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More than 6 strings
- Thread starter robert43
- Start date
I bought my first 7 back in November. While I primarily only play into the regions that a 6 string already encompasses, It is nice to venture into guitarist territory from time to time - especially when I'm playing in a situation where there is no guitarist. For example, I back my church gospel choir. Typically we have drums, keys, organ and bass. There are times during interludes, where it can be tasty to throw in some jazz guitar type riffs - the tone on strings 6 and 7 is a bit brighter, so it lends itself well to this. I don't use all 7 strings for every style of music I play (presently, I'm playing in a fusion band, rock band and gospel choir), but it's nice to have one bass that can do the job for practically anything I might find myself playing so I don't have to carry multiple instruments around. Gone are the days when showing people how many instruments I own means something!
Craig
Craig
7+ string bassists play them for a wide variety of reasons, but usually because they find that less than 7 limits some of the musical options they hear in their head. It may be chording, or soloing, or tapping or something else .... but bottom line is that less than the 7 isn't doing the job for that particular player.
Since I started playing ERB's I find that a 4 or 5 string is very restrictive for me. That doesn't mean that there aren't tons of excellent players using 4's, 5's and 6's. It's great that so many superior bassists can find their voice with less than 7, and there are many 7+ string players who are extraordinary 4 string bassists, too.
It's all personal preference, just like finding the right bass builder/brand/model is a personal preference. No right or wrong, just different options for different musicians ....
Since I started playing ERB's I find that a 4 or 5 string is very restrictive for me. That doesn't mean that there aren't tons of excellent players using 4's, 5's and 6's. It's great that so many superior bassists can find their voice with less than 7, and there are many 7+ string players who are extraordinary 4 string bassists, too.
It's all personal preference, just like finding the right bass builder/brand/model is a personal preference. No right or wrong, just different options for different musicians ....
- Mar 25, 2005
- 1,172
- 10
- Disclosures
- Builder: Mailloux Basses
Ok I was just wondering what is the real value in a bass with more than 6 strings
I have here of 12 / 14 string bass but can any but a few people really able to play these basses?
Where are you located in Oz Robert?
We had a get together a few weeks back in Brisbane. I brought a 9 string bass I built and most of the guys there tried it. It didn't take very long for a few guys to get to know their way around it. It's easier to get used to then you'd think... and it's way cool to play!
Hi I would have love to gone but I am about 20 hours away in Wagga Wagga NSWWhere are you located in Oz Robert?
We had a get together a few weeks back in Brisbane. I brought a 9 string bass I built and most of the guys there tried it. It didn't take very long for a few guys to get to know their way around it. It's easier to get used to then you'd think... and it's way cool to play!
