Piccolo Bass Guitar
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- A short talk, with playing, about the piccolo bass guitar. Squier vintage modified mustang bass with D'Addario piccolo bass guitar strings (set EXL280, gauge 20-52). Mustang to Carl Martin Quattro fx to Fender Champ combo to Shure SM7b mic to ULN-8 interface.
pauldowning.net
Major criticism I hear is that the piccolo bass sounds like a regular guitar -- so, you might as well learn to play a guitar. I agree it has tonal similarities. But if you play it like a bass, with your fingers plucking strings with your right hand, it has a plunkier sound. I find that I can use the same articulation with with it as a regular bass guitar -- with a lot of hammer ons -- I can do it better on the piccolo rather than a regular guitar. Plus it just feels better than a guitar to me, a bass player.
Agreed Brent, I get that point a lot, and I agree with you there's a definite tonal difference between regular electric guitar and piccolo bass guitar. As well as the playing difference.
Understandable point of view, bu limited in my view. Listen to the depth of expression you get with a viola piece. A violin can't acheive this. You just have to get to know each instrument and love it for what it can acheive. I do agree that if you want a guitar sound you might as well get a guitar. Piccolo bass has so much more to offer.
" so, you might as well learn to play a guitar. " What if I don't want to? Will they force me to? If not, they can shut up, and let us enjoy piccolo basses!
string spacing on bass is also huge in comparison to guitar, total different feel
Sorry to bump a 6 year old comment, but check out the "piccolo bass jam in dorian minor" on youtube - that thing sounds like a proper bass just played a bit up the fretboard. Amp settings surely help
Paul could you tell me what gauge strings I need to order from D'Addario? I would like to set up my bass for a piccolo but not sure what gauge to order
Hi Keith. No problem, I use set EXL280 which are gauge 20 - 52. Hope this helps.
Bravo Paul 👍🏻
A lovely sound and playing.
Thanks Shane!
So, my thought is that a baritone guitare is actualy a six string piccolo bass, that is, a four sting piccolo with an added lower note and an added higher note!!...
Slightly different tuning of the strings (6 string bass is usually tuned in 4ths, Baritone as a guitar a 4th lower)...but darn close!
Absolutely amazing sound!
Thank you!
You recon I could get about the same sound with a vintage modified jaguar special short scale? Thinking about getting one and have piccolo strings slapped on it, that or a Squier Bronco.
Hi, I've got no experience with either of these short scale basses. But, I'm thinking the Jaguar SS bass would be the better option as it has 4 adjustable saddles on the bridge (for a better intonation set-up). Please do let me know how you get on if you decide to go for it...as the Mustang is hard to find these days and it would be good for people to have another option. Scott Whitley has a reasonably priced short scale bass on the market that looks pretty nice (just throwing that out there as another possible option).
love piccolo bass, and that is a very gorgeous tone.
That sounded great! Makes me want to get a piccolo string set from d addario and a short scale :)
Wow!💚🙏
It sounds amazing and all, but... Did you technically just bend the entire guitar at 2:40? :D I've never seen anyone doing that. :D
Hi Daniel, thank you. I just bent the neck a little...there's a little bit of flex there.
You should see the stuff Billy Sheehan does
It's called "neck bending" and many players do it, on both electric and acoustic. Adds some vibrato.
I use .20p, 32, 42, 52 D'addairio Piccalo Nickle Round wounds on my Fender Jazz Fretless.
I alternate them with .40-.90 chrome flatwounds on there.
They are the two sets i will never stop using.
I have a 34 inch bass, but I LOVE the sound of piccolo strings. Could I put piccolo strings on a 34 inch bass with the proper set up or are piccolo strings specifically for 28.6 to 32 inch scale lengths?
Piccolo strings will work fine on a 34 inch scale length bass. However, the tension will be higher making it harder to bend strings. This is why I went for a 30 inch scale length bass.
10 years later and this video amongst others has convinced me to pick up a squire mini p bass to chuck some piccolos on. Always loved getting up on the neck and mashing some triads, I know I'm gonna have a lot of fun with it. Cheers!
Just bought a Squier Bronco Bass and converted it to a piccolo bass. Been enjoying playing it. Also placed D'Addario piccolo strings on it.
Great! I hope you enjoy your piccolo bass journey!
Thanks for taking the time to make an inspiring demonstration video. I'm looking for ways to add new sounds to my recordings. I am a bass player who makes a living singing with a guitar and I reckon piccolo bass would bridge the gap nicely. I recently bought a bass vi which is something I should have done a long time ago.
I wonder wether i could string that up as a 6 string piccolo?
Regards
Andy
+ANDYROBINSONFOLK Hi Andy, a pleasure, thanks for your kind words and taking the time to ask a question. I'm sure you could string up a Bass VI an octave higher. Not sure what the gauges for the top 2 strings would be though. In effect you'd end up with the string pitches being the same as a regular guitar, but with the long 30" scale length that the Bass VI has. Interesting! Please do make a video if you go ahead with the project, I'd like to see/hear that. All the best.
That sounds really quite beautiful! Loving that tone!
I'm looking at upgrading from my first bass soon, which will mean my $100 learning bass will potentially sit around a lot more, nothing wrong with a cheap learner but I don't want it going to waste, do you reckon the Piccolo tuning would work out alright with a 34" scale?
Thanks loafers609! Sure, the D'addario piccolo set works fine on a 34" scale bass. I used to have them on a Fender Jazz bass a while back. The tension is quite high though, making it hard to do strings bends and such. Which is why I went with the 30" mustang in the end.
Hey there I play a Paul beard gold tone resonator bass and was wondering how these strings would effect the instrument is it safe to switch to thin strings?
Hi Liquid Feel. It's a 32" scale I believe. Should work just fine.
Just stumbled on this video while searching for some classic ManOwar tracks. Joey DeMaio always plays a piccolo bass. Having said that, this video has inspired me to pick up my own instruments which I haven't touch in a very long time. Also, you have an incredible speaking voice--this video was a pleasure. Thank you for making music.
Thanks for the kind words Jess :) I'm glad you're playing again. I just checked out Joey DeMaio playing his piccolo bass...woah, he can sure sure play. Great to see his approach with a tremolo arm...great stuff!
he sounds like stephen fry
Very nice!
Thanks!
Hi. Whats the brand of your Overdrive pedal ? Thanks
Hi, I used a Carl Martin Quattro pedal. It has 4 effects. Compressor, Overdrive, Chorus & Delay.
That sounds _fantastic,_ Paul! You've inspired me to take the plunge and do my own.
Many thanks. Best of luck with your piccolo bass journey!
something like this seems good for someone used to classical guitar string spacing maybe.
yes indeed :)
Any opinion on the string gauges for a 5 string bass tuned piccolo?
I'm thinking E-A-D-G-C so maybe
E: .060
A: .040
D: .030
G: .018
C: .012
What do you think?
Hi darksoul7, I'm using E:052, A:042, D:032, G:20. So I'd guess a C would be around 014 or 012 to match the D'addario set?
paulosrecords Ok, that sounds pretty good. Thanks!
I can’t get over how this guy sounds like Liam Neeson
I do have a very particular set of skills...
Not only is that awesome, so are you!! So the tension is a lot? You said to remedy it you tried the long scale strings on a short scale bass right? What would you recommend if I have a short scale bass that I’m trying to put picollo strings on with low tension? Thanks buddy!
Many thanks! The tension is about right with long-scale strings on a short-scale bass (30") I think. So yes, I would recommend that.
@@Paulosrecordsofficial Thanks man I think ima get some, I really like that sound! Have a great weekend my friend!
Nicely done. Thank you. And the first part of 'What are you doing the rest of your life?' in there as well. Do you use flangers with it?
Thanks Brian. I was trying to play 'In a Sentimental Mood' which is very similar to 'What are you doing...'. I havn't tried using a flanger, only a chorus so far. Good idea though. I'll keep an eye out for a pedal.
@@Paulosrecordsofficial I am modifying a six string bass to be part piccolo strung. I shall be interested in what you are doing with your bass. Flangers are the opposite of chorus electronically and have gone out of fashion I think. I like their softer effect.
It sounds so beautiful but i have a question do you have to make adjustments to the bass or no?
Thanks Mr. Noodles. I had to adjust the bridge for action and intonation and adjust the truss rod a little.
@@Paulosrecordsofficial ok thanks to this video i will save up to buy piccolo strings thanks for this video!
Cool instrument to have available, thanks for the great video
Thanks Nick.
NICE VID M8!!!! I had the pleasure of being in FOH when Stanley Clarke was with RTF back in the 70s and yes was the whole RTF...I heard him/ Stanley, warming up and wow!!! My interest has re-peaked on this topic...THX FOR SHARING PS multi instrumentalist here www.reverbnation.com/minworb yup my new lp in the works has some piccalo bass in it
+Michael Brown Thanks Michael. Amazing that you saw Stanley in RTF...'Light As A Feather' is one of my favourite albums, for sure. Thanks for the link and best of luck with the new album that has Piccolo bass on it!
actually i have the same bass squier mustang - and i have always thought that could make a good piccolo
+seven daggers are you going to give it a go?
Awesome
What songs are you playing in this?
'In A Sentimental Mood', 'Consolation'...and various improvisations.
How Joey de maio makes this thing sounds hesvy
Hi i was wondering did you adjust the nut? or did you just put the strings on the normal nut? im thinking about putting picollo strings on my Squire modified jazz bass, and is there more then just the open string buzz if i put the strings on the normal nut?
+Dean Rijke Hi, I didn't have to adjust the nut on my Mustang bass. But maybe I was lucky. I have heard that the best way to go about it is have a luthier cut a custom nut for the bass. I had piccolo strings on a Jazz bass, in the past, and didn't need to adjust the nut then either (double lucky?). I guess the best way to proceed would be to try without adjusting the nut first and see how it goes?
Any 6 string piccolo bass guitar set for 6 string bass
Hi jhil, good question. Not that I know about no.
I have a danelectro baritone guitar, c to c tuning you should experiment with tunings, the baritone is kinda similar tonality
Hey Gary, I've been lucky enough to play a Jerry Jones baritone guitar which was tuned b to b...absolutely loved it. So many guitars, not enough time to play 'em all! I'll have a go at different tunings as you suggest. I'm trying out some different strings at the moment (Ken Smith, Burners) and definitely like them. Slightly less tension than the D'addarios.
So, why would one have to adjust the bridge with the piccolo strings? Is the action to high otherwise?
Yes, as I remember, the action needed lowering a bit. Basically it needed a set-up which I'd usually ask a luthier to do, but it just happened that I managed it myself this time.
ohhh great information, this bass is a good instrument? this bass served to play rock tune in do??
i love your job congrats regards from chile !!!
question, could I achieve the same sound with guitar strings
Hi, I don't think that guitar strings will be long enough to fit on a bass guitar.
paulosrecords thank you for the clarification
Thank you for this info
You're welcome.
So,Basically it's a 4 stringed Guitar with fat strings. I did see a guy using this with Roland GR-55 synth. It does sort of make sense since the higher pitched strings should help with the tracking. I just might have to get one for my GR-55.
Hi taikoking1. I wouldn't say it's a 4 stringed guitar with 4 strings so much, as the scale length is longer and the neck wider than a guitar. This is debated quite a lot on the thread on piccolo bass guitar you can find at gearslutz.com. I like the idea of using it with a GR-55 though. I'm sure you're right that it would track well.
www.gearslutz.com/board/so-many-guitars-so-little-time/764668-piccolo-bass-guitars.html
Excellent!!! Beautiful demonstration of the instrument I love!!! Thanks!!!
Many thanks Jose!
what bass chords is at 2:04 to 2:15 ?
just messing around with some ii v i's...
@@Paulosrecordsofficial ok thanks man!
What gauge strings are you using and is that squire a Mustang bass?
Hi Richard, the strings are the D'Addario EXL280 set. Gauges are 020P, 032, 042, 052. Yes it's a Squier Mustang bass. Hope this helps.
Is it a bad idea to get a piccolo bass for my first bass guitar? I'm normally a classical kontrabassist and I've only played my friend's bass guitar while i'm at school, which is one with normal strings.
Hi Jae, I would suggest you get a regular bass guitar as your first bass guitar. Something like a Fender Precision or Jazz bass. Piccolo bass is more of a specialist instrument.
Alright, thanks. Last question though. What about a regular bass with a 5th high C string? I'm really curious about solo bass and would like to do some singing while playing it, that's why I'm interested in higher octaves, just fyi
Jae Kim
Sure a 5 string bass with a high C as the highest is certainly possible...or a 4 string with a top C and no low E for that matter :) It would get you into a higher range...more of a tenor range.
You can also get a 6 strings EADGCF. that way you can go pretty high without losing the ability to play "normal" bass. With a loop pedal, you can play bass lines, chords and solo on top of it. it's a nice set-up for solo stuff IMO.
would you say a Bass VI, is like a piccolo bass, with the 2 extra B and E strings?
Robert Swereda Hi Robert. No not really, a Bass VI is generally tuned an octave lower than a regular guitar. A piccolo bass is generally tuned like the four lower pitched strings on a regular guitar (E, A, D, G).
paulosrecords Yep, I figured it out. The Bass VI is a lot lower.
Since I play my Bass VI thru a guitar amp, it'd be safe to do the same with a Piccolo Bass
Robert Swereda Cool. Yes, quite alright to play a piccolo bass through a guitar amp. I use a small guitar amp (fender champ).
I know what I am doing with my Squier Bonco.
Bronco I mean
planetcaravan93
Bronco looks perfect as a piccolo bass guitar (30" scale)...please do let me know how you get on.
Love it!
Thanks!!
great sound -
+seven daggers thank you!
Great sound! Loved hearing the Kenny Wheeler bit.
Thanks! Ah, Kenny was incredible wasn't he. An amazing gift to music.
Indeed he was. I listen to his music almost every day. His compositions have an instantly recognisable sound that always brings me so much joy. I'm from America, and he didn't achieve much fame here, unfortunately just like most of the jazz greats based in Britain.
I agree completely. His melodic and harmonic sense have an incredible beauty to them. The sound of his flugel too. Just amazing.
DrummerFlex q
String thinkness?
+Chalkaspis Hi, string gauges are; E:052, A:042, D:032, G:20
paulosrecords Thank you for replying back so quick! Yes, gauge! I have 50 40 30 20 (EADG), and I installed them on my 24 fret bass. And they just sound so dry!.... Then I took them out and installed them on my 19 fret bass. And the sound is different! Better, I might add. What's the deal here? I tune EADG for both basses.
+Chalkaspis My pleasure. Very hard to say why you have sound differences between bass guitars, without seeing them. Could be a difference in scale length, pickups, electronics, well anything really! Can only recommend you explore and experiment until you are happy. Good luck with your quest :)
+ paulosrecords Well, the one with the dry sound is long scale. Maybe that's the problem... Thanks!
Thanks!
Stop doing that with the neck man you are scaring me!
You mean the pitch bend at 2:40? it's not a problem truly. I don't use very much force. Necks can take a little stress in my experience. Never damaged one yet ;-)
How does it fit in with a guitar player in a band? Or does it replace the guitar player?
Hi, I'd say it can compliment a guitar player or be there without one. It covers the same frequencies as the pitches of the lower four strings of a guitar but sounds different and is approached differently. i'd suggest checking out the player 'Foley' in the Miles Davis group.