Where Could I Get...

[Herrlster]

a set of strings for an 8 string bass?

I mean, the ERB 8 string, not the octaved 8 string. I'm getting an 8 string in about a month or so (Galveston yeah, I don't mind) and I would like to string it BEADGCFA# instead of F#BEADGCF. Where could I get some strings? And is it possible to get an A# string for a 34 scale bass?

[Grueber]

conklin has a high A#, but I don't think they sell an 8-string set. You could just get a 7-string set and buy a single A#

http://www.conklinguitars.com/accessories.html

[Herrlster]

Wow, so I buy the 7 string set plus the high A#, that's like 75. Wow. Plus like what, shipping, taxes. damn... good thing I dont break strings very often.

[knuckle_head]

Originally Posted by Herrlster

Wow, so I buy the 7 string set plus the high A#, that's like 75. Wow. Plus like what, shipping, taxes. damn... good thing I dont break strings very often.

Something to keep in mind - you are stringing up 2 4 string basses. Any 6 string B set plus 2 single strings will work here - you need not necessarily go to Conklin. It will be cheaper if you look at other brands.

If I may suggest - try the F# at some point as it will give you your B at the 5th position and it opens up a ton of options for you.

Keep in mind the F# string suffers from the wrong side of economies of scale. The more people adopt the F# the lower the price will get on them.

Warwick is on the cusp of releasing a Black Label F# string that I prefer over any of the offerings on Conklin's site. You could take the above recommendation by buying a 6 string set through them then single F# and A# strings. No pricing on the Black Labels yet, but I have to believe they will be at least competitive.

La Bella had a kick ass .185 that I hope they see merit in producing in quantity some day.

[greenboy]

True, Skip. And those considering higher pitches can often get singles of guitar strings or some from the D'Addario Bass VI sets that'll reach the tuners, depending on scale lenght and headstock, this could at LEAST cover the highest pitch, and maybe further. Way cheaper when it works out.

[Herrlster]

My local music store doesn't even have 6 string bass sets. They only have 5 strings. I barely use the low B as is, but I have many ideas that utilize the higher strings. An A# string on a 34 scale bass will work though right? Like, I put the string on and tune it up and have it snap on me?

[greenboy]

Buy strings on the net. Juststrings.com seems to be the most into singles.

Here's the link to my string tension/scale length/tuning spreadsheet, to be used in conjunction with unit weights from D'Addario's string tension chart from their site - it'll get you in the ballpark for any brands' strings with the same construction.

http://lowdownlowdown.com/greenboy/DL/String/

The spreadsheet's also handy for knowing the frequencies of all note fundamentals in ERB bass tunings