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So there I was at GC doodling on some 4 strings...

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by FuturePrimitive, Oct 10, 2001.

  1. Oct 10, 2001 #1
    FuturePrimitive

    FuturePrimitive

    Nov 14, 2000
    Rochester, NY
    When I decided to pick up a Conklin 7 string. Just to see how ridiculus it would feel in my smallish-yet-still-quite-masculine :D hands. To my astonishment it didn't feel weird at all. It took a while for my fingers to figure out that that top string was not an E and the strings were closer together but after about 10 mins I was playin through some simple Rush riffs with ease. I was VERY impressed with this bass. It sounded good and was actually LIGHTER than the Fender Jazz I had been trying. At least it felt lighter. I'd tried a few other 6 strings over the last 6 months and they all felt kinda big and weird. I've only been playing for a year though so everything still feels a little awkward! Anyway, should I add this 7-str to my wish list or am I just mesmerized by the 3 extra strings? My playing for the most part is Geddy/Rush so to continue with that I only need a 4. But I do, when I get the free time, expect to expand my playing considerably. I just don't know what direction that will be.

    Decisions, decisions... Yea I know, buy what I want and what I think sounds good. And in the end that's what I'll do. Sometimes it helps me just to put thing out there just so I can review my own thoughts and see if I'm being a total a$$. (Which is usually the case.)

    I know JT might have some insight on this. Perhaps you (or anyone) could point me to some 7 string pieces (already heard Residue, very cool) to listen to or some music to study. I don't really know where to start here.
     
  2. Oct 10, 2001 #2
    Ari Schor

    Ari Schor

    Mar 3, 2000
    Montreal
    last year i went to GC in Minneapolis...I was actually afraid of a 7 string...
     
  3. Oct 10, 2001 #3
    Bass Guitar

    Bass Guitar Supporting Member

    Aug 13, 2001
    What you play on 4 you can definitely do on 7. And no need to listen to what other 7 string players play - play what you want to play. The 7 string opens more possibilities in terms of fingering, chordal exploration and inversions - make your own music on the 7 if you do get it. If you really want to listen to some bass players, listen to the good ones who don't necessary play a 7 string, and learn to play their music on your instrument.
     
  4. Oct 10, 2001 #4
    DarkMazda

    DarkMazda

    Jun 3, 2000
    NJ
    Did you like those 7 string basses that you saw at Guitar Center? I hope you did, I kinda liked them my self.. even though i wasn't too happy about the fret job that Conklin did on those basses. they kinda hurt your hand when you slide up and down the neck. But the sound of the bass is very cool and the 7 string just makes you look cool. :D
     
  5. Oct 10, 2001 #5
    Freakapotamus9

    Freakapotamus9

    Jun 20, 2001
    Nebraska
    what kinda bass do you have now?

    do you have a nice four string that you could play if you dont want/need all 7 strings?
     
  6. Oct 11, 2001 #6
    FuturePrimitive

    FuturePrimitive

    Nov 14, 2000
    Rochester, NY
    Thanks for the replys guys.

    Freakapotamus9,
    No I don't have a "good" bass now. I bought a VERY used Samick from a friend for $30. Been using that for a year now. I had planned on replacing it sometime next spring with an Ibanez or Jazz 4 string but that 7 really through a wrench into the works! That's why I'm in kind of a dilema, nothing to "fall back" on so to speak.

    DM,
    Yea, I like the Conklin a lot. It was the only 7 string there though. There were a bunch of 6s of various makes but they DID feel big and awkward. Go figure.

    BassGuitar,
    That's just it. I don't really know what I want to play yet. Right now I fool about with Rush tunes. That's fine for now but when school is done and I have more free time I plan on getting some musical intstruction and playing a lot more. I like a wide range of music from punk to mo-town so I have no idea where I'll end up.

    Oh well, I actually went back (told myself I needed new strings) to play it again but somebody else had their grubby mits all over it. Probably just as well, I wouldn't want to do anything foolish. My wife would be less than sympathetic after I scolded her for spending too much money!
     
  7. Oct 11, 2001 #7
    FatFunker

    FatFunker

    Sep 6, 2001
    Rochester, New York
    hey Dave, I am from Canandaigua. what do you think of the New Guitar Center, although there selection is not a quarter of what they have house of guitars I buy all my equipment from guitar center, I will never give a dime the the d*ck's at the house.:p
     
  8. Oct 11, 2001 #8
    DougP

    DougP

    Sep 4, 2001
    I have played the 7 string conklin, and like it alot also. although, i really like the way the way the 5 string feels better. as for expanding to a seven string, i started out on a harmony p-bass copy 4 string. later i bought an ibanez 5 string. after that i bought my carvin LB76 6 string. (the only bass i have left is the carvin). i guess you might would think a 7 string would be the next evolutionary step here, but i find that 5 strings are my favorite. depending on what you want to play, those extra strings can get in the way of being comfortable while they are not being used. in a heavy distortion band it is harder to make those extra notes usable, however if youre doing any jazzier styles you might could use up those strings.
    also, 7 strings would give you great braggin rights over your guitar player. :)
     
  9. Oct 11, 2001 #9
    john turner

    john turner You don't want to do that. Trust me. Staff Member

    Mar 14, 2000
    atlanta ga
    thanks, dude. :D

    as for other recordings, to be honest, i don't know of any other rock/prog/metal-type players playing a 7 right now who have readily accessible recordings. there a load of 6 string players in all genres, which should help, though.