Difference between Baritone Guitars and Seven-String guitars?

[killbil]

Hi All,

I need some help to tell apart the detailed technical differences between a 7-string guitar and a baritone guitar.

I would like to apply the guitar as a a rhythm guitar to cover the lower toned harmonies in a 3 guitar setup.

Looking to tune done to C F B# E# G C.

Hope to get some good pointers to help me tell these two types of guitars apart so I may select the best one for my application.

Many Thanks in Advance Ppl of SOFT!

Killbil.

 

[ShredCow]

"X-string" and "baritone" refer to different things.

The latter is the number of strings on the guitar and the former is (technically this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baritone) in reference to the extended scale length (27" - 30" or more) of a guitar.

Now - which do you need more? An extra string or a longer neck?

 

[gjkung]

Get a baritone 7 string! haha.

to add on to Shredcow, a baritone will sound different cuz of the longer neck, the string tension will be higher and the response is also faster as a result.

A standard 7 string is just a normal guitar with an extra string, which allows you to tune to a lower note on the 7th string while keeping the other 6 as per normal.

You're only tuning to C though, a normal 6 string guitar at 25.5 inch scale should be enough, just get 12 or 13 gauge string set on it. However, if you really want better clarity and feel, can go baritone 27 inch scale.

A baritone guitar can come in 6 or 7 string versions, if you get a 6 string baritone, you'd lose the highest string, if you get a 7 string normal/baritone you'd be able to keep the highest string.

 

[killbil]

Thanks guys for the pointers!! =)
but anyways...

@shredcow

considering what you said, I'm actually tuning to C on a 25'' guitar but the strings give quite abit of a ballsy tone. Looking to tighten up my sound. without have to use too thick a gauge of strings. So, i guess a longer scale would help bro?

@gjkung

What do you mean by "losing the highest string" bro?

 

[gjkung]

Losing the highest string means if you tune down, your highest note is lower too. For example

If you tune 6 strings to BEADGbB your highest string is only high B. If you tune 6 strings to BEADGBE, you'd have a low B just like the 6 string tuned down, but you'd keep the standard high E you'd find on standard tuning. Having 7 strings allow you to tune low, without "losing" the highest notes you can get on standard tuning.

Have you tried increasing your string gauge? 12-52 I'd recommend for the tuning you mentioned. Your strings are ballsy and loose because of the strings being too thin to vibrate optimally at that tuning/tension. Thicker strings will sound lower at the same tension as a thinner string.

If you still find 12-52/13-56 gauge strings too loose, you'd need to go baritone. I'd always recommend baritone though cuz I play 30 inch scale myself, which is 5 inches more than yours. I tune to Low (F Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb) High, the lowest note is only 1 fret higher than a bass guitar standard tuning. The tone you can get at 30 inch is very different from 25, it's a lot tighter and has a growl to it much like a bass guitar.

Uploaded a short recording to show you what it's like, this is played in Low E tuning, which is the same tuning as a standard bass guitar, but played with my 8 string. The song is Wave Of Babies by Animals As Leaders, Tosin Abasi.
http://www.yousendit.com/download/T2pFUGhXRStiR0t4dnc9PQ

 

[ShredCow]

I've had an 8 string (that's a low B and a lower F#, after the low E) with a 26.5" scale - I honestly find nothing muddy about it. Even seen tech metal players with that setup and it sounds fine.

Doesn't Carcass tune to B with Les Pauls? That's 24.6".

Then again, Meshuggah tunes to F (on their 8 strings) with 30" baritone guitars.

So on one hand - I'm inclined to say: go tweak your current setup... pedals, amp, picks, etc etc.

On the other hand - the longer scale will give you what gjkung said. However, it is a different sound and your fingers will get a workout with the longer scale.

 

[killbil]

Cool info Bros ShredCow & gjkung!

I think I'll go for a 7-string baritone. I'll get the best of both worlds. Wider range of notes to play in and a really heavy tone close to a bass just like gjkung describe.

However, would you guys happened to know any available models out there besides the ESP LTD SC607b?