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Any 8-string players out there?

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by SullyB, Nov 22, 2005.

  1. Nov 22, 2005 #1
    SullyB

    SullyB

    Nov 22, 2005
    Hello all,

    This is my first time posting. I look forward to picking up some cool ideas, and just having fun talking about my favorite thing in the world: BASS!

    I am thinking about either buying a new eight-string from Dean or building a kit bass from Warmoth. Anyway, I have a question about the unison strings on an 8-string. Is it better to string the unison strings on top of the bass string or under it? I know that 8-string Ricks' have the bass string on top. How does this effect tone? Also, I have read of 8-string players using bi-amp systems to run their high end and low end to seperate amps. How would I go about doing this?

    Thanx :bassist: ,
    Sully
     
  2. Nov 22, 2005 #2
    The Hammer

    The Hammer

    Jul 13, 2004
    Welcome to talkbass! I play an 8 string Pedulla. If you are a pick player (some people, like myself, find playing an 8 string with a pick to be easier) you will want the octave string on top of the bass string. If you play with fingers you can do the same or have the bass string over the octave string.

    I would buy a Dean rather than build one (unless you are an experience luthier). The tension on an 8 string neck can be heavey and intonation can be a problem if you are building one.

    The 8 takes up alot of room sonically. I found myself using mine more in power trios than in a larger band setting.

    Also here is a trick I stole from Chris Squire, tune the E and A in octaves so your top strings will be Ee and Aa but tune your D and G strings in fifths for a heavier sound so they will be Da and Gd :)
     
  3. Nov 22, 2005 #3
    SullyB

    SullyB

    Nov 22, 2005
    Wassup Hammer,

    Thanks for teh tip, bro! I'll look into the Dean for sure. It's definitely received good reviews from Bass Player and from the reviewers at Harmony Central. I found a link to Mason and found some pics of JPJ's 8-string bass along with his other basses. Wow! :cool: JPJ is the frickin' man! His playing still blows me away.

    Thanks again for the tip. I think that I am going to have to find an instrument with built in stereo outputs so that I can run my high-end and low-end to seperate amps. Doug Pinnick uses a guitar amp for his high-end, and that guy's tone is awesome! :D

    Keep rockin' :bassist: ,
    Will S.
     
  4. Nov 22, 2005 #4
    JAUQO III-X

    JAUQO III-X Inactive

    Jan 4, 2002
    CHICAGO,IL.
    Endorsing artist:see profile.
    welcome to TB SullyB.I play 12's and 15's(related to the 8 in question)but I have played 8's on occasion,I prefer to have my octave strings facing toward the floor.I rarely if ever use a pick when I play theses Basses,I approach them as if I'm playing a standard 4 string bass,the sound can get really big and cut thru very strongly in a band setting.if you can afford a Dean 8 string I would say go for it,for the money the Dean 8's and 12's are truly a bargain and you can find them used at an even better price(usually in EC,because some players will buy one spend very little time with them and decide that it's not their thing and then sell them)if you want to run your 8 string thru two different rigs you would have to have a stereo output on your bass(Dean does not have this on their 8's or 12's)if you have a stereo output you can have the octave string coming out of one rig and the standard strings coming out of another,then your sound would be massive:)

    here is a site totally dedicated to the 8 string bass
    http://8stringbass.com/

    and here are two sites dedicated to the 12 string bass(which is closely related to the 8)that can teach you a lot about the 8 and the 12

    12stringbass.net

    12stringbass.com

    and here is an interview I did about my use of the 12 and 15 string Bass

    http://www.12stringbass.net/master.htm?http://www.12stringbass.net/Jauqo.htm

    the pics are from my soon to be new 15 string bass,That will be made totally out of graphite.
     
  5. Nov 22, 2005 #5
    SullyB

    SullyB

    Nov 22, 2005
    Hello Jauqo,

    Thanks for the tips. I have no idea as to how to re-wire a mono-output instrument so that it's a stereo-output instrument. When I lived in VA I was beginning to develop a relationship with a luthier and repair person who I felt was quite competant, then I moved back to Guam! :oops: It's beautiful out here, but the selection of stores and the ability to get products is severely hampered to say the least. :meh:

    Say hello to Chi town for me. I had the opportunity ot live there during my first hitch in the Navy and I believe, with all due respect to NYC, Philly, and all the other great towns in the USA, that it's the best.

    Sully B.
     
  6. Nov 22, 2005 #6
    JAUQO III-X

    JAUQO III-X Inactive

    Jan 4, 2002
    CHICAGO,IL.
    Endorsing artist:see profile.
    You're very welcome and let us know how things work out for you with the 8 string.