8-String Fretless

[Blkholesun]

I got the suddern urge the other night to build myself an 8-string fretless bass. Not the kind with extended range, but the doubled strings. I think some people call them a mandocello. I have a lot of questions about the 8-strings but I would like to hear some soundclips first if anyone has some (solo if possible). Also, what Pearl Jam songs does Jeff use the 8 on? I'm going to try one out at a music shop soon if I can find one, but I couldn't even find a fretless last time I looked around.

 

[anechoic]

The only mass produced fretless 8 string I can think of is the one that Rondo sells (I can't remember if it's a Brice, SX or something else). If you're within driving distance of northern New Jersey, that might be the best place to try one out. Otherwise, I think you're going to have to find someone who owns one, unless you happen to stumble across one in a local shop.

 

[Blkholesun]

Where in north jersey is that? I'm not sure if it's worth the trip because I'll be building my own with warmoth parts but if it's less than 2 hours from philly I may.

 

[blindeddie]

check out fbbcustom. matt has made of couple of killer 8 strings. one ERB fretless and one octave fretless. and a really cool octave fretted eight.

 

[tplyons]

Rondo's in Union, NJ.

Jeff Ament seldom uses his 8 string, more often than not it's his 12'er. He uses a fretted 12 on Black, Rearview Mirror, Jeremy and Leash that I can think of.

Not to mention Cheap Trick.

 

[iamthebassman]

I think some people call them a mandocello.

No...they don't. As someone who's played 8 and 12 string basses for 20 years, I've never heard that. I HAVE often heard a mandocello called a mandocello tho'.