Anyone Built an 8 string Bass?

[zenjim]

I'm interested in building an 8 string but the standard Warmoth 8 string neck has holes for just the GB7 tuners. That sounds like it might be a tad on the neck heavy side. I asked if there were options and it looks like I can go with the paddle, but that would be way more work than I could handle. Has anyone built one with that standard neck profile?

Thanks,

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

Sorry to inform, this section is for the gallery only.
you should re-direct this post in the neck section, or request the moderator to re-direct.

 

[zenjim]

Sorry to inform, this section is for the gallery only.
you should re-direct this post in the neck section, or request the moderator to re-direct.

Thanks will do

 

[amigarobbo]

No, but I was thinking about it.

A hollow bodied with F hole Custom T, possibly Bubinga topped Maple body. I'd like it built with a hard strong wood, and hollow to make to keep the weight down.

I've had issues with 8 strings before, the D'Addario web site lists the 8 string set of having a total tention of 313.6 lb,  :sad: http://www.daddario.com/DADProductDetail.Page?ActiveID=3769&ProductID=136

I'm sure the neck would be fine, but I'd be worried about a Schaller 471 8 string bridge only having 3 screws holding it down, and the 4 screw neck joint popping off.

:sad1:

Someone reassure me.  :-\

 

[Cagey]

I have little doubt that much tension could pull a screw straight out, but the load isn't presented that way. It's a shear load, so you'd be pulling at 90° to the hole, trying to drag the fastener through the wood instead of back out of the hole. That's tougher to do. To make it tougher still, I'd either use larger diameter fasteners and/or threaded inserts so you'd present a bigger face to the load vector.

 

[line6man]

I'm sure the neck would be fine, but I'd be worried about a Schaller 471 8 string bridge only having 3 screws holding it down, and the 4 screw neck joint popping off.

Don't you think there would be reports of that happening, if it were an issue? Why would the design even exist, if that was a concern?

 

[amigarobbo]

Don't you think there would be reports of that happening, if it were an issue? Why would the design even exist, if that was a concern?

You don't hear many reports about Warmoth 8 strings.

But you raise a good point.  :doh:

Now the question, Octave string above or below!  :dontknow:

 

[raystankewitz]

You have to remember, the bridge fasteners will be in shear, for the most part. The neck needs the screws to hold it in alignment but the butt end of the neck is against a natural buttress created by the neck pocket holding the tension of the strings. I have seen TOM studs so loose, they could be removed with your fingers, but the guitar still played okay.

I don't see any strength issues here, even with 300+ pounds of tension.

:icon_biggrin:

 

[amigarobbo]

I'm interested in building an 8 string but the standard Warmoth 8 string neck has holes for just the GB7 tuners. That sounds like it might be a tad on the neck heavy side.

The Gotoh GB350 are 40grm each, which is about as light as you get.

http://www.g-gotoh.com/international/?btp_product_category=bass-machine-heads

Shame they cost so much.



after a bit more digging:

GB720 : 64.4g
GB720W : 64.4g
GB720B : 64.4g
GB707 : 68.5g

Hipshot Ultralite: 44g

For comparison, a trad style Schaller BML tuner is 98g.

These weights are for a single machine head.

 

[Re-Pete]

I'd love to see a body in the shape of a Mooncaster adapted to 8 string bass... curious as to how it would sound!    :help:

 

[amigarobbo]

Well, I've done it... pulled the trigger on a Maple Bubinga monster!  :headbang1:

Model: Hollow Custom T Bass
Orientation: Right handed
Scale: 34"
Wood: Bubinga on Maple
Rout: Rear Rout
Pickup Rout: None, , Music Man (Sweet Spot) (I'll either fit a Lace MM or possible an active EMG MM)
Controls: V-V-X (Custom T)
Bridge: Schaller 471 8-String
Jack Rout: 7/8" (22mm) Side Jack Hole
Neck Pocket: Standard Bass Pocket
Mounting Holes: Standard 4 Bolt
F-Holes: 1

Neck:
Style: 8-String Bass
Construction: Super Bass Construction
Scale: 34"
Orientation: Right Handed
Neck Wood: 5 piece Maple/Bubinga
Fingerboard Wood: Bubinga
Unique Choice: FB1171
Nut Width: 1-3/4"
Back Shape: Fatback
Stiffening Rods: Standard Steel Rods
Fret Size: SS6230 (Stainless) I like little frets, and Stainless steel is a non-brainer as they say.
Tuner Ream: GB7 (14mm)
Radius: Straight 10"
Fret #: 21
Mounting Holes: Standard 4 Bolt
Inlays: Abalone Face Dots $20.00
Side Dots: Abalone Side Dots $25.00
String Nut: Black TUSQ XL (Below) Yep, Rickenbacker style.

I'll finish it in Tru-oil. I'm aware of the risk of warping, but.. Life's too short init?

 

[amigarobbo]

Well, I've done it... pulled the trigger on a Maple Bubinga monster!  :headbang1:

This should be delivered today, :toothy12: I'll start a proper thread for the construction when the bits turn up.

I've not ordered anything else, what I'll do it give it a good coating in the stuff I've got left over from my tru-oil Esquire build, so it won't be rushed and then see how it dark it looks before deciding on what colour hardware to get. Probably next year, as I'm mucho skint.