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Surrounded by 7-string guitars!!!

Discussion in 'Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]' started by *ToNeS*, Nov 19, 2001.

  1. Nov 19, 2001 #1
    *ToNeS*

    *ToNeS*

    Jan 12, 2001
    Sydney AU
    'kay, recently i've been inducted into the ranks of a 5-piece alterna outfit full of raging hardcore guys 3-7 years my senior - the big problem is, however, that the guitarists play 7-string guitars! (tuned B-E-A-D-G-B-E) i have a 4-string Spector, and have had to tune it down 3 steps to B-E-A-D, and man does it sound terrible! it clicks, it clacks, it reminds me of FieLDy, so help me rectify this regrettable situation - and quick!!! :eek:

    any suggestions short of buying a 5-string would be greatly appreciated by myself and the rest of the music world (i'd buy a 5'er at the drop of a beanie, but i don't have the cash :(). is there some way i can set it up proper? would i need to go out and buy some heavier strings (i play very light ones), could an effect or amp settings affect this?

    HELP ME O GOD I'M DROWNING IN A SEA OF *cLaCk*
     
  2. Nov 19, 2001 #2
    AllodoX

    AllodoX

    Jun 6, 2001
    's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherla
    - Buy BEADG strings ( B-string = .120 )
    - dump the G-string
    - use a small nail-file to make the nut-dents a little wider
    - raise the relief a little.

    no problem :)

    b.t.w. what kind of 7-stringer does he have ?
    So far i've only seen 7-string ibanez'es and Jackson's.. myself i have an Ibanez RG7321
     
  3. Nov 19, 2001 #3
    Gallient Knight

    Gallient Knight

    Jul 31, 2001
    Milford CT
    I second AllodoX. String height may need to go up a little as well. If your still not happy with it try to kill the clack by turning down any horns you have in your cabs. And lean on your neck pickup more then the bridge one.

    BTW I'd change my hand positions as well and mess around with different ways to touch the strings if you play fingerstyle.
     
  4. Nov 19, 2001 #4
    john turner

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

    Mar 14, 2000
    atlanta ga
    conklin groove tools makes a 7 string guitar with a tremolo and without. one of the guitarists in my band has a 7 string danelectro, believe it or not. schecter and esp also make 7 string guitars, as well as bc rich.
     
  5. Nov 19, 2001 #5
    AllodoX

    AllodoX

    Jun 6, 2001
    's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherla
    hmm :) cool

    i want a 7-string guitar with fixed-bridge ( like bass ) and with active electronics.. but custom 7-stringers are very $$++; and i'm not very rich..(yet ;) )
     
  6. Nov 19, 2001 #6
    Gallient Knight

    Gallient Knight

    Jul 31, 2001
    Milford CT
    Carvin to the rescue again.


    7 string

    Its not Active. But thats got to be pretty easy to add. Might even be cool to try an active bass circuit in it.
     
  7. Nov 19, 2001 #7
    *ToNeS*

    *ToNeS*

    Jan 12, 2001
    Sydney AU
    thank you, big johnny, for going off on a tangent about multiple stringed instruments and detracting from my questions :rolleyes: :p

    AllodoX, would it be possible to do what you suggest bar the nail-filing of the nut slots? because i don't want to be stuck in B-E-A-D forever :eek:
     
  8. Nov 19, 2001 #8
    FeTiS

    FeTiS

    Feb 23, 2001
    your backyard spying on you
    if you go with the new bass idea, go for a 6 instead of 5. i went 4-6, and i love it. 6 plays like a dream. bout 7 string git-fiddles, Ibanez makes the KoRN line, munky and head, 7 strings. i havent much looked, but my new bass is ibanez and i saw those one their page.
     
  9. Nov 20, 2001 #9
    john turner

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

    Mar 14, 2000
    atlanta ga
    man, you kiwis are babies. you _are_ a kiwi, right?




    that's a big-time insult, right? calling an aussie a kiwi, right? or is it the other way around? :D.
     
  10. Nov 20, 2001 #10
    john turner

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

    Mar 14, 2000
    atlanta ga
    oh, btw, to answer your question, go with allodox's suggestion, but ixnay on the filing-the-nut-ay. string it up that way, with the low 4 from a 5 set, and see how it works. the first fret will probably be a bit sharp, but maybe not too bad. otherwise, you'll probably be ok - it's at least worth a try.
     
  11. Nov 20, 2001 #11
    *ToNeS*

    *ToNeS*

    Jan 12, 2001
    Sydney AU
    (TEN) TONNE BURNER,

    sorry man. other way 'round :D and don't go bagging out my country - we're responsible for the blueprints for your ridiculous hairstyle, buddy! ;)

    thanks for the advice, john. this gig could rag me in a lot of cash, so i wanna get it right when i rock up on Saturday for confirmation that i'm in for sure. bit nervous about it, though. the youngest guy after me is 20 :oops:
     
  12. Nov 20, 2001 #12
    lo-end

    lo-end

    Jun 15, 2001
    PA
    I would give you the same advice as Allodo, except for the string gauge part. I recommend .130 for the B string. I like them nice and tight. Basically, all you need to do is buy a 5 string set (like Ernie Ball slinky 5 string - my favorite) and dont use the G. You'll also need to adjust your action, intonation, and relief, and probably file your nut since the strings will be of higher gauge.
     
  13. Nov 20, 2001 #13
    john turner

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

    Mar 14, 2000
    atlanta ga
    really? i didn't think aussies were cool enough for mohawks :D

    oh, and another thing. replacing a standard 4 string nut is not really that big a deal - you might be able to get one pre-cut from a local music store for very cheap. if that's the case, then cut away.
     
  14. Nov 20, 2001 #14
    *ToNeS*

    *ToNeS*

    Jan 12, 2001
    Sydney AU
    no s**t? i didn't think yanks were cool enough for mullets, either :p :D
    *sob* my beloved brass nut will never be the same :oops:
     
  15. Nov 20, 2001 #15
    VoodooChile

    VoodooChile

    Jun 2, 2001
    Pod 6, under the water
    wasn't the mohawk, or atleast the name, invented by the native AMERICANS which share the name?
     
  16. Nov 20, 2001 #16
    john turner

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

    Mar 14, 2000
    atlanta ga
    if you have a brass nut, then maybe you want to just get a new one, and replace it. swapping out nuts is not a very difficult procedure.