My 8-string...Part I (Pics inside!)

[Two hands31]

Originally Posted by sam669

I have pretty big hands, but this is just weird... what chords do you play when you have your thumb up there, I gotta see if I can do it!

Mainly power chords. I usually flip my thumb back onto the back of the neck for barre chords and harder to hold stuff like that, but power chords I'm just used to having my thumb there But if I'm playing something with lots of powerchords for a long time (Adema's a good example) I tend to have my thumb behind the neck because my hand starts cramping

[guitarkatana]

I think you dudes are just wierd with your thumb hookings and stuff. I keepeth thy thumb behind ye neck and all is goodeth.

[sam669]

Originally Posted by Two hands31

Mainly power chords. I usually flip my thumb back onto the back of the neck for barre chords and harder to hold stuff like that, but power chords I'm just used to having my thumb there But if I'm playing something with lots of powerchords for a long time (Adema's a good example) I tend to have my thumb behind the neck because my hand starts cramping

man, I thought you were talking about more "huge" chords like maybe

e-x
b-3
g-2
d-4
a-2
e-2
b-0

[Two hands31]

Originally Posted by sam669

man, I thought you were talking about more "huge" chords like maybe

e-x
b-3
g-2
d-4
a-2
e-2
b-0

Well, I do tend to extend my powerchords to be almost barre chords like:

d-3
a-4
e-4
b-2

And the one I picked up from Meshuggah:

d-6
a-4
e-4
b-2

But usually those are when I've got my thumb behind the neck.

[revsharp777]

Originally, I was suppose to have the guitar in my hands this weekend, so that I could debut it at a benefit show I was playing. However, Eddie & I have decided not to rush this one. The guitar is coming out great so far, but it's definately in the "prototype" stages (meaning, not perfect). The guitar will be delayed another week or two, but it's a small price to pay to have one excellent instrument.

Cheers to Eddie for doing such an excellent job so far. :cheers:

[The_Grindfiend]

Originally Posted by darren wilson

Just to clarify... that kind of bridge system has two parts, the bridge (where the strings break over and the intonation is done) and the tailpiece, where the string ball ends are anchored.

So are you proposing a fixed bridge like that with a Bigsby-style tremolo tailpiece and then two fixed tailpieces for the lowest two strings? (You could also run them through the body and eliminate the need for a tailpiece altogether.)

You won't get the kind of trem range you're used to with a Floyd, but i don't see why it wouldn't work.

I originally meant to ask if it would work with an existing locking trem (like a lo-pro) with just the added bridge-piece. I wouldn't really want a true Bigsby design, I wouldn't think.

[darren wilson]

Originally Posted by The_Grindfiend

I originally meant to ask if it would work with an existing locking trem (like a lo-pro) with just the added bridge-piece. I wouldn't really want a true Bigsby design, I wouldn't think.

You wouldn't be able to do that without significant modifications to the Floyd. Specifically, you'd have to relocate the bass-side knife edge and pivot studs to underneath the lowest strings, and shave off the outer "shoulder" of the base plate in order to fit two strings below the low E (or low B if you used a 7-string Floyd as your starting point).

[frankfalbo]

BTW, I found the piece that I used to make a 6 string floyd into a 7. They're basically wilkinson-type saddles that were made for an old GTX or other asian tremolo. They have a fine tuner assembly but I didn't use that part. If I was going to do an add-on to a strat type trem, where the low 2 strings were fixed, I'd use them but to put this saddle on the edge of a Floyd or TRS style trem it might get in the way. So if anyone wants to convert a TRS-7 style bridge to an 8-string, I can do it. (for a really healthy fee because it's a pain in the "baseplate" if you know what I mean ) But its making me want to build an 8 for myself. I would probably do a 6 string strat style trem or hardtail with two of these saddles off to the side. Or make a baseplate for 8 strat style saddles.

[darren wilson]

Originally Posted by frankfalbo

I would probably do a 6 string strat style trem or hardtail with two of these saddles off to the side. Or make a baseplate for 8 strat style saddles.

... or you could use the 8-string Hipshot bridge.

Or 8 of the ABM single-string bridges.

[frankfalbo]

I suppose, but if I were going to use a hipshot style hardtail I'd just make it. I kind of like the idea of a split trem/hardtail. I think it'll tighten the sound of the bottom 2 strings, too. If I make one it will be with wood and parts I already have. I've got one more solid quilt body blank, and some walnut I can use for the neck. I'd just need the rod(s) and the pickups and I'm there. I shouldn't spend more than $250 new money and most of that is pickups.

[Octavio]

That guitar is ****ing cooooooooool!!!!

I donīīt know how to play that, but is awesome!!!

[crossjem]

Well, after playing with Shannon this weekend, I had to check out the guitar! Really fine looking instrument. I can't wait to see it in person. It was an honor playing with Shannon at the Faces of Valor concert and I can't wait to play with him again when he has his custom EKG 8-string guitar!! :P

Please post pics when you get some of the finished product.

-Jason

[revsharp777]

Originally Posted by crossjem

Well, after playing with Shannon this weekend, I had to check out the guitar! Really fine looking instrument. I can't wait to see it in person. It was an honor playing with Shannon at the Faces of Valor concert and I can't wait to play with him again when he has his custom EKG 8-string guitar!! :P

Please post pics when you get some of the finished product.

-Jason

Thanks Jason. It was a pleasure to meet & jam with you. I'd like to do it again, but next time, we'll be a little more prepared. It was still a blast though.