MikeStockport Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 I've bought an odd bass on eBay. It's handmade, and it was originally made as a 5 string (roughly Fender Jazz shaped) but someone at some point has converted it to a 10 string. I'm now wondering whether I should re-string it as a 10 string, or as a 5 string piccolo bass and use an octave pedal? Any thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lfalex v1.1 Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 Depends how well your octave unit tracks, I suppose. Can you source the strings you need for piccolo tuning readily enough? (are they ~half the gauge of the usual ones? 65,55,45,35,25 or thereabouts?) If so, go for it. See if you like it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EMG456 Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 If you've got a use for it, make it 10 string. A straight octave pedal can't come close to the harmonic complexity you get with interacting octave strings. It will give you a very distinctive sound in your armoury but it's one which I personally find limited use for so if you're constrained in terms of numbers of instruments you can own/ store then it may not be worthwhile. If you have a big say in arrangements or work with band members who have an open mind to unusual things then that will help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
therealting Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 Curious to see it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeStockport Posted June 30, 2020 Author Share Posted June 30, 2020 I've decided to go for the 10-string, as it seems a shame not to use it as such. What was worrying me initially was the thought that having so many strings might irreversibly pull the neck out of shape, as happened to me with a Washburn 12 string guitar a few years ago. But I think the truss rod is up to the task. I bought this bass because I play in a band that has two guitarists (and no keyboards), but occasionally one of them can't make a gig due to work commitments and we have to go on with only one guitar. I've tried using octave-up pedals to fill in some of the middle frequencies but it never sounded particularly good. Here's a picture: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hellzero Posted June 30, 2020 Share Posted June 30, 2020 According to your photo, it's a Fodera Victor Wooten Signature 10 strings, so a very expensive bass ... or a Chinese fake. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hellzero Posted June 30, 2020 Share Posted June 30, 2020 Check Aliexpress to find the faker. 😉 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeStockport Posted July 1, 2020 Author Share Posted July 1, 2020 I wouldn't be surprised if it were a Chinese fake, I only paid £400 for it on eBay. Still, it plays nicely and it's got decent EMG pickups on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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