Is it because the extra tension makes the build so difficult/expensive? Or is it presumed low demand? Or is it just because so few builders have taken the chance? I'd love to have one, but the very few I've seen are astronomically expensive.
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.
Why are six-string ABG's so rare?
- Thread starter TimWilson
- Start date
But ABG 5's are commonplace. Is that one single extra string really such a dealbreaker, construction-wise?
These are drool-worthy: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
These are drool-worthy: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Actually yes! It can be done but bass string tension on an acoustic top is tough. Look at just about any old ABG and the top will be rising around the bridge. This has bad impact on the action, intonation, and playability. The eternal battle on acoustic guitars is making the top stable enough to support the bridge/string tension yet still be flexible enough to move air and make sound project. That's why really good acoustic gutars sound so much better than average ones it's the science of the bracing! Hard to do with bass strings. I'm not saying it can't be done but it's a limited market and an expensive undertaking which for a business is a bad match
Lack of a market, plus some pretty advanced work goes into the bracing on such a bass's bracing, I'd imagine.
They really are awesome though.
I remember some cheap 7 string fretless ones bu Tennessee on "teh bay", but I'd imagine they were junk.
They really are awesome though.
I remember some cheap 7 string fretless ones bu Tennessee on "teh bay", but I'd imagine they were junk.
Not exactly what I was imagining, but that Watson is mui sexy! I love it. But one like that pair that I put up a link to are really what I want. Just can't take out another mortgage on the house for one.
Demand for six string electric basses is already low, demand for an acoustic would be far, far less IMO. Let alone demand for ABG's in general. Everything else is a distant second to that reason.
I have a chambered electric six that I often play unplugged but that's not the same thing.
I have a chambered electric six that I often play unplugged but that's not the same thing.
I'd argue that it's not settling since they need amplification anyway, but if you're willing to go the semi-acoustic route there are choices. Still not cheap, but at least you have options.
This one probably qualifies even better, but it's not finished yet: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Oh, brother, that looks like it might be the thing.. But there's not even a drawing of what they expect it to look like (unless I'm missing it...)
