Topic: 12-string bass?
How is a 12-string bass set up? What strings does it have?
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- cytania
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Re: 12-string bass?
There are a few one-off instruments built by enthusiasts but a 12 -string bass isn't a real instrument. Most basses are 4 strings E A D G (alternate tunings are rare in bass). There are 5 string basses and these add a low B ( B E A D G), this gives a real booming low note (more than some amps can handle). Six string basses are also gaining popularity giving an additional high C string. Jazz and classical cats do some weird things with the tunings but for most players a 4 string bass is enough for anything.
You may be thinking of the baja sexto, used by mariachi bands which has 6 pairs of strings (I think). This is one octave lower than regular guitar rather than 2 octaves lower like the electric bass.
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Re: 12-string bass?
cytania wrote:
...one octave lower than regular guitar rather than 2 octaves lower like the electric bass.
So that's what the difference is! 
Re: 12-string bass?
cytania wrote:
There are a few one-off instruments built by enthusiasts but a 12 -string bass isn't a real instrument. Most basses are 4 strings E A D G (alternate tunings are rare in bass). There are 5 string basses and these add a low B ( B E A D G), this gives a real booming low note (more than some amps can handle). Six string basses are also gaining popularity giving an additional high C string. Jazz and classical cats do some weird things with the tunings but for most players a 4 string bass is enough for anything.
You may be thinking of the baja sexto, used by mariachi bands which has 6 pairs of strings (I think). This is one octave lower than regular guitar rather than 2 octaves lower like the electric bass.
Check on Musicians Friend, you can buy some signature model. There are 8 string ones too.
"A steering wheel don't mean you can drive, a warm body don't mean I'm alive"
Switchfoot
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Re: 12-string bass?
12 string basses have four sets of three strings. one tuned to the same pitch as a four string but with the addition of two normal guitar strings. So when you play you have to hold down three strings with one finger, good luck to them i have more than enough adventure getting round six.
Re: 12-string bass?
Wow, that's cool. Sounds difficult to play.
"A steering wheel don't mean you can drive, a warm body don't mean I'm alive"
Switchfoot
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