Best body to build a 12 string bass (to counteract for added headstock weight)

[Jebberz]

Hi!

I'm planning to start my first build this summer (and I'm torn between a bass VI an a 8 strings bass, as my "regular" bass needs are all covered for now).

If i go the 8 strings route, which body type is the best to counteract the added weight to the headstock? (Probably I guess the one with the longest upper horn, but again, I cannot tell which one is it).

Thanks for your help!

 

[DaveT]

I've thought about this, and I think what I would like to do is use standard bass tuners on the headstock for the 4 or 6 strings and then use headless bass tuners at the bridge end so that they help to counter-balance the extra weight.
Drilling the holes at the headstock end for the 'headless' strings might be a bit exciting.
Sorting out what bridge to use might be fun too.
I would make the octave higher strings the headless ones in my plan A.
If the headless string diameters available at 34" won't work, well, the bass strings will have to be headless, and that means you should be able to use guitar tuners on the headstock.
Have fun working it all out!

 

[amigarobbo]

You can read my trials and tribulations
http://www.unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=25781.60

I'm going for a heavy body, to be honest, although the hollow maple T-bass shape, isn't idea, given the placment of the strap button, but the balance isn't that bad. Centre of gravity just at the body join:

 

[amigarobbo]

These are only 42grams each https://www.schaller-electronic.com/hp524876/Bass-Machine-Heads-M4-90-Light.htm?ITServ=CY29fca60aX15bcf9a5579X6bcd

i.e. 2 of those weighs less than 1 of these:

https://www.schaller-electronic.com/hp135286/Bass-Machine-Heads-BM.htm?ITServ=CY29fca60aX15bcf9a5579X6bcd

 

[Jebberz]

You can read my trials and tribulations
http://www.unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=25781.60

Thank you for the info, I already read your post, that gave me the idea of the 8 strings (and messed my mind over what I want...)

 

[amigarobbo]

When you say 12 string,do you mean Eee Aaa Ddd Ggg or some Bb Ee Aa Dd Gg Cc Monstrositysort of thing?

Or even?

 

[Axkoa]

When you say 12 string,do you mean Eee Aaa Ddd Ggg or some Bb Ee Aa Dd Gg Cc Monstrositysort of thing?

Or even?

Is that a saxophone? Cause it sure as hell doesn't look like a guitar to me...

 

[Logrinn]

Perhaps a giant egg slicer? For giant eggs ...

 

[Jebberz]

No, I meant building a Bass VI with double course strings, like the Mexican intrument Bajo Sexto, but electric, with a longer scale and a narrower Neck (a bit).

But I would probably build both a Bass VI and an 8 strings (double course) - I just not sure which one to start with. The Bass XII will wait until I get more experience, since it will require probably a custom neck and a custom bridge to be playable for me...

 

[amigarobbo]

Oh, in that case.. The Fender VI uses guitar tuners, I'd be tempted to go more that route than bass tuners, it's not like you'll be fitting 55-110 flats on it, at a guess anyway.

Still a Fender VI/XII hybrid, What an intriguing idea!  :laughing7: 

 

[Jebberz]

I already have a Bajo sexto I use on some accoustic Gigs... i tought it would be cool to have a sort of an electric version...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bajo_sexto