Has anybody ever seen a 15 string bass?

[Bob Coldwell]

Why so many bad attempts at humor when the OP has a legitimate question?

I've seen lefthanded 8 strings. 12 strings too, I think. No 10s or 15s though. Keep googling, but I imagine "special order" will be your only route.

Warwick Germany does or did advertise that they'll build any request.

 

[Watchootognbout]

No.But here's an 18 string bass.

 

[roffe]

Warwick Germany does or did advertise that they'll build any request.

They would probably do it, but that's where the "generational debt" part comes in.

I would suggest a 10-string instead, but that would be a full custom too so maybe not that much cheaper.

 

[konaaayukeeenee]

St. Germaine Guitars maybe? $4850 is the base price for an 18-string according to one of his replies but it's from over a year ago and there might've been some price changes since.

 

[Mike Rock]

How about playing through a pedal? I have a pretty decent patch for the Helix Stadium and it's a lot easier to tune. But would depend on what you want and how often you plan on using it.

I have a Pog 2, doesn't fit on my pedal board

Just kidding, the Pog is really cool but It sounds computerized to me, I want a natural warm sound

 

[Mike Rock]

OK, lemme see here, left-handed 5-triplet 15-string bass.

Flats or rounds?

I'd pay $$ to hear the phone call to your Sweetwater Ambassador. They may be blowing them out as they get so few calls for a lefty.

I'm sure you could have one built by the right custom builder, probably your only real choice.

What does Flats or rounds mean? I'm pretty sure it's two different types of strings but please educate me

 

[J Wilson]

What does Flats or rounds mean? I'm pretty sure it's two different types of strings but please educate me

Flatwound strings: The outside wrap your fingers touch is actually flat ribbon wire, feels dead smooth to the touch. Typically a 'smoother' 'bassier' sound, not as many mids and highs. Think organ pedal type tone.

Roundwound strings: The outside wrap your fingers touch is regular round wire, a more aggressive feel to your fingers, and depending on the metal alloys the designer intended, can be quite brash (stainless) or more electric guitar-like, not as much bark to the tone with nickel alloys.

 

[mikewalker]

I blueprinted and helped supervise the build of this one a couple of decades back:

Sterling silver inlays, multi color fiber optic side dots...

Gallery

 

[Basvarken]

I could build one. But it won't be cheap.
ETS can make the bridge.

Another option would be to make a 12 string with bbB eeE aaA ddD
I'm actually going to build that end of this year.

 

[TolerancEJ]

No.But here's an 18 string bass.

Warwick also made a 12-string for Andy Irvine years ago. He eventually sold it, because I saw it appear in the Guitar Center Used section. I reached out to confirm with Andy that it was his former bass. Someone else bought it before I could act on it.

 

[dunderwovvy]

They exist, but you're going into generational debt for it. It won't be a user friendly instrument to play. It'll be heavy. It won't just neck dive, the headstock will basically be glued to the floor. You'll need a custom case or bag for it.

Cheap, fast, good. Pick 2. You could get cheap and fast from AliExpress, but it won't be good.

You could get out a little cheaper with a 10 string using a bridge like this: Lowe Custom Guitars 10-string Bass Guitar Bridge - Chrome | Reverb But you still need to find someone to build the whole rest of the bass.

My suggestion: 8-string tuned BEAD, run a crossover pedal and run the high frequencies through a doubler or chorus pedal. Even just the 8 through a chorus would be 'close enough' IMO. Otherwise, 12 string tuned BEAD.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

Warrior has made a few of them. All the ones I have seen photos of were right handed and it is Warrior (so Custom).

A left handed 15 strings is not something you are going to find as anything other than custom.

If this is the Warrior I am thinking about, you should do a lot of research around how they handle their custom orders before you send them cash. They've been known to change specs for "reasons" that TB doesn't let you discuss. That being said, their founder recently passed so I am not sure how baked in their ideology/mantra is into the company.

 

[Gluvhand]

Why so many bad attempts at humor when the OP has a legitimate question?

I've seen lefthanded 8 strings. 12 strings too, I think. No 10s or 15s though. Keep googling, but I imagine "special order" will be your only route.

Warwick Germany does or did advertise that they'll build any request.

It's TalkBass. The bad attempts at humor are baked in.