Oh boy...here we go again...

[Zezjek]

So if anyone's noticed, I think that I post about some completely different bass desire every time I post, but never necissarily follow up. I guess I should stop posting when I'm so tired. But recently I've been obsessing on 7 string basses. Namely Conklin Groove Tools. But the thing is, I've only ever really played 4 and 5 string. Has anyone (Besides John Turner) ever just up and made the switch without going to a 6? About how wide is the neck on one of them? Do I need ET fingers to reach that low B (or F# depending on the tuning I suppose). I guess I'm wondering the pros and cons of such an instrument. Seeing as finding one for a measly $700 peaked my interest a little more than it should have

 

[brndn123]

Has anyone (Besides John Turner) ever just up and made the switch without going to a 6?

Hah! I love how John Turner is synonomous with Conklin basses. And now, since you brought it up, I MUST see the family pic again. Quick, someone post it so I don't have to look for it...again

 

[Eugene Festus]

I went strait from a 4 string to the BD7

 

[Zezjek]

So it is in fact doable? I pick bass just as much as I play fingerstyle, so do you think that I'd have to remove the picking from my playing to actually use one? They look massive, especially toward the end of the neck where I'd be picking...I guess...would it be impractical to try to play with a pick on one?

 

[sandmangeck]

I went from a warwick thumb 4, to a conklin gt 7 fretless. It is do able. I also played it with a pick. I played it for about 7 months, got tired of all the extra strings, and went back to a 4. They are heavy. And I didn't like how close the string spacing was. But overall it was a pretty good instrument.

 

[sandmangeck]

Also, why do you want to make the switch.

 

[Zezjek]

Ahhh ok thanks. I honestly just want something else to play around with. See if I can expand my musical style with access to the new notes. I generally just jam with my drummer friend, and the access to the new notes would really give some new flare to the style.

 

[TomA1234]

I am also interested in playing a 7 string at some point for the same reasons as you. The only problem is that 6 strings are hard enough to find in stores here.

 

[Zezjek]

Yeah =/ And buying one new is around $1300...and thats more than I'm willing to spend on a bass, especially where the main draw is simply the number of strings. I'd rather buy a used 7 string, and save the $1300 for like...a great Ibanez (I'm in love with their SR Prestige's =P)