bertbass Posted February 7, 2021 Posted February 7, 2021 (edited) I did this as an experiment with a Squire bass. Converted the head to 4 a side. Fitted Schaller bass and guitar machine heads, made a new nut and used a Schaller 8 string bridge. ABM made an 8 string bridge as well. It worked very well and I used it live for a few years however, it didn't have the effect I was hoping for so went back to a normal 4 string. Rotosound sell, or used to, an 8 string set. Edited February 7, 2021 by bertbass Quote
BigRedX Posted February 7, 2021 Posted February 7, 2021 Most 8-string basses get around the tuning peg problem by using guitar size tuners for the octave strings. Quote
prowla Posted February 7, 2021 Posted February 7, 2021 I haven't done an 8-string bass conversion (yet), but... Here's a 5-string bass. And a mandotar. 1 Quote
prowla Posted February 7, 2021 Posted February 7, 2021 You've now got me thinking about another barebones bass I've got... I had been looking at making this one brass finish, but I've been dithering about routing it for the Kahler trem; however, I have always fancied an 8-string, so that might be an alternative plan... 1 Quote
prowla Posted February 7, 2021 Posted February 7, 2021 On 25/01/2021 at 10:49, Rich said: Are you confident that the neck will withstand the substantial increase in string pull? I saw a comment on (I think) Farcebook the other day from someone who'd converted their 4 to an 8 and ended up with a neck that Robin Hood could have fired arrows from. Something to look out for. Personally if I was to make an 8 (and I've considered it a few times) I'd consider using a narrow-spaced five string as a basis. OLP 5-string 'Ray perhaps? I am looking at buying a barebones bass which was originally a custom-made 8-string but has been changed back to a 4; I surmise it had the issue. Quote
Si600 Posted February 8, 2021 Posted February 8, 2021 On 25/01/2021 at 11:49, Rich said: Are you confident that the neck will withstand the substantial increase in string pull? I saw a comment on (I think) Farcebook the other day from someone who'd converted their 4 to an 8 and ended up with a neck that Robin Hood could have fired arrows from. Something to look out for. Personally if I was to make an 8 (and I've considered it a few times) I'd consider using a narrow-spaced five string as a basis. OLP 5-string 'Ray perhaps? I'm a bit surprised that He Who Should Not Have The Pìss Ripped Out Of Him On BC hasn't made a 4er out of a 5er for fat fingered bassists yet. Quote
prowla Posted February 8, 2021 Posted February 8, 2021 1 hour ago, Si600 said: I'm a bit surprised that He Who Should Not Have The Pìss Ripped Out Of Him On BC hasn't made a 4er out of a 5er for fat fingered bassists yet. Oh lawd - now you've said it out loud! 1 Quote
Newfoundfreedom Posted February 8, 2021 Posted February 8, 2021 3 hours ago, Si600 said: I'm a bit surprised that He Who Should Not Have The Pìss Ripped Out Of Him On BC hasn't made a 4er out of a 5er for fat fingered bassists yet. He has. It's one of the first things I ever saw of his. 1 Quote
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