8 String bass construction and parts sources.

[Scooter B]

I'm planning a four string AGB hybrid with the RMC saddle transducers, laminated neck and intermal neck "struts" running the lenght of the neck block to the taiil block yet leaving the tops and back free floating.

CF rods in the neck etc.

Then I stared toying with the idea of making it an 8 string (EADG with octave strings) convertable like the convertable Riks.

I saw Abraham laborial playing an 8 string in a bass video where he had one and it was designed with the heavier strings on the G string side and the octaves on the E string side. The octaves had a little lower action to where you could change the angle of attack with your finger and hit just the low string or both (well at least Abe could LOL).

I was just wondering a couple of things;

1. Tuners for the octaves - just regular guitar tuners ?

Are there any sources for bridge mounted tuners as in a headless design? I will be designing my own bridge but would like to keep the neck from getting heavier with more tuners. Being an AGB though I need to keep the bridge light too though. if I decide to be crazy enough to try this I may have to design something myself if bridge mounted.

2. Octave Strings - I don't think standard guitar strings will cover a 34" scale do they typically use extralong guitar strings or special made "picalo' bass strings?

3. Neck strength - would a 5 piece laminated mohogany rosewood neck with thwo CF bars and a good truss rod provide enough strength for the extra tension of the octave strings (assuming properly executed)?

Any thoughts appreciated.

P.S. If I do use the octaves I will use a timerline under a custome saddlle rising between the RMC saddles and run two seperate outputs along with a switch to combine them to one signal.

[Tiny Tim]

Originally Posted by Scooter B

1. Tuners for the octaves - just regular guitar tuners ?

Yes! and you could put the octave tuners at the bridge end like BC Rich B**h 8 String bass

Are there any sources for bridge mounted tuners as in a headless design?

ABM, ETS

2. Octave Strings - I don't think standard guitar strings will cover a 34" scale do they typically use extralong guitar strings or special made "picalo' bass strings?

Many string makers have 8 string sets SIT, Rotosound etc.

3. Neck strength - would a 5 piece laminated mohogany rosewood neck with thwo CF bars and a good truss rod provide enough strength for the extra tension of the octave strings (assuming properly executed)?

I would think that should be ok with a neck made of proper materials.
You may want to "search" for more ideas and info. Tim