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G. Gould Club!
- Thread starter nick g.
- Start date
Thank you. I've been wanting to try one of his 4 strings for a very long time. I'm tempted to get a GGi5, but I've sold off all of my 35" scale basses due to my ongoing hand issues. It's not just the scale length though as the neck profile is also a factor, so the GGi5 neck could potentially work for me. I've never played one of his all graphite necked basses, just the original wood and graphite hybrid neck that he made for a while, which is what my old GG 5 sting had. I don't believe he currently builds 5 strings with a 34" scale, though I seem to recall seeing a 34" scale 5 (or may 6) stringed bass years ago. If memory serves, it had 26 frets, which made me wonder if perhaps it was the same basic neck as a 35", but fretted for a 34" scale with perhaps some adjustment to the bridge placement.
GeoffGould
Commercial User
not to be overly commercial here, but there is a way to do a 34" 5-string. I don't really like to do it for a couple of reasons. First, you'll just get a better tone with 35" scale, and second, it ends up being a custom build, which is slower, and slightly costlier. But you may see Andy West soon on the Dregs reunion tour, and he has been rehearsing on a new bass, which is a 34" scale 6-string (on a 5-string neck) with 26 frets. Check out their website and here's a picture I took at the NAMM show recently.
I am very grateful that 35” scale feels great to me. The tone is fantastic, for sure, but for me the increased tension gives my Gould basses feel an effortless feel. I know that is vague but when you play a ggi5 or ggi6 it just feels so responsive and easy to play.
- Sep 14, 2012
- 1,560
- 1,198
- 40
- Disclosures
- Reverend Guitars ; SIT Strings ; Trickfish Amplifiers ; LK Straps ; Rattlesnake Cables
- Sep 14, 2012
- 1,560
- 1,198
- 40
- Disclosures
- Reverend Guitars ; SIT Strings ; Trickfish Amplifiers ; LK Straps ; Rattlesnake Cables
GeoffGould
Commercial User
the problem with matte finishes is that they eventually get shiny from wear!
- Sep 14, 2012
- 1,560
- 1,198
- 40
- Disclosures
- Reverend Guitars ; SIT Strings ; Trickfish Amplifiers ; LK Straps ; Rattlesnake Cables
GeoffGould
Commercial User
we've done some finishes where we stop polishing at 1000 grit, and it becomes the responsibility of the owner to periodically 'scuff up the finish' to maintain a desired level of matte.
That's just awesome. I got my old 5 from Andy many years ago after he had switched to 6's.
I totally agree with 35" scale and tone. I know this is one of those subjects that unfortunately becomes a topic of heated debate here on TalkBass, but virtually all of the basses I've played that have had a solid, consistent B string have been 35" scale. That doesn't mean its not possible to achieve that with a 34" scale, but even the fives I've played with a good B do not match the ones with a 35" scale. IME graphite is a big plus. Every Modulus I've ever played has had a very good or excellent B. Roscoes also have great B's but again, they are 35" scale with graphite reinforced necks.
I may need to take the chance on a GGi5, assuming whatever shop I bought it from had an evaluation period. It wouldn't take me very long to know if the neck would work for me or not. As tempting as a custom build sounds, the wait would kill me.
Would any owners of a GGi5 care to comment on how the neck on their Gould compares to other 5 strings they've played? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
I presently own a ggi5, a Stingray 5, a Roscoe 5 and a Fender Roscoe Beck 5. So here goes:
The ggi5 is a little wider at the nut than the Stingray which is quite narrow. I think it is similar to the Fender Roscoe Beck and my Roscoe (which has a 19mm bridge) is a little wider than the ggi5.
The neck profile is fairly thin front to back but not too thin. Some necks are so thin they are uncomfortable to me but the ggi5 feels great. I can't imagine anyone not loving the feel of the neck after playing a ggi5 for a few minutes.
Both of my Gould basses are so easy to play because of the fact that there are no problems ANYWHERE on the fingerboard. Every note has the same volume...every note is clear and sweet sounding and the action on my basses is very low with no fret buzz.
I enjoy basses made by other manufacturers but if I could only have one bass (heaven forbid) it would be a G.Gould.
I will say this.. Anyone between Chicago and Milwaukee, hit me up. More than welcome to try my GGi5, GGj5, or any of my other basses. It is the best way for others to try them out. Around here, I am pretty much the only one with a G. Gould that I know of
I’m super stoked to become a GGi4 owner. Just ordered this from The Bass Place and eagerly awaiting its arrival:
That's very kind of you. I'll PM you to set something up.Hey I am in CT so maybe we could find time for you to check my GGi5 out if you're gentle. I wouldn't mind trying a GGi4 too
Your Roscoe must have been a special order. I believe the stock nut width is 1 3/4" and bridge spacing is something like 18.3 mm. I've owned a few Roscoes and like them a lot, but the standard spacing always threw me off when I would go back and forth between them and my four strings. To minimize fumble fingers, I usually had to play those necks almost exclusively. OTOH I've played 5's with wider nuts and bridge spacing and found the back and forth to and from a four string to be a lot easier.
The Roscoe was special ordered with the 19mm bridge and J/MM PU’s. I would have preferred standard string spacing but bought it used.
Fyi- maple decadence price drop... $3200 as I typw this. No affiliation, fyi.
G.Gould GGi5 in Natural Quilt Maple – Graphite Neck – NAMM Display - 9.05 pounds – #1277
G.Gould GGi5 in Natural Quilt Maple – Graphite Neck – NAMM Display - 9.05 pounds – #1277
