Newly completed konig 15 string bass

[jazzyvee]

Makes sense. What kind of band and music do you play those kind of basses in?

[gearhed289]

Is there a reason for your choice of location of the octave strings. I notice yours are above each of the main strings and I have seen that some basses have them below and others above.

Most multi-course basses have the octave strings on top. The only exception I'm aware of is Rickenbacker, who put the fundamental sting on top. I'm sure there are others like that, but if there's a "standard", it's octaves on top. My first 8 string bass (parts bass - Warmoth neck, Mighty Mite body) was set up "Ric-style", which seemed to make sense on paper, but it turned out to be a little awkward for me on the fretting hand. I find it easier to hold the strings down with standard stringing. My current Ric 8 string has been reversed to standard and it's a breeze to play.

[Deltaphoenix]

This bass makes think of an Alembic Series 1 with Carl Thompson horns and Larry Graham styling.

Gorgeous bass - Enjoy.

[cozmik_cowboy]

Most multi-course basses have the octave strings on top. The only exception I'm aware of is Rickenbacker, who put the fundamental sting on top.

The same holds for 12-string guitars.

Peter

[edwardofhuncote]

I think the headstock is a telling detail... it takes a fair amount of planning to lay out a headstock so the strings pull over the nut somewhat straight, and lay parallel to each other. This one must have been really tricky. Very nice work.


Did I miss it somewhere, or can I just ask, what wood was used?


Thanks for sharing. 

[garth4664]

Hello guys, thanks for the kind words, I’ll let Tom know the feedback. Jazzy I currently only gig with a David Bowie tribute act, this one may not get on stage... perhaps I need to get something else going? The body wood is alder I think, the neck maple, Birdseye maple fingerboard and pickup covers, lots of carbon reinforcements through the neck, the tension is enormous. Edward you are right on the planning, it took over two years to work this bass out. I doubt there is another 15 string in the world as playable as this. My Konig 12 was so much better than my USA Hamer that I stopped playing the hamer completely.