modulusq6

[quote name='Alun' post='165973' date='Mar 29 2008, 05:30 PM']That pretty much sums up what I was about to post. Elixirs do indeed sound very consistent across all six strings. I'm not sure on the "real" instrument bit though as I see the bass guitar as a real instrument regardless of how many strings. As for the stereotyping, it can unfortunately happen. I have had people be surprised when I turn up with a Jazz as they didn't realise i played four string??? Ultimately, make the decision with your ears not your eyes. Cheers Alun[/quote] What I mean by real instrument is, I don't know it's hard to explain..........it's more of a multifuntional instrument, as in a piano or a guitar, you can play bass lines, comp, solo etc. I know that likes of Jaco could do this on a 4, a 6 just makes it easier for us mere mortals.

[quote name='mcgraham' post='165911' date='Mar 29 2008, 03:46 PM']I played a 6 almost exclusively for a few years, 4 for a few (and still do), and a 5 (with a C) for a part of a year. They are wonderful instruments but I'm with Jake, I just cannot get used to the sound of the C string. As soon as you jump onto that string on it's own the bottom drops out, and it often doesn't cut through (IME). However I enjoyed having the extra range and extra string for options. So the next bass I get will most definitely be a 5 and almost certainly strung with a low B. In short I'd rather have more frets on the G to gain the range than an extra string so as to keep a better tone. After saying that though, Janek Gwizdala plays with a high C on his bass; when he was playing with his band the bottom did not drop out at all and it sounded like a very natural extension of the instrument. Full and thick, or at least not so radically different from the G. I would hazard a guess to say that could be to do with the Fender TBP-1 preamp he has, which thickens up a bass tone wonderfully. Though I am not 100% confident he had it with him. Mark[/quote] I think it's a question of experimentation with different string types on your particular instrument. I've tried loads of different makes, and I totally agree that with some the C just doesn't sound right. Elixirs are good, as are all of the DR strings, the C string on these sounds like it belongs. As to why I play a 6, there are several reasons - It feels comfortable to me, I have long skinny fingers and a 4 just doesn't feel right. I like having the ability to play nice chord voicings, and let notes ring while playing other notes, really nice when a guitarist is soloing. It makes reading easier, less position changes. I play a lot of jazz, and it certainly makes playing through complex chord charts easier, again less position changes. I also think it's more of a 'real' instrument, like a piano or a guitar. On the downside though, I only have 6 string basses, no 4 or 5's, there are gigs that I'd like to do that I don't/wouldn't get offered due to peoples misguided stereotyping I suppose.

UPS are excellent, but they want paying on the doorstep before they hand over the guitar, they'll take a cheque.

My Modulus Quantum 6 string.

To my ears there isn't really much of a difference between 34" and 35" scale basses, but I think when you get down to a 33" you might start hearing a difference. Don't both Matt Garrisons and Janek Gwizdalas basses have hipshot detuners fitted to them, being 33" scale basses wouldn't the E string get very floppy when detuned. I really think that you ought to actually try a 33" ERB scale bass before you order.

Yeah, some really nice playing there. I was looking on his talkbass 'ask the experts' section, and he's got a book coming out soon with his chord voicings in, that'd be a good book to buy.

It's the cheaper model which has an ebonal board and cheaper electronics, they're now made with a natural finish and called the GWB105. The real signature model is tons better and is called the GWB1005, that has an ebony board and much better pickup and electronics.

This is really worth buying as well, AJ is really on form here, and the film shows some very nice close up shots of his playing, he really does play the whole of the bass. [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stop-Travels-Michel-Petrucciani-concert/dp/B000WDVQGW/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1206290477&sr=8-1"]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stop-Travels-Miche...0477&sr=8-1[/url] It's also contains some really beautiful playing by Michel Petrucciani.

I saw him at a masterclass at the ICMP with Mike Stern, I didn't manage to get to see them at Ronnie Scotts unfortunately, he is the best bassplayer that I've ever gotten chance to see,

This new album by Steve Khan is a must for all AJ fans, it's been available as a bootleg for sometime apparently, but it's now been officially released. It was recorded live in Stuttgart in 1994. Soundwise the album is excellent, you can hear every note that AJ plays, and all the subtle nuances of his playing. His sound and playing is as always without equal. [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Suitcase-Steve-Khan/dp/B0012IWIBI/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1206275223&sr=8-1"]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Suitcase-Steve-Kha...5223&sr=8-1[/url]