A potentially stupid/interesting idea for Guild...a Bass XII

[Rambozo96]

Like a Fender bass VI....but acoustic, with an extra set of strings tuned an octave up. Hell you can probably even tune the E’s and B’s course strings up an entire octave! You’d probably have to mess with the bracing so it doesn’t fold over on itself but it seems like a cool idea to me.

 

[fronobulax]

The problem with text based interaction is that emotional nuances are lacking. So I have no idea whether this is serious or a joke. I will observe that the people I have found who think this might be a good idea tend to have a primary instrument other than bass and are looking to, maybe, expand their horizons. Those people often have no idea of the hand strength required and may not understand how their plucking hand technique will need to change. The role in a band deserves some thought because the extra strings may just add more mud (depending on the player) and compete with guitars in the overall sound.

My opinion was formed from conversations and about 30 minutes trying to play and make sense of a Hamer 8 string bass that was EADG with the second string an octave above the first.

A classic case of just because something can be done doesn't mean it should be done IMO

 

[The Guilds of Grot]

Not sure it would be a big enough seller to make it worth bringing it to market!

Besides, there's already a "Starfire" 12-String Bass:

While looking for a photo of a Hamer 12-string Bass I ran across this article.

It's somewhat Guild related and relatable!

Hammer, the final demise

 

[Bill Ashton]

First thing I thought of when "12-string bass" appeared was Tom Petterson of Cheap Trick...a band totally out of my
perview, age-wise, but admittedly really good

Then I started on Grot's article, and the first thing comes to mind, several paragraphs in, is GUILD!

Pardon me now, while I tuck into my Tennessee Honey

 

[GAD]

Stupid AND interesting? That’s solidly in my wheelhouse!

 

[The Guilds of Grot]

Then I started on Grot's article, and the first thing comes to mind, several paragraphs in, is GUILD!

Exactly! Hence the "relatable".

 

[Rambozo96]

Stupid AND interesting? That’s solidly in my wheelhouse!

Like the tele I had in highschool I modded for an added an A string off of a bass that was tuned an octave down and positioned right next to the regular A string. Was on a cheap Squier and a lousy work around for the revolving door of bass players I with varying levels of skill had in my lousy band in highschool. Wasn’t really a good substitute because at the levels of distortion I used the sound had no low end and with no bassist it only shows even more.

 

[dbirchett]

Wasn't this an option with the Burns 12 string back in the '60s? Strung with regular strings as well as one octave down?

 

[SFIV1967]

He asked for an acoustic version, but since plenty of electric 12 string basses were mentioned:

That picture is the collection of bassist Mark Rowe who owns what is thought to be the world’s largest collection of 12-string basses.

Meet the owner of the world's biggest 12-string bass collection

Idaho-resident bassist Mark Rowe owns what is thought to be the world’s largest collection of 12-string basses. We meet him for a chat about the thang behind the twang...

www.guitarworld.com

And this is Hamer's 12-string bass from the '90s:

Emerald Guitars in Ireland made a true acoustic 12 string bass out of carbon fiber:

Emerald Guitars — 12-String Bass Encyclopedia

To our knowledge this is the first (and possibly still the only) truly acoustic 12-string bass guitar in existence. After a year of work it was completed in 2011 by Emerald Guitars from the Republic of Ireland. It is 100% carbon fiber construction, 32" scale.

www.12stringbass.net

Ralf

 

[Nuuska]

If my memory serves me right - Hagström of Sweden produced 8-string bass back then - and it seems that they still do

Hagstrom H8-II Bass

Not only has the H8 surpassed the experimental phase of the 1960s, but it has also proven to be undeniably timeless, capable of winning over even the most dedicated vintage enthusiasts.

www.hagstromguitars.com

Some years back I received a shipment of bass guitar strings from USA - it was not ment for me - an eBay-seller had a mixup - so I wrote him and told I have about 50 sets of strings - including about 20 sets for 8-string - but I never paid for them - asking if he wants met to return them - he told me I can have them, because shipping back was too expensive.

Now I'm stuck with bunch of Rotosound strings - naturally whenever I ask some bass player if he need some - they are somehow not right . . .