I've been really wanting an 18-string bass. Basically a 12-string bass with a low B and high C added. Bolt-on, flamed maple top (with a green or purple finish if possible), straight 34" scale, 24 frets, double cut, no fancy woods or anything. I have a Conklin GT-7 and want a body shape sort of similar to that one, basically something well balanced with a large upper horn. Can somebody recommend a luthier willing to build it? Trying to stay under the 5-digit mark but I know it isn't going to be cheap lol.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Who can build this absurd bass?
- Thread starter Tubbs Anjeron
- Start date
songwriter21
I have an obsession for wood. The musical kind.
The only builders to take that on, that I can think of, would be Alembic, Conklin, Ritter, Warwick, ESP Japan, and Schecter California. Those last two will literally build anything on your mind for the drawing board (not just the company's pre-fab shapes). If you can dream it, they can build it. None of those will be cheap at all. Your vision is unfortunately not one that would come with a small price tag.
If money was no object, ESP would be my choice. They can build with the best of the best, if not better...absolute pinnacle of Japanese craftsmanship, like a Toyota Century. At these levels, you get what you pay for.
Last edited:
I'm going to plug a builder I'm working with - St. Germaine Guitars out of Canada. He's building me a short multiscale headless 6 string. I can't guarantee he can or would do it, but I know he has recently done a 10 string (5 x 2) and that he has a couple of 12s (4 x 3) in progress. I know he has a source for the custom hardware required, I think ETS. I expect it would be under the 5 digit mark, his starting point for customs is up in his price lists and it looks like a custom 18-string would run a little more than 5K USD.
www.stgermaineguitars.com
Krappy Guitars seems to be into building unusual instruments including multiscale/multistringed ones
No personal connection or experience other than browsing their site...
No personal connection or experience other than browsing their site...
I'm basically be looking for a model that already exists to avoid the headache of a super custom build. Very expensive still, sure, but probably a lot less so. I would have got a custom Conklin if this was 10 years ago regardless of price because I love his designs so much, but unfortunately it's no longer possible. Wouldn't mind a custom Warwick too, but I've never seen a triple course bass from them so not sure if they can do it. Been wanting a Warwick 7-string for a while, though. Alembic and Ritter are definitely way above my price range.
St Germaine looks like it might be my first choice since he actually lists an 18-string option (really surprised by that!). I've asked Krappy for a lot of different experimental build ideas but unfortunately he refuses to build any non-single course instruments.
songwriter21
I have an obsession for wood. The musical kind.
Six string triple course. Bbb, Eee, Aaa, Ddd, Ggg, Ccc.
@Dadagoboi might be able to direct you in the right direction.
Last edited:
Last edited:
Try Chris Stambaugh, he can build anything. He's built two fantastic instruments for me and if you look at some of his past works you'll find a number of very unusual basses.
Smooth_bass88
vaxx!
- Oct 31, 2006
- 12,122
- 16,796
- Disclosures
- have been on nationally released albums, charting on the Billboard 200
That's a roadie's worst nightmare
The late, great Alan Woody. Modulus.
The late, great Alan Woody. Modulus.
Captain Pedantic wants to point out that Alan Woody's 18-string Modulus (which iirc was originally built for Tom Petersson) is tuned Eee Aaa Ddd Ggg Bbb Eee, rather than the Bbb Eee Aaa Ddd Ggg Ccc that OP is interested in.
Mark Garza builds anything you dream / draw up - I’m just not sure what he would say to the 18 string idea, as I have not seen anything with that many strings on his website. Worth an inquiry though IMO. I have purchased two fives from him and he does very nice work.
www.garzguitars.com
www.garzguitars.com
Thanks to everyone for the recommendations and also for the links to all of the existing 18-string builds. I find this kind of stuff fascinating! Definitely have more options to peruse than I expected. I figured this would be so niche that maybe one or two other basses exist, but I guess there's just enough of a market for those of us that want something ridiculous.
Psst...Cap: it's *Allen*...
But yeah. Mr Woody of Gov't Mule would whip out "Thor", a Modulus 18-string (6 triple-courses in EADGBE bass-VI tuning; also of note, short 30.5" scale) on "Whipping Post" live with the Allman Brothers:
^ [From the Live at Great Woods DVD (2014, recorded/filmed on September 6, 1991).]
It was originally made for Tom Petersson of Cheap Trick, but he didn't like it and sent it back to the maker, making it available for Woody when he enquired about having one built for himself:
18-String Bass Guitar
Modulus — 12-String Bass Encyclopedia (scroll down till "Modulus 18-String Bass")
Currently on display at The Big House - Allman Brothers Museum in Macon, Georgia.
Last edited:
