Double Bass Seth Kimmel #32 6 String

[Mark_T]

What an awesome instrument!!! I'd love to hear you play - do you have any sound clips or videos?

You can hear two similar instruments of Seth's being played here: Link Removed

I got to play both of those basses when I was down at his workshop picking out wood for my bass - he'd just finished them and was preparing them to ship to Wermland at the time. They're both smaller instruments, walnut and Engelmann spruce, one was tuned in 5ths and the other in 4ths. I really liked the 4ths bass. It was harder to judge the one in 5ths because I haven't practiced that tuning at all, but it was really fun to play.

 

[Matt Ides]

Congrats on the bass. With those extra strings looks like a giant gamba!

 

[garrett2]

Is there a reason to tune the top two strings of the instrument B E as opposed to C F? I've always assumed that on the guitar the tuning is to facilitate chording, but I assume that wouldn't be the main motivation on a six string bass.

 

[Paul New]

Is there a reason to tune the top two strings of the instrument B E as opposed to C F? I've always assumed that on the guitar the tuning is to facilitate chording, but I assume that wouldn't be the main motivation on a six string bass.

I play guitar, even, in 4ths tuning. The best thing about bass is its symmetry.

 

[JBarz]

My gear lust is having a field day. This is amazing!

 

[CaseyVancouver]

Not in Seth's league, I think, but still looks interesting (from 1968)

Karl Höfner Workshop, Bubenreuth 1968, Louis Saverino custom 7-string model - Brobst Violin Shop

Louis Saverino designed this 7 string bass and Hofner made it. Super cool.
Saverino was a very interesting character. He enjoyed restoring old Italian basses, including a 1560 Gasparo Da Salo. Louis Saverino

That Kimmel 6 string is a beauty.

 

[CaseyVancouver]

Looking further at the 7 string I think it is more correct to say it is a standard 5 string Hofner altered by Saverino.
The Brobst price reflects this. Appears to be beautiful carved wood and may be a very nice bass if restored to original function. It may be a very nice bass as is.

 

[coldtrain]

Looking further at the 7 string I think it is more correct to say it is a standard 5 string Hofner altered by Saverino.
The Brobst price reflects this. Appears to be beautiful carved wood and may be a very nice bass if restored to original function. It may be a very nice bass as is.

I've seen this one in person but was too afraid to play it. It's not a large instrument but that fingerboard is so intimidating. I'm super curious about the tone and volume. The next time I'm in or near Alexandria, VA I'll take my bow and give it a try.