Anyone done an 8-string conversion?

[cornfarmer]

A while back I put together a jazz bass cobbled together from various parts, and it turned out great.... so I want to take on another project to keep myself busy (unemployed again! #@$%!! ) .

I was thinking about using a moderately cheap bass, like something Japanese/imported or a knockoff etc. -- something somewhat built sturdy enough for the foundation....then use that as the starting point of adding the parts for an 8-string conversion:

-4 additional tuners (small guitar sized ones)
-new 8-string bridge (schaller?)
-new nut, or modify existing nut if possible
-upgrade bass tuners (if needed)
-electronics upgrade (if needed)
-cosmetics (totally optional)

I am looking at basses that have a Gibson EB-0 '2 tuners per side' style headstock, it just needs to have extra real estate to add the extra tuners to. Modifying that shouldn't be too bad, and everything after that will be moderately easy. The thing I'm sorta concerned about is whether or not the neck will stand up to the extra tension. I had an old Hagstrom 8-string years ago, and that neck stood the test of time quite well....

I'm not interested in going the Warmoth pre-made 8-string neck route. Or maybe I should just wait until the Hagstrom 8-string reissue comes out??????

Your thoughts are appreciated...

 

[Darkstrike]

You could put the guitar tuners on the body, behind the bridge.

 

[cornfarmer]

You could put the guitar tuners on the body, behind the bridge.

yeah, possibly, but i never liked that design approach.

 

[Darkstrike]

yeah, possibly, but i never liked that design approach.

Yeah, I know it dose not look as good, but would help with neckdive, and you can use any neck you want as well.

 

[anechoic]

Here's another thread that had some info on doing the conversion:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=355260

 

[DavidMP]

yeah, possibly, but i never liked that design approach.

You can reduce the ugliness if you use Steinberger gearless tuners sort of like this