Jump to content

I want an 8-string... badly.


der oxenrig

Recommended Posts

  • Members

After seeing King's X, I've decided that I really want an 8-string bass. A 12-string would be a bit excessive, but an 8-string would be perfect. Problem is, I don't like the look or features of any of the current production 8-string basses. Ideally, I would like an Explorer-bodied one with a flying-V style headstock, similar to this one:

 

79_jae8.jpg

 

Obviously, I'd have to go Warmoth to do this, and it would probably cost quite a bit. Anybody else have any other suggestions?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Members

After seeing King's X, I've decided that I
really
want an 8-string bass. A 12-string would be a bit excessive, but an 8-string would be perfect. Problem is, I don't like the look or features of any of the current production 8-string basses. Ideally, I would like an Explorer-bodied one with a flying-V style headstock, similar to this one:


79_jae8.jpg

Obviously, I'd have to go Warmoth to do this, and it would probably cost quite a bit. Anybody else have any other suggestions?

 

You're going to have to play a lot of em because the range of tone and general sound is all over the place.

 

As most know I settled on the Waterstone 8 and 12 but the 8 is my main bass.

 

I agree that the explorer looks cool but it won't matter how cool it looks if it sounds like carp.

 

PM me if you have any questions or would like some TP-8 or TP12 samples.

 

PD

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Members

Here is my Washburn.

As mentioned the construction and sound of 8-strings is diverse. On this one the double-strings are a little too wide apart to my liking. I also would have preferred the octave string to be beneath as I use my thumb to play. Otherwise it's nice enough and the Barts on active give it a mansized sound. Unfortunally one of the trussrods have broken and I'm still waiting for a replacement.

th_IMG_0018_2.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Members

It is possible to convert an existing bass to an 8 string with a new bridge, nut, and extra tuners. I have seen pictures from a now defunct website of an OLP 5 string converted to a 12 string using the original neck.

 

My BC Rich 8 string has the same neck as the 4 string version. My Gibson Explorer 12 string still has its original neck. If the previous owner hadn't had the bright idea to put guitar strings on it and tune them to standard pitch thus screwing up the neck, it would be fine. It sounds and plays awesome below the twelfth fret, but above that is severely FUBAR'd. You'd want to be careful about the extra tension, but plenty of cheap 8 strings have bolt on necks no different than the 5 or 6 string version of that particular bass.

 

You can go Warmoth, but I'm not sure that's really any cheaper. A friend had a bass converted to 8 strings with a Warmoth neck by a respected luthier. It was virtually unplayable and a poster bass for "Neck Dive" when the guy was done, but it looked nice. My friend ended up buying a Carvin 5 string neckthrough neck, sawing the wings off his bass, and doing it himself with very nice results.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Members
  • Members
  • Members

that bass is just gorgeous but no way I could justify a 3rd custom explorer shaped '12
:cry:

 

 

But at that price, it's actually a pretty good deal. If I still had a job I'd be scrambling to get the $$ together. I think I still have the "Long Cold Winter" CD around somewhere too...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...