Rusty Cooley's new 8-string guitar has arrived!!!!

[Gabe Nickelson]

I went to Rusty's site today and noticed a huge update! His new Conklin 8-string custom is done! It appears to be 'melt' model with a 'fanned fret' setup.

Check it out here, just scroll near the bottom of the page.

http://www.rustycooley.com/equipment.html

I'm hoping Rusty brings this to Jemfest 2003 next summer to show it off! There's lots of other updates on the site too! Go check it out!

Gabe

[EKG]

That is WILD!

[Two hands31]

Very interesting to say the least!

[cerealk]

wow, mental!

I hope he lets other people have a go! it would be interesting to play it!

Cheers

Simon

[caprile]

I personally find it ugly. However, I REALLY would like to see what Rusty does with it

[pawel]

Wow, that's crazy...i really like it (always liked the melted tops)...Are those 8 string EMG's????

[Bogus]

I saw an Identical guitar last friday. Some guy named Dax in a band called School for heros has one. Whats the reasoning behind the slanted frets?

[jeff l]

I'm surprised there's no melted *necks* from the heat generated by his flying fingers. He must be applying some type of flame retardant to the fretboard.

[Kevan]

Originally Posted by Bogus

Whats the reasoning behind the slanted frets?

The Novak "Fanned Fret" system is pretty cool. I have a Novak fretboard on my Belshe Custom Telecaster. It's a lot of fun to play (and reduces that "vertical" stress on your fingers, esp. when playing the upper frets.

It's not only to help with ergonomics, but also offers you two scale lengths. On my Tele, it's 25.5" on the Low E, and 24.75" on the High E. Ibanez feel on the low strings, and PRS feel on the high strings. It's a very cool setup. Try one out if you get the chance (My Tele is available to all who attend Jemfest 2003). I'm not sure of the scale(s) on Rusty's 8-string.

My only gripe, and be it a minor one, is the headstock. I know- it's so minimal.....like I wouldn't give up a kidney for that guitar. :-P

So, 7-strings wasn't enough, eh Rusty? We all weren't blown away ENOUGH....had to go and do an 8-string. LMAO. Damn that's so f-ing hot! Charlie Hunter eat your heart out. :-)

Jeff- I think one of Rusty's little-known sponsors is Nomex...for the audience. :-)

[Globbits]

Crikey! Love that guitar to peices!

On the fret issue- Paul gilbert has a solid body Rickenbacker with slanted frets (all one way) that he says enables him to play 10-15% faster.

As if rusty needed to play faster...