Its taken a while for the low B, how long for lower?

[sonicnuance]

By my unscientific estimate, its taken over 30 years for low B string/5 string bass to become "accepted".

I think some of the reasons for the long time are technology (reproducing lows takes good engineering), familiarity (its takes a while for listeners to become accustomed to the sound) and manufacturing (it is difficult to handle the tension of the massive string).

So, since technology has marched along nicely, I'm wondering if some lower note will become "mainstream" and at what point. For example, does anyone think the low F# (a fourth below the low B) will become commonplace and if so, how many years from now?

Thanks,
mozar

 

[Rick Auricchio]

I doubt there is any reasonable equipment that will amplify a low F# at 23Hz. There's enough trouble amplifying the 29Hz B.

At those low extremes, the amount of power required is enormous, more than most amps and "casual" power outlets will provide. People also can't really discern pitches that low without plenty of higher overtones to help.

Having a low F# may help with playability, but it won't be much.

I doubt we'll see a low F# string in production; there may be a few experimental basses with one, but it won't catch on.

 

[BassmanDk]

But why????
Most PA systems can't even reproduce the low E probably and if you play a B it's a mess unless you have a super PA, super soundguy and bassfriendly venue. At arena concert level everything sounds like **** below low E (IMO).
I was at a recent Police concert at a big outdoor place. That sealed the deal. I don't go to these big shows anymore. The sound is always bad! Everytime Sting played near the low E everything shoke in a very weird fashion. Most soundguys play too loud and the bass always suffers.
To play a low F# just seems nuts.
I'm usually openminded but i can't ever see the low F# becoming popular. When i see one of those ERB either it is a NAMM or Frankfurt showstopper item or a jazzguy playing mostly solo on the higher strings or tapping a la Bourdin. Try grooving several hours on the F# and B strings on a bass with 7 or more strings; ain't gonna happen!

 

[Darkstrike]

I doubt we'll see a low F# string in production

Warwick Dark Lord's

F# B E A

Invalid Link Removed

 

[Verticos]

But why????

uh-oh, this isn't gonna end well...

i personally think my next bass will likely be a GT-7 with an F#, an i think the low notes add a whole other dimension to the music...

but here is not the place for this. OP, you and me need to grab our low F#'s and duck and cover.

 

[Jabinski]

I agree.

As well as the above comments, the string would probably be less than optimal in terms of enabling technique.

 

[spade2you]

I certainly don't mind the idea of a low f#, mostly for position playing, but I don't go too wild because it is almost unreasonable to find sound men to adequately amplify it, engineers with that much experience, and home stereos that can handle it.

 

[Gubna]

Isn't that how Nikolai Tesla created an earthquake in his apartment in New York?

(J/K)

 

[Angus]

IME, getting an equal volume level is really difficult and getting proper clarity is really expensive. Through a PA it's a waste of time.

Then there's the issue of range- plenty of compositions exist that use notes down to B (or even A), but extraordinarily few that go below that (which are often played without those notes due to unavailability of the proper piano). There just isn't often any utility in notes that extend below a piano. In all manner of practicality, as humans our ability to hear and distinguish notes clearly at those frequencies becomes increasingly muddy as it continues in that direction.

Of course it's completely worthwhile for people to experiment and pursue it, etc, but as far as when it will be mainstream...I'd say never.

 

[B.C.]

I agree with the statements above for the most part. I also don't think it will happen, but I'm not ruling it out. Stranger things have happened though, and as engineering speakers continually improves, I bet systems will be able to produce it eventually if not sooner. IMHO anyways.

 

[spade2you]

I agree with the statements above for the most part. I also don't think it will happen, but I'm not ruling it out. Stranger things have happened though, and as engineering speakers continually improves, I bet systems will be able to produce it eventually if not sooner. IMHO anyways.

It's not that impossible for good stereo speakers with a sub to do this alright. I've listened to some ERB players through some decent speakers with pleasing results. Through my stock computer speakers it's....there's a low F# playing? Good studio headphones do alright, but the cheapos, not so much.

 

[Surprise Panda!]

Really don't think it will be popular

 

[embellisher]

I agree with the tone of a lot of these posts. Like Angus said, a lot of people with experiment with it (and quite a few already are) but it will never become mainstream.

I plan on getting some kind of 7, and I will have a low B on it. But that is as much for position playing as anything else. I am sure that I will use the notes below B on occasion, but even on my five and six stringers, I use them for effect, not all the time. I use the Eb and the D more than the others, and even those don't get used as much as the notes above the low E.

 

[B.C.]

It's not that impossible for good stereo speakers with a sub to do this alright. I've listened to some ERB players through some decent speakers with pleasing results. Through my stock computer speakers it's....there's a low F# playing? Good studio headphones do alright, but the cheapos, not so much.

Agree completely, but I meant to say that even baseline equipment will improve to the point of being able to reproduce the low frequencies, it is just a matter of time.

 

[Parabolic Box]

It's not that impossible for good stereo speakers with a sub to do this alright. I've listened to some ERB players through some decent speakers with pleasing results. Through my stock computer speakers it's....there's a low F# playing? Good studio headphones do alright, but the cheapos, not so much.

There is a large degree of attenuation, however. A low F# will not have as much volume as an A. That's where the large wall of 21" subwoofers come in.

Plus, the strings for a low F# tuning would be prohibitively expensive.

 

[John Wentzien]

I think it will go over...................




Like a FART in a SPACE SUITE!!!!!

 

[Darkstrike]

Plus, the strings for a low F# tuning would be prohibitively expensive.

I'll refer you to my other post, Warwick make 'em, cheaper than Thomastic's, or Optima's....

 

[JEDI BASS]

Low B--- barely usable in limited applications due to all the reasons already stated. Low F#--- less usable and definitely not reproducable by PAs. I'm a 6 string player since '92 and have zero desire to go lower. I very rarely go below low D, even on my Dingwalls whose 37" B is tight and piano-like. Listeners don't care if you're "breaking new ground" by going super-low. But, they do like AUDIBLE clarity. As you can probly tell, I'm NOT a fan of bands where the guitarists play 7 strings and the bassist is nothing more than a thunder-maker....BORING!!

 

[hockey_head]

was thinking of getting a seven string roscoe but was ruling out low f#, getting off more on chording with high f seems more fune, practical and, cost effective.
i've seen them advertised with low f#, somebody's doin' it.
maybe 2,000 watt amp and 30" subwoofer in large cab can make it speak.

 

[JEDI BASS]

I use the Eb and the D more than the others, and even those don't get used as much as the notes above the low E.

Same here .