Multi-string bass

[staybobo]

I want a 10 string bass with 3 strings on the first & second strings and 2 strings on the third & fourth strings. What builder, pickup(s), wood, and electronics should I use?

 

[Dave W]

I think you're going to have a hard time finding anyone to build that. So, start contacting as many builders as you can.

Why not just get a regular 12er or 8 string?

 

[Funkinthetrunk]

Chris Stambaugh

 

[String Theory]

I think the customized bridge would be quite expensive. Interesting idea though.

 

[Immigrant]

Just find a 12 and re-string it however you want.

That's weird. I've never heard of anybody wanting that. Power to ya. Stick it to convention!

 

[BassCommander]

A course strung (assuming that's what you meant) bass like that would have a lot of sympathetic resonance in the strings (unwanted hum in a bass or the defining sound in a sitar). Wouldn't a chorus pedal achieve similar results? Electric mandolins generally forgo the course stringing and use an effect to get a similar sound. Course strung instruments, ime, have a higher tension with thinner strings to (presumably) lessen sympathetic vibrations.

 

[Lee H]

Just find a 12 and re-string it however you want.

that is exactly what I was thinking. But I play a 12 string, and I can not think of a reason I would leave two strings off

 

[PaPaVB20]

www.pratbasses.com Oscar can do that!

 

[staybobo]

10 string bass (2 doubles + 2 triples)
Ee Aa Ddd Ggg tuning
Prat Original I shape
33" scale*
Graphite bolt on neck
Stainless steel Fender vintage bass frets (24)
C inlays on fretboard, with numbers (like the Gibson Skylark lap steel)
Korina solid body with 2 wood burned sound hole
Forearm contour
EMG MMTW pickup between 60s jazz bass bridge position and split coil p bass position.
on/on toggle switch for humbucker & single coil, mini toggle for mute
Hipshot tuner machines
Custom 10 string bridge
Hardware: nickel color
Natural oil finish
Brass nut
2 fake wood burned sound holes (like the Trini Lopez Deluxe)

What do you think of this design?

 

[SehlraC]

staybobo, I'm curious - what caused you to decide on this particular string configuration?

 

[spade2you]

Honestly, I think finding a suitable bridge will make this project not happen.

 

[SteveC]

What purpose would this bass serve?

 

[xUptheIronsx]

how big are your hands/fingers? I could not even imagine having enough strength to make this work. The neck would be huge...

 

[JAUQO III-X]

Honestly, I think finding a suitable bridge will make this project not happen.

Hipshot can make the bridge for this bass.

 

[staybobo]

What do you think of Korina bass body?

 

[Dave W]

how big are your hands/fingers? I could not even imagine having enough strength to make this work. The neck would be huge...

It wouldn't have to be any larger than a production 12 string bass. We're talking courses, not an ERB.

 

[staybobo]

Courses, thats right it's just like a 12 string.

 

[lowfreq33]

But why only two strings per the E and A? I'd imagine that will create some volume/tonal imbalances.

 

[GYang]

Prat basses are very hot, not only because of number of strings.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=KlvL1tYydR8

 

[KISSbestfan]

3 strings will mute each other because of amplitude, so you wont be able to play anything. Unless the space will be as big, it would be no longer the bass you want to have.