7. the reverse isn't true, of course. practice opens all doors. just like anything new, you get out of it what you put into it, especially in the practice department.
Actually, I would expect fretless to sound better for classical guitar style playing, as classical guitars are not really bright and clangy like other fretted instruments, IIRC.
Thanks for your insights.
Well, a 7-string bass is reall something I might get in the future.
I can definately use it for the things I do.
Thanks for the feedback.
Maybe that's true.
But what I fear is chords on a fretless, even with my experience on fretless bass.
But it would sound cool.
Definately a fretless.
If my 6-string was a fretless it would probably be my main bass right now.
So that is my biggest issue.
My band members actually love my John Myung 6-string, but they notice that it doesn't inspire me as much as my fretless precision.
Well, I'm really starting to warm up to the idea... combining my 2 favourite instruments into one. Electric bass and classical guitar.
Would be something for the near future.
You know how impulsive I am and what my definition of "near future" is.
That's what I fear about it.
I love my 4-string precision. And I'm having a fretless 4-string custom made.
Do most ERBist neglect their old 4-bangers?
In 1986 I bought a beautiful Fender MIJ 4, gigged it heavily as my primary bass for 15+ years. I swore I would never sell that bass, no matter what happened. I sold it the early part of this year after it sat in it's gig bag for 3 years. The only 4's I own are an acoustic/electric that I haven't taken out of its case for nearly 2 years, and a restored 1968 Goya MIJ fretless that I pluck on once every 3 or 4 months or so.
Once I got used to the flexibility and tonal options on 6, 7 & 8 string basses, the 4's & 5's just seem too limiting ....
In 1986 I bought a beautiful Fender MIJ 4, gigged it heavily as my primary bass for 15+ years. I swore I would never sell that bass, no matter what happened. I sold it the early part of this year after it sat in it's gig bag for 3 years. The only 4's I own are an acoustic/electric that I haven't taken out of its case for nearly 2 years, and a restored 1968 Goya MIJ fretless that I pluck on once every 3 or 4 months or so.
Once I got used to the flexibility and tonal options on 6, 7 & 8 string basses, the 4's & 5's just seem too limiting ....
okay, I have serious GAS now.
First I am waiting on a custom fretless 4. Should get to me within 4 months approx.
Then I see where I go from there.
But my idea is to use the 4-string in band setting, and a 7-string for solo work.
But you guys hint that will not be likely would stick with an ERB.
Time will tell.
Thanks for all the info.
john turner
You don't want to do that. Trust me.
But my idea is to use the 4-string in band setting, and a 7-string for solo work.
But you guys hint that will not be likely would stick with an ERB.
why bother switching? i mean, i know a lot of folks do (usually to appease insecure bandmates) but why? that's more of a pita than it's worth, imo.
hey guys,
i'm really aching for a six string bass again. the carvin i bought a while back i ended up selling and now i regret it a little.
i'm looking for something that isn't too expensive to introduce myself to the instrument and practice on. if i eventually do get comfortable i will invest in a better 6 and keep this one as my backup.
i was looking at this brice:
Link Removed
what do you guys think of it? any opinions?
i'm really aching for a six string bass again. the carvin i bought a while back i ended up selling and now i regret it a little.
i'm looking for something that isn't too expensive to introduce myself to the instrument and practice on. if i eventually do get comfortable i will invest in a better 6 and keep this one as my backup.
i was looking at this brice:
Link Removed
what do you guys think of it? any opinions?
To me, its just a completly different vibe, I loveboth, but use them completly differently.
Maybe this is a very personal issue for most.
I can't really judge on this until I get a 7-string.
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