8 string scale options

jammy · 08-10-2007, 05:06 AM

My next project is going to be an 8 string electric, and as I'm trying to make it appeal to the maximum amount of people I thought I'd ask this community's opinion.
My question regards to scale length/style. My thoughts for this guitar was a fanned fret instrument working between 27 and 29 inches. Would you prefer a straight up baritone? If so at what scale length? If you like the idea of the fan, would you change the scale lengths?
I also have another option regarding the fan. If I do decide to use it I have to choose my vertical fret (where the 2 scale lengths line up). This can in theory be anywhere on the instrument, though on my previous fanned fretter I chose the 12th for ease and symmetry. Would you metal chaps prefer it around the fifth so rhythm playing feels more "normal"?

Anyways, let me know what you think

OzzyC · 08-10-2007, 05:21 AM

I would have a 27-28 5/8 cause I'm weird like that, and would use the 7th fret as the parallel.

RG shape, but with better fret access. The lower horn gets in the way a lot.
27 frets.
16" radius, maybe more, but I don't think Khalers allow for it being that high, even.

And a Khaler. I don't have any real desire for a guitar without a trem.

Also, I would have the string spacing a little wider then Ibanez does with thier 7s/8s; I have larger fingers which makes it hard to do some chords without muting a string accidentally.

But that's just how I'd do it.

jammy · 08-10-2007, 05:23 AM

A perfect reply - keep em coming!

urklvt · 08-10-2007, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OzzyC

I would have a 27-28 5/8 cause I'm weird like that, and would use the 7th fret as the parallel.

Amen!

I'd also consider a straight 28 5/8" scale, 'cause I'm used to mine already and adding another string would be a very minor adjustment for me.

ledzep4eva · 08-10-2007, 07:27 AM

Hardtail, 28"-25.5". Parallel at the 12th so my pentatonic noodling is disturbed as little as possible

urklvt · 08-10-2007, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ledzep4eva

Hardtail, 28"-25.5". Parallel at the 12th so my pentatonic noodling is disturbed as little as possible

Some people have told me that the 12th fret might not work too well with that kind of fan, but I guess I'll know for sure soon.

ohio_eric · 08-10-2007, 10:13 AM

Basically what Ozzy said, plus build it from woods like ash and alder punchier and have better bottom end than basswood. A brighter fingerboard wood like pau ferro or ebony would be nice as well.

With the body shape my only criterion is that it balances nicely and isn't so big as to be uncomfortable.

Eddie Loves You · 08-10-2007, 11:17 AM

29" - 26" sounds good. Anywhere from the 7th to 9th fret is a good place for the "vertical" fret, if there is one.

I second ash and an ebony fingerboard.

Cool711 · 08-10-2007, 04:25 PM

Is the aim for two lower strings or for a lower and higher string?

Ishan · 08-10-2007, 04:30 PM

Don't fan with more than 2" appart as I heard it become problematic. I'd go with 28"-30" myself with vertical point at the 7th fret (Low E tuning with a .072).

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08-10-2007, 05:06 AM	#1 (permalink)
jammy ss.org Regular Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: St Helens (Nr Liverpool) UK Posts: 71 Thanked: 3	8 string scale options My next project is going to be an 8 string electric, and as I'm trying to make it appeal to the maximum amount of people I thought I'd ask this community's opinion. My question regards to scale length/style. My thoughts for this guitar was a fanned fret instrument working between 27 and 29 inches. Would you prefer a straight up baritone? If so at what scale length? If you like the idea of the fan, would you change the scale lengths? I also have another option regarding the fan. If I do decide to use it I have to choose my vertical fret (where the 2 scale lengths line up). This can in theory be anywhere on the instrument, though on my previous fanned fretter I chose the 12th for ease and symmetry. Would you metal chaps prefer it around the fifth so rhythm playing feels more "normal"? Anyways, let me know what you think

08-10-2007, 05:21 AM	#2 (permalink)
OzzyC :ubersquint: Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: USA Posts: 3,356 Real Name: AntonioPetrucci Main Seven: RG1527RB Main ERG: I can has ERG? Rig: GNX3000 Thanked: 17	I would have a 27-28 5/8 cause I'm weird like that, and would use the 7th fret as the parallel. RG shape, but with better fret access. The lower horn gets in the way a lot. 27 frets. 16" radius, maybe more, but I don't think Khalers allow for it being that high, even. And a Khaler. I don't have any real desire for a guitar without a trem. Also, I would have the string spacing a little wider then Ibanez does with thier 7s/8s; I have larger fingers which makes it hard to do some chords without muting a string accidentally. But that's just how I'd do it. You've got your head down You've got your eyes closed You look so pitiful now Your body encrusted with ash Breath heavy with toxins Hair singed and matted Clothes frayed and burnt You are left with nothing

08-10-2007, 07:27 AM	#5 (permalink)
ledzep4eva ss.org Regular Join Date: May 2006 Location: England Posts: 219 Thanked: 3	Hardtail, 28"-25.5". Parallel at the 12th so my pentatonic noodling is disturbed as little as possible Putting the 'mental' into 'instrumental'...

08-10-2007, 10:13 AM	#7 (permalink)
ohio_eric He loves you Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,221 Main Seven: Schecter Jeff Loomis Sig Rig: Boss GT-8 Thanked: 175	Basically what Ozzy said, plus build it from woods like ash and alder punchier and have better bottom end than basswood. A brighter fingerboard wood like pau ferro or ebony would be nice as well. With the body shape my only criterion is that it balances nicely and isn't so big as to be uncomfortable. The only proof he needed for the existance of God was music. Kurt Vonnegut Jr. Without music, life would be a mistake. Friedrich Nietzsche

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08-10-2007, 05:23 AM	#3 (permalink)
jammy ss.org Regular Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: St Helens (Nr Liverpool) UK Posts: 71 Thanked: 3	A perfect reply - keep em coming!

08-10-2007, 11:17 AM	#8 (permalink)
Eddie Loves You ss.org Regular Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 82 Main Seven: Giannini Sevilha Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	29" - 26" sounds good. Anywhere from the 7th to 9th fret is a good place for the "vertical" fret, if there is one. I second ash and an ebony fingerboard.

08-10-2007, 04:25 PM	#9 (permalink)
Cool711 ss.org Regular Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Trinidad Posts: 173 Thanked: 0	Is the aim for two lower strings or for a lower and higher string?

08-10-2007, 04:30 PM	#10 (permalink)
Ishan 0xDEADBEEF Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Paris, France. Posts: 1,976 Real Name: Yoann Main Seven: What for? Main ERG: 30" Intrepid Pro soon :) Rig: Koch Studiotone+2x12 Thanked: 12	Don't fan with more than 2" appart as I heard it become problematic. I'd go with 28"-30" myself with vertical point at the 7th fret (Low E tuning with a .072). Bloody Murder #5

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8 string scale options