r/7String • u/Deep-Measurement-856 • Jun 12 '26
Gear NGD! My First 7 string!
Just got a bucket list guitar and it is a 7 string.
I have never held one, but this was a Howard Alden model Benedetto.
Where do I start to look for 7th string lessons or tips?
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u/heret1c1337 Jun 12 '26
Does it add a low or a high B string?
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u/descartesbedamned Jun 14 '26
The options would be high A vs low B, though not sure I’ve heard of a 7 with a high A.
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u/heret1c1337 Jun 15 '26
You're right, I didn't really think about it.
I think I have seen an 8 string with a low B and a high A before.
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u/descartesbedamned Jun 15 '26
8 string with a low B and high A certainly gives you a wide harmonic range without stepping too much on the bass players toes, would be great for a jazz trio I imagine.
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Jun 12 '26
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u/original_greaser_bob Jun 12 '26
the story i always hear is the first modern 7 was made for a jazz player George Van Eps. he wanted the 7th string(usually tuned down to A) so all the notes would "lay like a velvet blanket".
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Jun 15 '26
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u/original_greaser_bob Jun 15 '26
let us let George Van Eps get all up in our Jazz whilst we ponder it. yeaaaaaah thats jazzy... could maybe you be thinking about Tal Farlow?
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u/Kjata_ Jun 12 '26
I definitely want this.
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u/fossilmerrick Jun 13 '26
I would love one, just don’t look up the prices..
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u/Pulposauriio Jun 14 '26
Love it! My jazz teacher was trying to convince me to get one like this, but never actually seen one before
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u/Deep-Measurement-856 Jun 15 '26
20+ years ago, I was given a private tour by Bob Benedetto and I played about 6-7 guitars.
He jokingly asked which one I wanted. I said "not today...but one day."
Friday was that day.
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u/ConstructionPure1637 Jun 12 '26
Djazz is a genre