Billy Sheehan’s Silhouette Baritone 6 - Bass Guitar

[MissionToSleep]

Hi friends!

I’ve been wanting a Baritone for a long time so I finally made a purchase this morning after this gem popped up on Reverb.com.

Check out the attached photos of my “new” Silhouette Bass Guitar Baritone 6!

After some digging, I’ve confirmed this to be made for and owned by Billy Sheehan as it matches the serial on the neck plate!

Billy Sheehan - bass player from Mr. Big, Niacin, Talas and DLR

 

[beej]

Neat! I've always wanted to try a baritone.

 

[GWDavis28]

I saw your post on FailBook, congrats pretty nice and great snag!!!

Glenn |B)

 

[jayjayjay]

So, um... what's the difference between that one and this one: Silhouette Bass Guitar | Guitars | Ernie Ball Music Man

I note the scale length of the Silhouette bass is just under 30" - the same as my Danelectro 66BT (Baritone tuned to B standard).

What's the tuning of the one you bought? Silhouette Basses are typically tuned to E standard but down an octave (a fifth below my baritone), so the bottom four strings are the same octave as a regular four string bass. However, according to the specs, they can also be tuned to A standard as a baritone.

From the spec page, string sets: 20w-30w-42w-54w-74w-90w (6 String Bass Guitar Slinkys #2837 - E Tuning); 13p-18p-30w-44w-56w-72w (6 String Baritone Slinky #2839 - A Tuning)

Are all the strings wound, or are the top two plain?

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

So, um... what's the difference between that one and this one: Silhouette Bass Guitar | Guitars | Ernie Ball Music Man

........

From the spec page, string sets: 20w-30w-42w-54w-74w-90w (6 String Bass Guitar Slinkys #2837 - E Tuning); 13p-18p-30w-44w-56w-72w (6 String Baritone Slinky #2839 - A Tuning)

Are all the strings wound, or are the top two plain?

The 13-72 set has 2 plain steel strings (13p 18p) and is the set I use on my Silo bass when tuned A-A

 

[MissionToSleep]

I saw your post on FailBook, congrats pretty nice and great snag!!!

Glenn |B)

Thanks Glenn! She's nearly mint. What a killer and unique axe!

 

[MissionToSleep]

So, um... what's the difference between that one and this one: Silhouette Bass Guitar | Guitars | Ernie Ball Music Man

I note the scale length of the Silhouette bass is just under 30" - the same as my Danelectro 66BT (Baritone tuned to B standard).

What's the tuning of the one you bought? Silhouette Basses are typically tuned to E standard but down an octave (a fifth below my baritone), so the bottom four strings are the same octave as a regular four string bass. However, according to the specs, they can also be tuned to A standard as a baritone.

From the spec page, string sets: 20w-30w-42w-54w-74w-90w (6 String Bass Guitar Slinkys #2837 - E Tuning); 13p-18p-30w-44w-56w-72w (6 String Baritone Slinky #2839 - A Tuning)

Are all the strings wound, or are the top two plain?

I don't think there is a difference other than the cool fact that it was owned by Billy. It came E to E but I put on Bari Slinkies 13-72 and tuned it to B standard... though that 72 is a beast and I'm thinking about trying another gauge.

Do you think the Mammoth Slinkies would be long enough to wind on this 30" scale?

Cheers,
Rob

 

[Mixolydian82]

Anytime you can get an instrument owned and played by an artist, it's something special. Super cool man!

 

[aufgangs]

Congrats!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jayjayjay]

The history of that Silo's ownership is very cool, indeed. I've admired Billy since Mr. Big (along w/ Paul Gilbert).

I think any regular guitar strings may be difficult to string up at the 30" scale - they might be able to wind, just. But my baro doesn't have locking tuners. I suppose that's nice about having locking tuners, you don't need to worry so much about not having enough length to wind around the posts.

Reading the specs, sounds like 13-72s were intended for A standard tuning. For my Danelectro baritone (B standard), I use these: EXL158 Nickel Wound | Electric Guitar Strings | D'Addario

No particular preference for D'Addarios, that's just what it came strung w/ from the factory. EB doesn't make a set in comparable weights that I could find, and I didn't want to re-do the setup. At B standard, I don't find the 62 overly heavy. The other strings are a little lighter as well compared to the Silo.

Otherwise, check out stringjoy.com. I haven't yet tried them, but probably will when my bari is due for a change. They have a page for baritone strings, and do custom sets - you can specify what gauges you want.

 

[MissionToSleep]

I just put in Mammoth Slinkies and that had enough slack. I also have a set of DAddario Extra Light Baritones.

Both sets were much more comfortable that the EB Baritone set. That low 72 is a beast!

 

[MissionToSleep]

Thanks!