I'm gonna try my first 7 string. Thoughts, recommendations, or insight?

[karpathion]

Within the next week, I will come upon my 20th year of playing. I think it's time to try something different. Even if I don't like it, I can still say I tried it. I'm gonna buy my first 7 string.

Like the title says. What am I looking for?

I'll go ahead and mention that I'm a metalhead from way back. I have explorer style guitars from several makes, as it's my favored axe. My current rig is a 96' VHT Pitbull 50/CL, a 2x12 with a Swamp Thang/Wizard, and no effects. I'm also a hardtail guy, all day long.

The two guitars that tickle my fancy the most are the, LTD EC-407 and LTD EX-307. The only problem with those 2, is that I tend to not like active pups. But, I'm sure Duncan can help me with that.

So, what can you 7 string guys tell me? I' m all ears/eyes.

 

[Little Pigbacon]

I'm gonna try my first 7 string. Thoughts, recommendations, or insight?

Play as many 7-string neck shapes as you can, before you decide on something. The neck widths and contours vary greatly, and you will probably find some much more comfortable than others.

Mine is a Japanese Ibanez RG7621, from maybe eight years ago. It's a hardtail, now with Duncans. I love it, but I bet there are plenty of good choices these days.

Obviously, don't be turned off by pickups if everything else is right. Just like any other guitar, a great 7-string is worth gutting and doing over from pickups to output jack if that's what it takes.

 

[karpathion]

Re: I'm gonna try my first 7 string. Thoughts, recommendations, or insight?

Play as many 7-string neck shapes as you can, before you decide on something. The neck widths and contours vary greatly, and you will probably find some much more comfortable than others.

Mine is a Japanese Ibanez RG7621, from maybe eight years ago. It's a hardtail, now with Duncans. I love it, but I bet there are plenty of good choices these days.

Obviously, don't be turned off by pickups if everything else is right. Just like any other guitar, a great 7-string is worth gutting and doing over from pickups to output jack if that's what it takes.

I've played a few. I've noodled around on several Shecter SGR cheapos, 2 Ibanez's, and 1 LTD EC-407. I like the LTD neck and feel. I also have an FX-260, which is the same body style and neck pro, as the EX-307.

This may sound like an odd question, but does the bigger string and relevant pup take that, "down tune wabble", of the strings away?