Show us your Martin Keith Basses

[smperry]

Your build idea sounds fantastic! I'm curious, what strings are you thinking about using for the 32" scale tuned EADGCF?

Thanks! I’m really not sure what’s out there for strings. On my current one, I use a 7 string Dean Markley SR2000 set, and throw out the B. This (hypothetical) one would probably be better with something else, maybe like TI Acoustic-cores but with more tension and a C and F string.

 

[TapyTap]

Thanks! I’m really not sure what’s out there for strings. On my current one, I use a 7 string Dean Markley SR2000 set, and throw out the B. This (hypothetical) one would probably be better with something else, maybe like TI Acoustic-cores but with more tension and a C and F string.

I have a cheap "test" bass (tuned EADGCF) that has a custom set of Curt Mangan strings on it. They make a nickel wound .020" F-string that works well with a 32" scale. From a tonal/feel perspective, I like the fact that all of the strings in the set are wound rather than adding a plain steel string for the high F. It's also nice that Mangan allows customers to put together their own custom string sets...or order single strings. Concerning your TI scenario, I'd love to find something like that!

 

[smperry]

The sr2000 set also has a wound F (technically E), fwiw.

edit: thanks for the Curt Mangan tip!

 

[emjazz]

A couple of things....the new fretless is a 32" scale tuned B to C. I wanted to try the shorter scale with fretless, with the hope to use this scale for a future headless version. I wasn't sure if it was the right call, and I need to see if I can switch between a 33" scale fretted and a 32" scale fretless...but MAN does this bass sing!!! I'm ridiculously floored by the low B on this. It's different, and it could be the strings, but it is big and tight. I'm kind of floored to be honest.

Also, my Ristola 6 is tuned E to F with a set of GHS Bass boomers. You can get a wound .020. Great strings. I would recommend these for sure.

 

[smperry]

Boomers are good strings, but probably the opposite of what I want for this next one.

 

[emjazz]

I thought that was the setup for this bass, no? If I get another from Martin, I'll go with this tuning and scale length.

The fretted is 33" tuned B to C. The fretless is 32" scale with the same tuning.

 

[emjazz]

Boomers are good strings, but probably the opposite of what I want for this next one.

Absolutely. The difficulty comes with finding a high F for bass guitar in any other material. I believe Martin found a flatwound to use as a high F for @77stingray 's 32" scale 6 string that's tuned E to F. Other than that, not many options.

 

[emjazz]

Ah, my mistake about emjazz's bass.

Beyond what I just said, I'd want Martin's take. I have a great 32" scale sixer from him already, with full and harmonically rich tones. I'm looking for something that's more open sounding with great string separation for chords, almost something thinner sounding, and perhaps a bit scooped in the upper midrange. Something that would work well with acoustic instruments, kind of like a warm acoustic guitar (I have a DB, and an EUB, so not that) even if that means it'd get lost in a rock setting. My other MK basses have that side fully covered.

I have some ideas of course, as my current and past ones that do this best are either piezo equipped or super jazz type...but Martin knows best.

Maybe a semi hollow 6 with a single Bartolini and a piezo?
edit: and maybe a walnut body instead of mahogany....a friend's fretless semi hollow MK has a walnut body. It has more clarity and is quicker than my basses. Really nice option.

 

[smperry]

Maybe a semi hollow 6 with a single Bartolini and a piezo?
edit: and maybe a walnut body instead of mahogany....a friend's fretless semi hollow MK has a walnut body. It has more clarity and is quicker than my basses. Really nice option.

My walnut Keith bass (the first Elfin, with the myrtle top) does have a clarity and sweetness that other basses don't have. I hadn't thought about Bartolini, but maybe, in conjunction with a piezo. Or, stick with a Citron. We'll see...

 

[Jeff Scott]

I've never met (played) a Bart I really cared for. To me, they were always kind of vanilla sounding.

 

[emjazz]

I really love Bartolini pickups. For what @smperry mentioned he wants sound wise, Barts would do it.

 

[Aram]

I really love Bartolini pickups. For what @smperry mentioned he wants sound wise, Barts would do it.

+1000

 

[TapyTap]

The sr2000 set also has a wound F (technically E), fwiw.

Thanks. Good to know my options!

edit: thanks for the Curt Mangan tip!

Sure thing, they are great strings. They also offer them in different scale lengths...32" scale included.

A couple of things....the new fretless is a 32" scale tuned B to C.

Also, my Ristola 6 is tuned E to F with a set of GHS Bass boomers. You can get a wound .020. Great strings. I would recommend these for sure.

The fretted is 33" tuned B to C. The fretless is 32" scale with the same tuning.

Thanks for clearing things up for me on the different scale lengths and tunings. Also great to know there is another wound .020" possibility out there.

 

[TapyTap]

I wanted to try the shorter scale with fretless, with the hope to use this scale for a future headless version.

Well, I almost went with a 32" scale. This will have frets and a solid body:

 

[emjazz]

Well, I almost went with a 32" scale. This will have frets and a solid body:

View attachment 4359130

From Bordwell?

 

[TapyTap]

From Mr. Keith.

 

[emjazz]

From Mr. Keith.

Oh man! Details!!

 

[TapyTap]

Oh man! Details!!

It's all about what it won't have.

 

[emjazz]

It's all about what it won't have.

Ah...so you're the one who ordered the headless.

 

[TapyTap]

...and here I thought I was letting the cat out of the bag!