Don't hold back...How do we feel about 8 string basses?

[weemac]

8s and 12vers are actually quite different sonically.
The sound of an 8 cuts through the middle of the sound however the sound of a 12ver seems to surround the band.
The 8 is better for sonic showing off and the 12ver is a great support instrument for the rest of the band. (makes their job easier)
I've mainly used multistring basses for many years. When I flop back to a 4 or a 5 string it can sound kind of lacking for a while until your ears readjust...

emac.

 

[JimmyM]

Used to have a Dean Rhapsody 8 string. Totally loved it...just had little use for it unless I was backing up the Crystals, and then only on 4 songs. I used it to build up a little bigger "wall of sound" with a 4-man band. Then I got a Micro Pog and just used that instead. So it doesn't sound quite the same, but it kind of does. Close enough, anyway. Fun bass but too much of a specialty item for me to keep.

 

[Munjibunga]

We feel fine.

 

[Bobby B]

There are a couple of songs that I hear being played on an 8 string, so I bought a Micro Pog, but it just didn't get it done. I played an 8 in the 80's some and pretty recently picked another one up. I'll probably get buried with it.

 

[12stringbassist]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Quite fond of my Dean Rhapsody 8.
Doesn't get taken out as much as it should (as I tend to gravitate to a 12er instead), but it's a great bass.
Big sound, good tone controls, easy to play (very wide neck spacing).
Result.

 

[Rocker949]

I like the full sound they can get, but I've never had one.

 

[rickwebb]

a couple of bands ago, i was using my Dean 8-string for a couple of songs... but i was using my Galveston 12-string for most of the night. three-piece w/ female vocalist...

now unfortunately, my 8- and 12ver are in storage mode. why ? 2 guitar players, etc.
the multi-stringers sound awesome, but they're not right for every situation...

 

[dmonroe]

I think they are great if someone would make one that doesn't have horrible action ( without spending a lot of money), I don't use a pick so I would like to see an 8 string with the octive string at the correct high, even at the top with the bass string.

I'm in complete agreement with this. If the strings were reversed I'd love one.

 

[jay tay]

If I ever saw one in my price range, I would snap it up!

 

[Darkstrike]

I'm in complete agreement with this. If the strings were reversed I'd love one.

Rickenbackers had the strings reverse to the norm, IIRC.

 

[Electricblue]

You said "don't hold back"...

I stand by my view that they are utterly pointless, overcomplicated and downright ugly. They achieve nothing that can't be done with an octave pedal. I think they are an attention seeking fad if anything.

The most I would go with is a 5 string.

 

[Sketchy]

The LTD B-208FM is a GREAT bass...I LOVE the action and sound on that thing and I believe it was about $400 ! With a really nice see thru black flametop finish AND hardcase ! (see pic)

I have to agree with this. I have one of these basses, and it's quite surprising what you can fit it into. If you own an 8 string, you will find something to use it on, and it makes a lovely sound too, especially with a little chorus.

It's also useful for jamming. I've been told when I play it with a little distortion, it's incredibly easy to solo on top of.

 

[Fender32]

Careful with that thing, you could put an eye out!

Or your back, in this instance !

 

[rekesbass]

Rickenbackers had the strings reverse to the norm, IIRC.

This is correct..I used to own a Ric 4008(pre-dates the 4003s8)..it made it easier to play finger style but,was also great with a pick. Sometimes I would tune the octave string to a 5th to have instant power chord...I really miss that bass..

 

[JAUQO III-X]

They achieve nothing that can't be done with an octave pedal.

There really is a big difference in sound.

You can not get the sound of a 8, 10, 12 or 15 string bass from an octave pedal.

 

[weemac]

This is correct..I used to own a Ric 4008(pre-dates the 4003s8)..it made it easier to play finger style but,was also great with a pick. Sometimes I would tune the octave string to a 5th to have instant power chord...I really miss that bass..

What colour was it?

emac.

 

[Quickie]

Never tried one.

 

[Hobobob]

I got to play the 15 string that Warrior made, and I almost died. I want an 8 or 10 string so bad, I can taste it. But a fretless must come first...

 

[TBird1958]

Not for the weak or meek....... I like mine just fine

 

[HeadyVan Halen]

NEVER!
If you need more than 4, you're doing it wrong.