Re: 7 String guitar


"mikeo" <mikeoria@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1186067115.908969.286150@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Duane,

I switched to 7 about 3 yrs ago and the transition was surprisingly
easy. I have since sold all my 6-strings, since i can do everything
and more on the 7. I kept a strat for teaching purposes, because it
can be confusing for a student to see that extra string. Yes, i can
switch to 6 easily whenever needed, and if there is a bassist, i
notice no difference at all. However, when playing solo i find myself
grabbing for notes that arent there, so i have to really pay
attention.

definitely a good idea to try it first before spending big money. I
have seen an Ibanez archtop model on eBay from time to time in the
$700-range, maybe someone else here knows the model number.

I am aware of the Raines archtop and have never tried it, BUT, i
bought his flat top 7 and thought it was poorly made and not worth the
price i paid. I sold it almost immediately and will never consider
any Raines product again. I think most of the high remarks on the
Harmony Central user reviews are shills (gee, haven't heard THAT word
on here lately).


I also switched to 7-string a few years ago but never abandoned the
6-string. Over time I actually find myself playing more 6-string although I
do agree with Mike O that theoretically a 7 will do all a 6 can and more -
as a bonus, no one wants to try your guitar or sit in on gigs ;-)

One thing I can suggest is that if you do decide to try it out, sacrifice 3
or 4 weeks and play only the 7-string - do not go back and forth for this
time period because if you do your reference points will be lost and you'll
find yourself taking a few steps backwards when going back to 7. Once this
transition period passes you will be able to switch back and forth easily.

The main frustrations are amplifying the 7th string in an electric format as
in many cases the 7th string is too loud, too muddy, too floppy (if the
gauge is too light) or unbalanced in comparison with the regular set - this
is overcome with experience, technique and diligent tweaking but if you're
the type who incessantly fusses over minutae gear issues you'll find
yourself experimenting rather than playing.

In my experience, most people who play 7-string use the 7th string too much,
making it more of a novelty rather than an extension of the guitar - it
becomes almost an accessory and sounds disjointed with the instrument - that
said, for solo, duo or walking bass lines they're fun and rewarding.

Howard Alden, Ron Eschete, Seve Masakowski and Jimmy Bruno (when he was
playing 7) are masters and are essential listening for anyone interested in
hearing how to maximize the extra range without overusing it.

As for decent starter instruments, as mentioned the discontinued Ibanez was
probably the best deal in archtops while Eastman now makes a 7-string model
that is great value for the price.


.

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