Planning on getting an 8-string, help with specs?

Ze Kink · 01-16-2008, 10:19 AM

So, I've been thinking about this a lot recently, and I think that after getting something to replace the 7421 which I'm getting rid of, I'll be ordering an 8-string guitar from the guy who is currently making my 7-string custom.

I just haven't really tried any 8-strings, only the 2228. So I'm trying to decide some specs for it now. These things I'm sure about:

-Longer scale than 27" (thinking about 29" or 30" mostly)
-Lundgren M8 in the bridge
-Fixed bridge
-Will be tuned between E, F and F# but mostly F# standard.

I'm not sure about any other stuff. The custom 7 will be ash/wenge/flamed maple with a 7pc maple/wenge neck, and I want the 8-string to sound a bit different. Fatter maybe, but very clear anyway.

I'm not sure whether I want fanned frets or a straight scale. What bridge options do I have with fanned frets, and are they expensive or difficult to acquire?

Also, what nut width? I don't like the 48mm on Ibanez 7's, and my custom 7 is going to have a 50mm wide nut.

Any help is appreciated!

Stitch · 01-16-2008, 10:38 AM

Fanned fret bridges have two options - the Kahler multi-scale design, or individually machined bridges like on some Conklins.

My 8 string is using ATD single string bridges like you tend to see on bridges - they're (relatively) cheap from my work and they exist with piezo elements too - an upgrade possible when funds allow.

Ishan · 01-16-2008, 11:01 AM

For E tuning I'd go with at least 29" scale, preferably 30" (that's what's used on old Fender Bass VI anyway). For woods you can try an all walnut neck throught and wings, it's has the brightness of maple but with a distinctive rich mid focus, very lovely sounding, perfect for an 8 string IMO.

Ze Kink · 01-16-2008, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ishan

For E tuning I'd go with at least 29" scale, preferably 30" (that's what's used on old Fender Bass VI anyway). For woods you can try an all walnut neck throught and wings, it's has the brightness of maple but with a distinctive rich mid focus, very lovely sounding, perfect for an 8 string IMO.

Yeah, I know the Bass VI thing, but if I remember correctly, the reissue is 29"? Also, the Danelectro 6-string basses were 29" scale I guess.

Wouldn't walnut be damn heavy though?

I'm sure the 30" is better for low strings, but I want the high strings to sound good too. If anyone has good clips (clean & distortion) of the higher strings and upper frets on a 30" scale eight, I'd like to hear them.

Ishan · 01-16-2008, 12:53 PM

You could go with 29" it'll still be enough I guess. Walnut is heavy so a thin contoured body could be a good idea (like an Ibby S or what Black Machine do) but don't forget about the 8 locking tuners you are going to put on the head. It'll be very neck heavy if you don't have enough mass in the body.

Ze Kink · 01-17-2008, 12:38 PM

So, alder, mahogany or walnut? There's other options too of course, but I'd rather not get anything too exotic. I also don't really like mahogany that much, but maybe if it was a lighter species (Honduras maybe), it might work, and maybe if it'll have a nice top too.

Also, should I get two trussrods or just one? Two means more adjustability, but are there any downsides?

And where could I get 8-string bridges in Finland? I'm sure I'll have to order it somewhere else in the EU. Though Amfisound in Finland sells Hipshot 8-string bridges.

Ishan · 01-17-2008, 12:42 PM

You can order it on Hipshot website directly I think

01-17-2008, 12:43 PM

It sounds like you want alder then. But maybe some combination of alder, walnut, maple and wenge.

2 trussrods means more weight.

Crucified · 01-17-2008, 01:12 PM

go maple with something else to add brightness

Apophis · 01-17-2008, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Desecrated

2 trussrods means more weight.

more stability and better relief tweaking

01-16-2008, 10:19 AM	#1
Ze Kink the black wizards Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Helsinki, Finland Posts: 306 Real Name: Antti Main Seven: AV Custom 7 Main ERG: AV Custom 8 in progress Rig: Orange TT & Framus Thanked: 7	Planning on getting an 8-string, help with specs? So, I've been thinking about this a lot recently, and I think that after getting something to replace the 7421 which I'm getting rid of, I'll be ordering an 8-string guitar from the guy who is currently making my 7-string custom. I just haven't really tried any 8-strings, only the 2228. So I'm trying to decide some specs for it now. These things I'm sure about: -Longer scale than 27" (thinking about 29" or 30" mostly) -Lundgren M8 in the bridge -Fixed bridge -Will be tuned between E, F and F# but mostly F# standard. I'm not sure about any other stuff. The custom 7 will be ash/wenge/flamed maple with a 7pc maple/wenge neck, and I want the 8-string to sound a bit different. Fatter maybe, but very clear anyway. I'm not sure whether I want fanned frets or a straight scale. What bridge options do I have with fanned frets, and are they expensive or difficult to acquire? Also, what nut width? I don't like the 48mm on Ibanez 7's, and my custom 7 is going to have a 50mm wide nut. Any help is appreciated!

01-16-2008, 11:01 AM	#3
Ishan 0xDEADBEEF Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Paris, France. Posts: 2,094 Real Name: Yoann Main Seven: What for? Main ERG: 30" Intrepid Pro soon :) Rig: BM>QuadX>SS PA>2x12 Thanked: 13	For E tuning I'd go with at least 29" scale, preferably 30" (that's what's used on old Fender Bass VI anyway). For woods you can try an all walnut neck throught and wings, it's has the brightness of maple but with a distinctive rich mid focus, very lovely sounding, perfect for an 8 string IMO. Bloody Murder #5

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01-16-2008, 10:38 AM	#2
Stitch Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland Posts: 6,899 Real Name: Simon Main Seven: Ibanez RG7420 & S7420FMTW Main ERG: Orion OG8 Rig: Peavey 6505 Thanked: 110	Fanned fret bridges have two options - the Kahler multi-scale design, or individually machined bridges like on some Conklins. My 8 string is using ATD single string bridges like you tend to see on bridges - they're (relatively) cheap from my work and they exist with piezo elements too - an upgrade possible when funds allow.

01-16-2008, 12:53 PM	#5
Ishan 0xDEADBEEF Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Paris, France. Posts: 2,094 Real Name: Yoann Main Seven: What for? Main ERG: 30" Intrepid Pro soon :) Rig: BM>QuadX>SS PA>2x12 Thanked: 13	You could go with 29" it'll still be enough I guess. Walnut is heavy so a thin contoured body could be a good idea (like an Ibby S or what Black Machine do) but don't forget about the 8 locking tuners you are going to put on the head. It'll be very neck heavy if you don't have enough mass in the body.

01-17-2008, 12:38 PM	#6
Ze Kink the black wizards Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Helsinki, Finland Posts: 306 Real Name: Antti Main Seven: AV Custom 7 Main ERG: AV Custom 8 in progress Rig: Orange TT & Framus Thanked: 7	So, alder, mahogany or walnut? There's other options too of course, but I'd rather not get anything too exotic. I also don't really like mahogany that much, but maybe if it was a lighter species (Honduras maybe), it might work, and maybe if it'll have a nice top too. Also, should I get two trussrods or just one? Two means more adjustability, but are there any downsides? And where could I get 8-string bridges in Finland? I'm sure I'll have to order it somewhere else in the EU. Though Amfisound in Finland sells Hipshot 8-string bridges.

01-17-2008, 12:42 PM	#7
Ishan 0xDEADBEEF Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Paris, France. Posts: 2,094 Real Name: Yoann Main Seven: What for? Main ERG: 30" Intrepid Pro soon :) Rig: BM>QuadX>SS PA>2x12 Thanked: 13	You can order it on Hipshot website directly I think

01-17-2008, 12:43 PM	#8
Desecrated Dirty Lurker Posts: n/a	It sounds like you want alder then. But maybe some combination of alder, walnut, maple and wenge. 2 trussrods means more weight.

01-17-2008, 01:12 PM	#9
Crucified Deathgrind Maniac Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Victoria BC Posts: 1,436 Real Name: Kevin Main Seven: rg2027xvv Main ERG: Custom Sherman 8. Rig: Herbert/Uberschall Thanked: 53 $Crucified is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Crucified is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Crucified is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Crucified is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Crucified is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Crucified is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Crucified is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$	go maple with something else to add brightness


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Planning on getting an 8-string, help with specs?