29.5 Strandberg Fanned 8string-Idea

[HOKENSTYFE]

I try to turn away I just can't! The recent Ibanez M8M got me excited & can not seem to leave the Strandberg builds of Abasi & Mansoor alone.

I then figure I'd start a thread to vent my compulsion. I am interested in commissioning a 29.5 inch ,fanned fret Strandberg, 8-string! 2 of them actually! Was thinking I would sacrifice some sound for look, i.e. white oak for the body. Unless I can get a stained white mahogany body? I am vain as all hell, so I was thinking of white gold frets as well. Other additions, which just pad my arrogance.

Could I reach out to the community and get some discussion. Some pros & cons. Mind you I'm not practiced to a 29.5 length guitar. I am not under any illusions however, the practice to come.

Am I just crazy or could this be a cool thing?

[Fred the Shred]

I am not a fan of scales beyond 27,5" for what I do, although for that whole metallic snap thing it does bring its benefits, of course.

As for aesthetics, I would no sacrifice tone for looks ever, especially since you can indeed stain certain woods, not to mention how thin enough tops will not have a marked effect on tone.

As for Strandberg in particular, the waiting list exceeds two years by now, so if you are in a hurry, you may wish to consider some other builder for that very reason. If it's a Strandberg you're after, however, then it's worth the wait.

[Waelstrum]

You say 29.5" fanned fret, but what will be the treble* scale length?


*Assuming that 29.5" is for the bass side.

[Hollowway]

Why 29.5"? I have guitars at 27, 27.5, 28, 28.625, 30, so I might be able to help with your questions, but I need to know if this is for tuning or tone, or what.

[HOKENSTYFE]

It Would be baritone hybrid, for now.

Tone mostly. 29.5 was just an effort. I do not want a novelty guitar. I want an instrument to exceed normal playing parameters in a good applicable sense. As for the tuning it would probably just be a E-A or E-B standard.

And for the sound it being an electric guitar with passive pickups the sacrifice may not just be marginal but meaningless. I only say this cause I think a white wood could look good. So if it looked more natural with the oak, as a sticker on a mahogany well...

I also did think of constructing it myself! This thread could contribute to that! Though some guitar makers make it seem divine to own one of their own by my design specifications.

[Hollowway]

Not sure what you mean by E-A or E-B standard. You mean like E1 for the 8th string? It that's the case then longer is better, tone wise, but for me the stretches get hard and sometimes impossible (I'm looking at you, Paul Gilbert! ) above 28". My 28.625" doesn't see long stretches (in the 12+ frets). So for me the sweet spot is like 27.5". Unless you go lower than F#1 or E1.

[ViolaceousVerdance]

Have you looked into Korina at all? There are certainly some bits of korina around that are quite white.

Interestingly enough, I'm also considering a multi-scale 8 string of similar proportions.

There's a luthier relatively local to me whose brand is Equilibrium guitars. I just consulted him earlier about a 29.4"-25.5" hybrid. I feel, as he does, that once you're in 8 string land, you're stuck with two kinds of instruments: 6 string guitars with two extra strings and 8 string guitars.

I was originally under the impression that a simple baritone scale length would be more than enough to constitute an instrument as the latter. I got my RG2228 a couple months back, and loved how much more powerful of an instrument is was over my 25.5" 8 string (ltd fm-418)

I played a guitar of Dave's design. 28.5-25.5 multiscale 8. Freaking beautiful. I can't go back now. All of my stuff is now for sale on Craigslist. Time for a real 8 string guitar.

[srrdude]

White stained maple?



not sure how its done because white "stain" doesnt make much sense. Maybe a thinned white opaque finish was use. Maybe thats what you are lookin for? No tone sacrifice if you top the guitar with that...

[HOKENSTYFE]

Yeah...(3) E strings as in E-AorB-E-A-D-G-B-E (E-A/B-Standard No?) It being fanned and 29+ the stretch seems daunting...but what the hell! I love pushing the threshold! I am competitive as all. I find the idea...fun!

I was talking with someone who works with wood and asked if wood can be stained. Was told it could be stained. Though, I am not sure of the process or viability of this. I love the look of wood in a natural state, as polished as needed for guitars. I thought, WOW what if I could have that sort of grain and wave look of the natural state of wood in white. Just an idea. Beautiful guitar! Nothing against that, but for this idea, wanted that wood grain & wave look, just in white.

Korina? Need to look into that! As well as Equilibrium guitars. I hear what your saying. I just got an upgrade done to my RGA8 (pick it up later today or tomorrow). But to have something that exceeds the normal parameters of play feels divine. So I must have one or more, that is created to that bold degree.So that 6grand for that Ibanez M8M would definitely be better served with an original idea!

[Explorer]

As always, a few words from Buzz Killington:

If you're not sure what you want in a custom, you don't need a custom. Wait until you are absolutely sure what you're looking for.

Beyond that, it seems like you're just looking for opinions, hoping something will stick. I suggest you instead look at lots of guitar images online, zeroing in on looks and features which you like. If you're thinking of a custom, then I'm sure you'll find your own question worthwhile enough to do the necessary amounts of research on it.

Good luck!

[HOKENSTYFE]

Yeah 'Preciate that & all! Looking at some of the strandberg's & Toone builds definitely has me sold! I, though, do not know anyone who has a custom ERG, so the thread. Custom 30 inch, for that looking just ain't gonna do, right? So I figure do the in-depth research at the premiere ERG site in the inter-webs.

Any pitfalls, any red herrings, should I be on the lookout for anything in particular at all? Not sure with reference what wouldn't stick though? So if you have anything to add to the specific it would go far with determining a course of action. Umm...how does one go about research on a custom-built guitar? I assume it's up to the builder and yourself to find a medium that works for his reputation as well as your feel for the instrument! Again...a little help could go a long way!

I thought I was pretty specific about the custom, too. Though I didn't mention the sword steel Jens Ritter strings I would like to appropriate, or some manageable facsimile therein. I chose not to a Nth degree share my idea. I thought that would embarrass me.

I am jonesing for an unique build! So if I'm going to invest 10grand a build, no search through any means should be small!

Thanks-

[HOKENSTYFE]

Originally Posted by ViolaceousVerdance

Have you looked into Korina at all? There are certainly some bits of korina around that are quite white.

Interestingly enough, I'm also considering a multi-scale 8 string of similar proportions.

There's a luthier relatively local to me whose brand is Equilibrium guitars. I just consulted him earlier about a 29.4"-25.5" hybrid. I feel, as he does, that once you're in 8 string land, you're stuck with two kinds of instruments: 6 string guitars with two extra strings and 8 string guitars.

I was originally under the impression that a simple baritone scale length would be more than enough to constitute an instrument as the latter. I got my RG2228 a couple months back, and loved how much more powerful of an instrument is was over my 25.5" 8 string (ltd fm-418)

I played a guitar of Dave's design. 28.5-25.5 multiscale 8. Freaking beautiful. I can't go back now. All of my stuff is now for sale on Craigslist. Time for a real 8 string guitar.

WOW just got back from Equilibrium Guitars site, and am lovin' the Ebony Masai 8-string! Love the headstock! I do wonder if having the 5 thicker gauges on one side is going to lead to that side headstock weakening over time! That is definitely something to check out!

[Rook]

Did you say white gold frets?

They'll disintegrate, surely....?

I can get a perfectly acceptable low E on my 27" 7 - thicker gauges, higher action and good pickup choices go a long way.

I pretty much agree with explorer though.

Also, I have a feeling that a strandberg with those specs will run well over $6k.

[Explorer]

Originally Posted by HOKENSTYFE

So I figure do the in-depth research at the premiere ERG site in the inter-webs.

I am jonesing for an unique build! So if I'm going to invest 10grand a build, no search through any means should be small!

Well, the reason I say to put in a little research is that it seems like you could do a little reading to clarify things for yourself, rather than rely on others to answer your questions one by one.

For example... you're saying you want a 29.5" fanned neck because...

It being fanned and 29+ the stretch seems daunting...but what the hell! I love pushing the threshold! I am competitive as all. I find the idea...fun!

To me, that doesn't sound like a great plan. It sounds like you don't have a clear reason to go with that scale length (at least on one side of the neck, no mention of the other) because it seems huge to you. Of course, it's your money, and if you want to drop 10K on something upon which you're clear (or not), that's entirely up to you.

Your question about whether a guitar can be white, and other matters, makes it seem (at least to me) like you didn't do *any* reading on those things. Your side of the discussion regarding the fanned frets feels that way at least, because you aren't using the language of someone who's familiarized oneself with the concept(s).

The whole "Is a white guitar possible?" thing also makes it sounds like you just asked without any research. When I just did a search on "white electric guitar" on the premiere search site on the interwebz, I found a huge amount of images, discussion of white versus blonde/natural guitars, and so on.

----

Anyway, I hope your custom build goes well.

[Konfyouzd]

White gold frets? Why do that unless there's a discernable difference between that and normal silver colored frets? Also, I'm not sure if white gold is any different, but isn't gold REALLY soft?

EDIT: 'd

[HOKENSTYFE]

Right On Explorer! The journey through just looking has produced invaluable resource, like I also said though, to ask can be the stupidest I don't do! I have not seen quality white wood, as far as a natural state goes. There are chemical stains that can produce this result! I didn't imagine I would be the first to desire a more natural(?) White wood look. No blonde, no fine pink, just white. I haven't noticed any in the process of looking, so it shouldn't hurt to ask if someone else knows.

Sorry...but not sure I get your scale point.?. As an artist shouldn't one expand their craft when they can. Some are content with their level of play, others want to continue their growth. Me sir, I would love to see where I can continue to. Does that mean I'm satisfied with my current stage, by no means. Fun should never leave the creators image, if it stops being fun...time to get a real job,no?

As well as your jab...of clear reason. First thank you for thoughts and consideration to this idea. I expected this from you! Every guitarist HERE has their own reason to pursue the guitar of their dreams. There are some who just love the aesthetic value of certain brands. Some who have no desire to record with an ERG, to have one just for the knowledge to expand their 6 string capacity. The detail of the idea seemed sound( 29.5 fanned fret 8 string). Sound...I feel, as it got you here and to contribute. Thanks I do love do the research thing though.

The white gold fret idea was a way to signature my vanity. Nothing more than that. I have not a lot of experience with fine metals. I do recall Jens Ritter using fine metals on some of his basses. Like I stated in the initial post, I wanted to work out this compulsion. Especially before I commit.

This site is a wonderful place to learn. Trial & Error. A wealth of information and charitable men with the means. I am a random person, with a few random ideas. Some good ideas, some awful ideas. I do appreciate the time to answer, let alone read this, or any other post of mine. I also find, sharing ideas even dumb-ass ones, help other people kicking rocks down the road of life. Hell if it wasn't for this post of mine I wouldn't of found Equilibrium guitars. I'm the guy still waiting for a Jake E. Lee signature guitar.

[Hollowway]

I think his post about the scale length was that you indicated you had no idea if you could handle it and that your motivation was that you are "competitive as hell". Your followup post says that you want a longer scale length because you want to push yourself musically, which is a totally different reason, and a much wiser one, IMO. There doesn't exist a group of people who would embrace a long scale length more readily than us, but to say you are building a guitar that you don't know much about the specs you've chosen sounds like you are just someone with a lot of money and a lot of time. And I would guess that runs just about any serious musician the wrong way.
But, if you've instead just decided to spitball a few ideas before really doing research or settling on actual specs, as it sounds like might be the case, then I totally get where you're coming from.

[HighPotency]

Gold would be way too soft for frets. Even aircraft-grade metals dent easily if they're thin enough.

You would probably scrape off a layer of gold whenever you bend a string!

[HOKENSTYFE]

Ok I can dig that. Though, as a musician are you not competitive as well. At least competitive to yourself. To push yourself and to be humbled by your threshold is divinity. My opinion.

Quite the contrary, that no research was done. As specs go this concept is not readily available. I am not familiar with everyone. This was a quest for knowledge from the more experienced. I had an idea, didn't want to commit to an impulse. I felt this was an idea that could go forward. I do not take this lightly. I am not ashamed to ask for help. Which this, subsequently is. What I was hoping for was perhaps stories of custom builds, ideas that were not so good, what they would have done different, etc.

There are those who feel ERG's are a fad that have lived out there usefulness, I am not one of those. Long live the artist. I do consider myself one. Told you in the post I would sacrifice sound for conditions. To me that sounds like I have an idea of what goes into the body. Told you about it being baritone hybrid. Sounds like I know what I'm looking for in scale. Even described the type of tuning I was thinking on using. Sounds like I know what sort of sound I'm looking for. Then later on described the sword steel strings I was looking at. Sounds like I know what sort of strings I want. Perhaps this was too much for everyone. The specs were always there. I was afraid of this reaction. I was praying on prayer for some fun with this. It felt too good to be a good thing. Let me put it through it's paces. White wood guitar(?) Really! If this site doesn't know, than no site would!

[mountainjam]

^ Dude relax a bit. People are only giving you constructive criticism. As been stated, if you are looking for pure gold frets, they would be way to soft. Who could make them? And with gold at $1700 an ounce, you might end up paying more for frets than the rest of the guitar. As far as white woods? Just search some wood suppliers pages. White limba comes to mind, also maple can be very white. Just look around.

[Danukenator]

Well, on the topic of Gold frets...I present Ritter.

Ritter Princess Isabella

These are a nice rich gold color and I doubt they wear out quickly. Jens seems like a chill dude so he could point you in the right direction or even sell you some. Either way, the worst thing he will say is no, so it can't hurt to ask nicely.

I also know these are a gold gold as a opposed to a white gold. But as stated earlier, white gold would look like silver.

Random side thought: at the massive risk of being flamed, I remember the late Ed Roman toying around with gold frets. I think his store is still in business so it may be a lead...(I take no responsibility for what may result from THAT endeavor)

[mountainjam]

Originally Posted by Danukenator

Well, on the topic of Gold frets...I present Ritter.

Ritter Princess Isabella

These are a nice rich gold color and I doubt they wear out quickly. Jens seems like a chill dude so he could point you in the right direction or even sell you some. Either way, the worst thing he will say is no, so it can't hurt to ask nicely.

I also know these are a gold gold as a opposed to a white gold. But as stated earlier, white gold would look like silver.

Random side thought: at the massive risk of being flamed, I remember the late Ed Roman toying around with gold frets. I think his store is still in business so it may be a lead...(I take no responsibility for what may result from THAT endeavor)

I must have misread something. I thought pure gold frets was the issue, rather than gold colored frets.

[Trespass]

Originally Posted by Danukenator

Well, on the topic of Gold frets...I present Ritter.

Ritter Princess Isabella

These are a nice rich gold color and I doubt they wear out quickly. Jens seems like a chill dude so he could point you in the right direction or even sell you some. Either way, the worst thing he will say is no, so it can't hurt to ask nicely.

I also know these are a gold gold as a opposed to a white gold. But as stated earlier, white gold would look like silver.

Random side thought: at the massive risk of being flamed, I remember the late Ed Roman toying around with gold frets. I think his store is still in business so it may be a lead...(I take no responsibility for what may result from THAT endeavor)

I've played an Isabella.

It seems like it's purely a visually aesthetic piece, because tonally it didn't make sense to me at all.

[Danukenator]

Originally Posted by Trespass

I've played an Isabella.

It seems like it's purely a visually aesthetic piece, because tonally it didn't make sense to me at all.

I've heard that of Ritter. Too bad, they are absolutely stunning.

In regards to the frets. I posted that because they are Gold colored frets. I think the OP WANTS gold (real gold) but those are going to be like a neck made of Balsa, ain't gonna' fly.

I just wanted to present an alternative solution.

[Purelojik]

Originally Posted by Danukenator

Well, on the topic of Gold frets...I present Ritter.

Ritter Princess Isabella

These are a nice rich gold color and I doubt they wear out quickly. Jens seems like a chill dude so he could point you in the right direction or even sell you some. Either way, the worst thing he will say is no, so it can't hurt to ask nicely.

I also know these are a gold gold as a opposed to a white gold. But as stated earlier, white gold would look like silver.

Random side thought: at the massive risk of being flamed, I remember the late Ed Roman toying around with gold frets. I think his store is still in business so it may be a lead...(I take no responsibility for what may result from THAT endeavor)

im sorry no mean to hijack but guys have you seen this?!!?

Ritter Roya Nr. 0735

sweet mother of god screw gold frets just get that body