Chambered 8 string multiscale bass

[JoelFT]

I like the bloodwood better. If you don't go with it then pick something that is not very busy. You really don't want to take away from the spalt. I also think a simple maple board or, wenge like the rest of the bass would look real good.

 

[pilotjones]

I'd take the bloodwood over the marblewood. You need something fairly ordinary to anchor the craziness of the body and headstock, which is why I had suggested bubinga, which would be a repeat from the neck rather than adding complexity.

 

[Geoff St. Germaine]

I agree with the bloodwood recommendations. It's less busy and I think your concern about it being too red will be tempered when there are frets and strings on the bass, adding a lot of silver over the red. I always find fretboards look a lot different fretted and strung up than just a plain fretboard blank mocked up with the body.

 

[ninefingerbass]

Here is the Wenge body chambered on the bass side, the electronic cavity will act as the chamber for the treble side.

 

[ninefingerbass]

Bass update with pics. This is the headstock/volute laminated with at thin maple veneer to accent the maple in the neck. The volute is wenge.

 

[ninefingerbass]

Here is how it will look laminated.

 

[pilotjones]

I love those cam clamps.


Oh, btw, nice neck too.

 

[ninefingerbass]

Here are some more pics; the bass is built thick to carve the arch top and belly cut in the back also for the chambers as well.

 

[ninefingerbass]

@pilotjones; those clamps are Ray's, he's got all kinds of neat tools from what he told me.

 

[ninefingerbass]

After some time traveling back to the US and settling into work, society, new home and music, the build continues. Still a few more months left, should be done by New Years!! I went to go visit Ray in Texas and he was very welcoming and super friendly as always! In addition to seeing the bass progress and visiting I also got my arched top 6 string single cut an Indian rosewood ramp, the humbucker converted to two wire, nut filed, ground issue resolved and a complete cleanup! Afterwards he took some pics and posted on his website of my lacewood beauty! Here's some pics of the 8 string in progress.

 

[ninefingerbass]

more pics...

 

[ninefingerbass]

Neodymium pickup, it's 22k ohms 2 wire humbucker

 

[ninefingerbass]

This is an old thread but it's been a long time in the making. I just picked this 8 string beast up yesterday and have fallen in love. Take a look.

Sorry for the delay in progress pics but with military kicking my butt with work and living a life off deployment, I've been busy. Enjoy and tell me what you guys think. I'll post a video soon. I have to get used to this.

Keep in mind that the strings range from a .110 to a .007, that being said, it's definitely extended range and has strings thinner and higher than a guitar. So the comments about why don't I play guitar instead, please refrain. Thanks and enjoy!

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More pics

 

[Musiclogic]

Beauty, Very cool looking Bass

 

[reverendrally]

*like*

 

[octaedro7]

Indeed, really cool. It's a pity not having the chance to see more progress

 

[20YearNoob]

Indeed, really cool. It's a pity not having the chance to see more progress

The builder's site links to the chronicle of the build as well:

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[ninefingerbass]

Octoedra: life has been hectic and keeping up was much more difficult. I do apologize for not keeping up with the progress but like said before the builder was so kind in keeping a progress page of his own.

 

[PaPaVB20]

I love this bass!!! So cool!

 

[ninefingerbass]

This is a beast! Not only does it look good but plays well too! Rays been a great friend and luthier and knows what he's doing and I trust his judgement on anything. I spent time with him and he's a rad dude. He'll make you whatever you want, just no copy of someone else's design. He's also got a line of basses that are amazing as well.

Back to the bass: bar none, the most beautiful and well balanced bass I've ever seen/played.