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Uses of 6 strings?

#21
I think (and I'm not positive here) that most 6 string necks can take more tesion than most strings can put on them, simply because they're so large. I'd think that most strings would break before damaging the neck... but I tune mine normally so I have no real evidence of this.

You'd have to set intonation and neck relief after you tuned a bass, if you were to tune it differently. Which tuning were you thinking of trying out?
 
#22
Something else to keep in mind when working with "alternate" tunings on a 6 string (or any other number of strings) bass is this: String guage.

I wouldn't want to take a standard set of strings intended for a BEADGC tuning (say .128-.030) and crank them up to an EADGCF tuning as the tension would be incredible. The best thing would be to go to a much lighter set, say .105-.020/.017, to keep the tension reasonable. Conversly, if you were to drop to an F#BEADG tuning, you'd most likely want to go to heavier strings (like JT's .150 for the F#), or you'd just have strings flopping around like fish out of water ;).

This of course opens up another can of worms for the setup: Recut nuts, neck adjustments, intonation adjustments, action adjustments, and the like.

This isn't to discourage anyone from checking it out, just suggesting that you be aware of all the realities of doing it. :)
 
#23
Originally posted by slipknot229
personally, i think 6 strings are a waste of wood. The extra high string is so pointless it's hilarious. whenever i see a bass with more than 5 strings it makes me want to cringe in disgust.
Click to expand...

get ready to barf, waldo...

jtfamily3.jpg


i-1.jpg


ah, trolls. gotta love 'em :D

oh, and lovebown, some people make a website as a resume. you know, those people who actually WORK for a living, instead of get their a$$es wiped by mommy and daddy. for those people, testimonials of their abilities help them get more jobs. you know, JOBS, as in "professional bass player", as opposed to annonymous internet Parent-supported-Punk. :rolleyes:
 
#24
John turner,
I can't take anything seriously from a guy with a hairdo like yours .

Unlike most other people on talkbass I don't admire you for having basses with lots of strings on them. Is it so, perhaps, that all those basses cover up the fact that you suck?
Or maybe that you have a small penis?

I guess we will never know...
Now I'm sure all your little net pals will jump in here and flame me ... or maybe I will receive another mail from Paul that I've been booted off the board for hurting your feelings.


later ,
Lovebown
 
#25
Originally posted by Lovebown
John turner,
I can't take anything seriously from a guy with a hairdo like yours .

 looks have very little to do with anything, and since you're hiding behind your monitor, we should assume you're ugly?


Unlike most other people on talkbass I don't admire you for having basses with lots of strings on them. Is it so, perhaps, that all those basses cover up the fact that you suck?
Or maybe that you have a small penis?


I guess you're too busy to download the MP3 in his signature to hear 1 tune by his band? do it and you'll change your tune...not that he cares, or needs me to defend him.


I guess we will never know...


see above, most of us do know.


Now I'm sure all your little net pals will jump in here and flame me ... or maybe I will receive another mail from Paul that I've been booted off the board for hurting your feelings.


no, but I'm putting you on notice, play nice, or I'll delete your posts. that's twice, loveblown.


later ,
Lovebown [/B]
Click to expand...

much later
 
#27
Originally posted by Lovebown
Get an objective moderator please?
Its ok for him to call me a punk but whenever I say anything not nice I'm thrown or threatned of the board?

That's real fair.

/lovebown
Click to expand...

I'm sorry, I must have missed something, when did I call you punk?

or anything, for that matter
 
#28
I like playing 5.... no need for a 6 yet. My friend has a 6 and when a play around on it I sometimes get a bit confused (I think for a sec the extra string is the g and then hop on to the wrong string) I am sure that with a bit of practice I would get over it. The neck is wider by necessity... I would say that a 4 is easier for a beginner like me. :) But certainly any bass... be it 4, 5, 6, 7 or *gasp* 8 is fine with proper practice.

I would sum it up this way. Generally people grow into what they have. If you but a 6 right now, you may not need it... But in time, you will. You will start experimenting more and eventually those strings will all get exercised. So, if you have the patience to practice and learn... go for the 6!
 
#30
LB,

are you JWC? I think I asked you this before... you sure sound like him.

You sure do love to go off topic and pick fights. Here's an idea. Why don't you try to contribute constructively to the forum for once?

It might be hard for someone used to doing nothing but stirring up crap. But give it a go, you might like it.

As far as JT... Why would you be wondering about his privates? You have a crush on him maybe?
 
#33
Anyways, sorry for getting off topic.

I vote ya buy the 6 string. (Is this a democratic decision being made) Even if you don't need it right now, I am sure you will grow into it. It doesn't matter what your influences use. It's just a matter of what you are making available to yourself. I would own a 6 if I had the money for it.

I liked what JT said earlier (not in this thread) about the ability to play rythm guitar and bass at the same time because the range is there and think that would be very valuable for my band.

Good luck.
 
#34
Originally posted by Lovebown
John turner,
I can't take anything seriously from a guy with a hairdo like yours .

Unlike most other people on talkbass I don't admire you for having basses with lots of strings on them. Is it so, perhaps, that all those basses cover up the fact that you suck?
Or maybe that you have a small penis?

I guess we will never know...
Now I'm sure all your little net pals will jump in here and flame me ... or maybe I will receive another mail from Paul that I've been booted off the board for hurting your feelings.


later ,
Lovebown
Click to expand...

man, this has got to be the lamest flame i've ever gotten. i mean, really, my hair and my penile inadequacy, is that the best you can do? been done before, dude, and with much better skill.

http://www.bunnybass.com/amusing/amusingbass15.shtml

what's the matter? that comment about mom and dad wiping your butt a bit too close to home, 'bownie?

do you even play bass?
 
#35
Hey, where's the one with the comment about the acrylic sweater? :D I love that one.

let's keep it on topic, folks, anyone (JT?) have any suggestions on easing the transition between 4 strings and extended range basses?
 
#36
the biggest piece of advice i give people who are trying to change to an extended range instrument is to convert completely to the new instrument. there is no reason to play a 4 when a 5 or more is available and they have everything available on a 4.

the adjustment period is a lot shorter when one spends all one's time on the new instrument. after all, it's not like a 4 string is necessary when one has a 5 or greater.
 
#37
Originally posted by john turner


man, this has got to be the lamest flame i've ever gotten. i mean, really, my hair and my penile inadequacy, is that the best you can do? been done before, dude, and with much better skill.

http://www.bunnybass.com/amusing/amusingbass15.shtml

what's the matter? that comment about mom and dad wiping your butt a bit too close to home, 'bownie?

do you even play bass?
Click to expand...

You're such a tool dude.
Crack me right up.

/lovebown
 
#39
I'm with the "jump in the deep end and start swimming" crowd. If you want to convert to a multi-stringed bass (anything more than what you have now and are comfortable with), the best favor you can do yourself is hide the "comfy chair" bass and make yourself play the new one as much as humanly possible. You'll adjust much quicker than you think!

John Patittuci went from 4 to 6 when he joined the Chick Corea Elektric band, he got his Smith 6 the day he left on tour, and learned to play it at gigs :eek:! Anyone that speaks Greek will recognize that as thrasos (sp?) of epic proportion. It is certainly a doable thing.

To all those that have negative comments on string numbers on other's basses, I suggest you cease looking and counting strings, and start actually LISTENING to the players. A novel concept possibly, but a useful one. Last time I checked, music was primarily an aural art, not a visual one. :p
 

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