SPECIAL SELECTION
7-string guitar start guide | Reason to choice and recemmended brand

7-string guitar start guide | Reason to choice and recemmended brand

7-string guitarStart guide

The 7-string guitar, a guitar that adds one string to put out a lower sound than the six-string guitar. The typical tuning is "B-E-A-D-G-B-E" from the 7th string, and heavy bass is obtained without down-tuning. This tuning has been used by heavy metal and loud rock musicians since the 1990s. In recent years, many guitarists outside the metal / loud genre have been considering a 7-string guitar as one of the choices.
However, with the spread of 7-string guitars, the lineups have increased, and it is also difficult to choose. Here are some tips on choosing a 7-string guitar, as well as some recommended brands!

Reason for choice

Scale

The scale is the length (string length) from the nut of the guitar to the bridge. Various scales are used depending on the brand and the concept of each model. Let's look at some common scales.

25.5 inches (648mm)

Commonly known as long scale. It is the same scale as Fender's 6-string guitar. After the rise of the extra-long scale, the supply of parts and strings for 7-string guitars has increased, and I have the impression that it is becoming mainstream again. The advantage is that there is little discomfort when switching from a 6-string guitar to the 7-string guitar. It is also recommended for guitarists who switch between the 6th and 7th strings.

26.5 inches (673mm)

A scale in which the string length is increased by 1 inch (about 25 mm) from the above long scale. It is used in 7-string guitars by brands including PRS and SCHECTER. The longer the string length, the more tension you can get, resulting in a tighter sound and feel. As a result, high-pitched strings will feel slightly stiffer, so it is important to select the scale that suits your playing style.

Multi-scale

A scale designed so that the string length is longer from the high-pitched strings to the low-pitched strings. It is also called "fan frets" because the frets look like a fan. It features a tight sound on the low strings and softer, easy to play high strings. The scale adopted varies depending on the manufacturer, but Ibanez and SCHECTER use a scale of 27 inches (686mm) on the low string side and 25.5 inches (648mm) on the high string side.

Nut width and the neck shape

A 7-string guitar will inevitably have a wider neck than a 6-string due to the additional string. The wider the neck, the more you can play and the more difficult it is to mute with the left thumb. Currently, a neck with a nut width of 47-48 mm is predominant, but there are models that have adopted a narrower neck to improve playability.
The shape of the neck and the fingerboard R (radius) are also related to playability like the nut width. It's not necessarily "thin", but it's a point that you’ll want to consider according to your playing style and form.

Pick up

Pickups make a big difference in determining the sound of an electric guitar. Now there are more choices for pickups for 7-string guitars, and it's easier to modify to get your desired sound. However, there are two size standards for pickups for 7-string guitars, so be careful. Guitarists who want to replace pickups afterwards should check in advance which standard the original pickups are.

Soap bar type

In 2001, the classic brand of active pickups, EMG, developed a pickup for a 7-string guitar. The first model, the EMG / 707, was a soapbar-style cavity without mounting ears. The 707 model has gained popularity and spread widely due to the high output and clean sound that can only be obtained from active pickups. Now, many manufacturers have lineups of 7-string pickups of the same standard, active and passive, based on the size of the 707. In addition to EMG, FISHMAN and SEYMOUR DUNCAN "active mount" models are also included in this standard.

Standard humbucker type

The world's first mass-produced 7-string guitar is the Ibanez Universe Steve Vai signature model. The Universe has uses pickups made by DIMARZIO, which look like a 6-string humbucker, but enlarged for the 7th string. After that, DIMARZIO developed many 7-string signature models for guitarists including Vai and John Petrucci (Dream Theater). The standard has also become available to the general public. In addition to DIMARZIO and SEYMOUR DUNCAN "passive mount" models, EMG models with an "H" at the end of the model number correspond to this standard.

Recommended brand

Ibanez

A pioneer that made the 7-string guitar popular as a mass-produced model, not just as a one-off. The playability of the 6-string guitar standard thin neck is alive even in 7-string guitars. Despite being a domestic manufacturer, it is used by many domestic and foreign guitarists.
Ibanez 7-string guitar list
SCHECTER

A major 7-string guitar brand alongside Ibanez. Even with the same shape, there are various variations such as different bridges and different woods, so you can choose according to your playing style and taste.
SCHECTER 7-string guitar list
E-II/Edwards

The E-II is a mid-range model from ESP that was planned and developed by ESP USA. They have a lineup of many modern and trendy spec guitars. Edwards is a line with excellent cost performance limited to the Japanese market. They have also produced models that reflect feedback received from professional guitarists.
E-II 7-string guitar list
Edwards 7-string guitar list
Jackson

A guitar brand that symbolizes hard rock & heavy metal. In addition to the standard-shaped 7-string guitar, there is also a lineup of attractively deformed shaped 7-string guitars that catch your eye on the stage.
Jackson 7-string guitar list
MUSICMAN

A guitar brand that was founded by the founder of FENDER, Leo Fender. Features a neck with a flat fingerboard R for excellent playability. The brand has been a favorite of progressive metal rep John Petrucci for many years.
MUSICMAN 7-string guitar list