[darren]

So it never hurts to have options, right?

The interest in 8-strings has been heating up quite considerably, but for most of us, price is a big barrier to adopting an extended-range instrument. Most of us haven't played an 8, and dropping $1000+ on an instrument without knowing whether it's something we can get along with is a big investment in what is essentially an experiment.

Naturally, i thought of approaching Kurt and Rondo Music about the possibility of adapting an existing guitar or bass design to an 8-string guitar. After thumbing through just about every page of their online catalog, i came across the Brice Defiant 6-string bass... i thought it was pretty much the perfect platform to start modifying. The shape is superStrat-esque with some unique but still aesthetically pleasing twists, and i dig the overall look.

I've mocked it up with some proposed specs, for your perusal... it's shown white here just to get the shape across. It would likely use similar woods and finish as the Defiant 6-string bass.

I've opened a discussion with Kurt about it, and as we all know, Rondo is VERY receptive and responsive to customer requests. If you guys are interested in something like this, chime in and maybe Kurt can make it happen.

[EDIT: Since nobody wants to read through 132 pages of posts to find the latest, i'm adding a FAQ here - darren. FAQ Updated 2008.09.29]

Q: Are these still available?
A: NO! Pre-orders for the second run of Intrepid Pros, Intrepid Standards and Intrepid Dual Standards are now closed. Parts and materials needed to be ordered and sent to the factory in order to meet production schedules. The second run is expected to be delivered in late February/early March 2009. Subsequent runs will likely take place after that.

Q: How much?
A: Current pricing for the Intrepid Pro (maple/walnut 5-piece neck thru body with mahogany wings, maple fretboard, Hipshot bridge and EMG 808 pickup) is USD$675 plus shipping. Pricing on the second run of Intrepid Standard models is USD $535. The Intrepid Dual Standard 8 is $625. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at ordering time, with the remainder due prior to shipping.

Q: How long are pre-orders being accepted?
A: Intrepids are being ordered from the factory in relatively small runs, and all instruments were pre-sold through the pre-order process. The first run was apparently 50 instruments, and those sold out within days. Orders are usually taken until a production target is met or an ordering cutoff date is reached. We do not know if Rondo Music plans to order additional units for inventory.

Q: When are these coming in?
A: Current estimated ship time is late February or early March 2009. You will be contacted directly by Rondo Music when these come in, as the balance of your payment will be due before your guitar ships out.

Q: Is there a hardshell case available?
A: Not yet. An exact-fitting case will have to be custom-built, but may not be ready at the same time the guitars are expected to be delivered.

Originally Posted by Rondo

Target is to have it fit our Baritone 28" scale case.
If not, we will have cases made for it. But as Cases generally come from China - and the basses from Korea - timing will be off for sure.

The Intrepid does fit in a standard bass hardshell case with a few inches to spare at the top of the headstock. The body and neck are held firmly in place.

Q: Can you make me a mockup for a custom shop model i want to order?
A: No. I don't work for Rondo Music, and can't respond to every single request for a custom mockup. If you have questions about other products from Rondo, please contact Kurt directly.

[EDIT: Just so nobody's confused, i'm updating this post with all of the prototype concept mockups to date. - darren, 2008.04.05]

Just to recap the evolution:

October 4, 2006


October 5, 2006


December 19, 2006


May 4, 2008


May 4, 2008


Updated 2008.08.11
... with production pics!

Agile Intrepid Pro 8 at HomeOld

The first batch is expected around September 1. Here are some pics of a maple-fretboard model:

[Mykie]

Dood, Hell Yeah, i would be all over that, nice design too

[Donnie]

Hmmm... good idea and nice design. I'm not to big on anything more than 7 strings these days, but if this sees the light of day and is at a reasonable price, I just might pick one up for the hell of it.

[nyck]

I'd be interested if it had a maple fretboard, and the price was reasonable: $500/600? Is that even possible?

[Jason]

the defiant is a very cool shape. I would like one of these.

[Papa Shank]

That almost looks good to go imo, although an option to add Lundgrens might be nice and I think the headstock would do well from having an inline setup, inline reversed???

EDIT - Actually, if the body were to be more like an RG but keep the horns the same as in the above design I'd be pretty happy.

[Ror3h]

Thats gorgeous!
I want one...
That looks awesome in white with ebony board, even if it is just to get the shape across haha.
If these get made and are at a decent price id HAVE to get one!

[Adam]

Wait does it say 38.625" scale length on it? Cuz if itt does tuning it for a high A instead of a low F# will be almost impossible

[darren]

I don't think an inline headstock is practical. A 4+4 headstock keeps it from being too neck-heavy, and keeps the overall length a bit more reasonable. As it is, with the 28 5/8" scale, you're probably going to have to carry it around in a bass case, unless the neck and bridge are set further back in the body.

BTW, i chose that scale length so that the overall fret spacing is familiar above the 2nd fret... 28 5/8" is a fairly standard baritone scale, equivalent to a 25.5" scale guitar with two frets added at the nut end of the neck. Tuning up to A would be pretty tricky on this instrument, but i figure MOST people are going to want to tune down, so it's designed to make that the optimal configuration.

All of Rondo's instruments are priced extremely competitively, and just about every review i've read of instruments from their various brands indicates that the quality is top-notch. The idea here is to put together a well-designed and well-built 8-string at a reasonable price. By building as much as possible off an existing design, the development costs can be minimized and the price kept down, so those of us who are interested can give it a try, then possibly commission a custom 8 with more exotic and unique options (like fanned frets) down the road from any of the growing number of small custom shops that are tooling up for 8-strings. (Oni and KxK come to mind.)

[nyck]

I can vouch for Rondo's quality and service. Excellent company.