When I had an 8-string bass and I played it for my guitar-playing friend, he said, "How in the hell am I supposed to compete with that!?" I'd say that's reason enough to get one 
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Why do I want an 8 string?
- Thread starter jaybones
- Start date
I've played Greg Lake's 8-string bass a couple of times (once in setting up at a gig at uni and once in a guitar shop), but I've never been inclined to buy one.
I have got an octave divider pedal though (an Agular), which can be used sparingly.
A few weeks back we were talking guitars at work and I mentioned I have a double-neck, to which someone replied I don't get why you would have a double-neck bass, to which I replied that mine was a guitar/bass one but perhaps a fretted/fretless bass would work.
But now I've got the idea that a triple neck would be a viable option: fretless/normal/8-string!
I wouldn't like to carry it though...
(I wonder if it would be feasible to add in a 5-string too...?)
I have got an octave divider pedal though (an Agular), which can be used sparingly.
A few weeks back we were talking guitars at work and I mentioned I have a double-neck, to which someone replied I don't get why you would have a double-neck bass, to which I replied that mine was a guitar/bass one but perhaps a fretted/fretless bass would work.
But now I've got the idea that a triple neck would be a viable option: fretless/normal/8-string!
I wouldn't like to carry it though...
(I wonder if it would be feasible to add in a 5-string too...?)
I'd love to get an 8. I've played a boutique 12 and it was an amazing instrument. If I've ever got the funds I'm going to get him to build me an 8.
I have 2 8 string basses. They are very cool things to have. But I rarely use them. They have cool tone to them, but they require more strength to play. The also don't have the same punch or attack as my 4 string basses have.
I came up with a riff the other day on the bass using an octave divider; the thing with the pedal is you can switch it off as appropriate; a dedicated 8-string bass is a bit of a one-trick pony.
You don't need any reason to get an 8-string bass. You only need a reason if you're not going to.
(With apologies to Jennifer Jason Leigh.)
Low flying aircraft, 40... straight over my head... ?
- Jul 7, 2010
- 3,383
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- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist for: Duncan Pickups; Line6, Hipshot, GHS Strings, Somnium Guitars
I have played a 8 and 12 string. They both sound great...they are good for certain songs but not for everything. Fun and useful, just have to learn what type of music to use with it....so I say if you have the funds...get it!
FWIW - Ripping through Bowie's Rebel Rebel or Suffragette City on an 8-string through a fully cranked tube bass stack is about as close as you can get to having a satori experience just by playing an electric bass. Your head (and central nervous system) - along with the audience's - won't ever be quite the same after that.
How do I know? Don't ask.
How do I know? Don't ask.
Thanks... probably muttered it after the release of, 'Fast Times @ Ridgemont High'...
Here'a couple pics of a 8 string I have.Made by a local luthier around '81 or so.Neck thru loaded with barts when new..I sold to a "friend" he took it apart took of the finish.I got it back as you see it here.Yeah it's kinda a one trick pony ,but so was secretariat.Huge ,massive sound the louder the better.Took the octave strings off and I was just as good.
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You want an 8 string because you can't get King's X out of your head, and you're fronting a power trio, and that power trio plays a good amount of 80's metal where you feel like you'd like to have more fill when the guitarist leads even though it sounds good without one, and because you don't already have one, and because . . . . . .
oh wait, those are my reasons for getting an 8 string.
oh wait, those are my reasons for getting an 8 string.
We all make mistakes.
She is a class act nevertheless - although I generally liked her stage performances more I did her work on the screen. But that's me.
