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Extended Range Basses: Why do you like them?

B

Bo_H

Jul 2, 2004
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#1
I am curious as to the practical applications of such a bass. I understand the upper ranges being useful for soloing, chords, and two-handed techniques, but I am wondering how practical you find your basses for "standard" bass work: a classic rock setting, for example. Also, explain the problems--if any--associated with various techniques (slapping, for example).

I suppose I ask because I would like to have one someday.

Just to clarify--I'm referring to basses with 7+ strings.

Thanks.

Bo
 
#7
The cool part about extended range basses is you still have the four strings that those classic rock tunes were built off of.

I like ERB's (referring to a 6 string right now, but I like the idea of 7/8/9/10/whatever) because for my situation right now I think of myself more as a musician than bassist. I don't have a band going on, but play a lot of solo stuff who I like being able to do melodic stuff, solos, etc as well as bass tracks.
 
#8
steve21 said:
The cool part about extended range basses is you still have the four strings that those classic rock tunes were built off of.
Click to expand...

+1

IMAG0007.jpg


With a few spares to boot!
 
#10
SuperSnake2012 said:
I don't think an ERB would sit well in a classic rock setting. Historically all classic rock was played on 4 strings to hold down the low end. For most classic rock, the upper range that you would have available with the extra strings wouldn't be useful, IMO.
Click to expand...
Ahh, why not ..... it's the 4th, I'm off and my wife is taking a nap before the fireworks ...... ;)

While I'm sure you mean well, this info is very narrow minded. There are many reasons why 7+ string players use the basses, it's not only for tapping and higher range solo's, and it's usually not for the cool factor (especially when you consider weight, playability, replacement string limitations, amplification, etc ... there are easier ways to be cool ...). Players who don't use ERB's have a narrow view of the varied uses for the instruments, and frequently make these kind of innaccurate broad-brush statements.

I use a 7 to play chords behing the guitarist in two trios, a classic rock band and a jazz/funk band. By using a phrase sampler (looper) I can hold down the bass lines and play chords, and yes, solo occasionally. But my primary function is that of a "normal" bass player.

As our own esteemed Mr. Turner has said, I'm thrilled when someones hears me play and says "I had no idea you were playing a 7 string bass" ..... that means I'm doing my job and holding the band together, while adding some flavor that wouldn't be possible with a 4 or 5 string .... :cool:
 
#12
Lokire said:
Do you own that bass now? I've admired that one ever since I first saw it :smug:
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Yep, saw it a few months back at GC ATL and jumped on it. I had been looking for someone who could build me a really light seven in a single MM config, then this thing showed up for what I thought was a excellent deal, so I put some cash down on it immediately.

Unfortunately, after paying it off and picking it up a couple months later, it had developed an official GC setup, so I've got to head up to Mark Eshenbaugh's place first chance I get to have things brought back to 100%.
 
#17
Bo_H said:
I am curious as to the practical applications of such a bass. I understand the upper ranges being useful for soloing, chords, and two-handed techniques, but I am wondering how practical you find your basses for "standard" bass work: a classic rock setting, for example. Also, explain the problems--if any--associated with various techniques (slapping, for example).

I suppose I ask because I would like to have one someday.

Just to clarify--I'm referring to basses with 7+ strings.

Thanks.

Bo
Click to expand...

Frankly, I don't. Except for the Buddha on his 7, and Jimmy on his. I don't care for a whole night of that tapping stuff. It's good for an effect here and there, but it got old really fast even with Stanley Jordan doing it on guitar, and he was an effing amazing player. For bass, I just dunno....

:rollno:

But to each their own,
Cameron
 
#18
There is another reason why some us of like ERB's with a low B-string. If you're a singing bass player it's so much easier to work from the 5th fret up than it is to work from the nut up. It is for me, anyways. I can focus more on singing and focus less on muting and working around open strings. Less arm fatigue on those 4 and 5 set gigs because your fretting hand is closer to your body more of the time. And it's easier to see your fretting hand out of the corner of your eye. YMMV.

:bassist::hyper:

M. M.
 

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