8-String Guitars

**pjim** · 07-18-2012, 08:41 AM

Hi, I've been contemplating getting an 8 string solid body. I'm mostly into jazz currently. But I like some other styles too. I was wondering if anyone here has any affordable recommendations guitar wise. I love to hear the opinions of anyone who plays an 8 string for jazz.

I've seen the Ibanez 8 string (rga8) these are reasonably priced, yet look a bit more like a metal/prog guitar. I'm into this kind of playing a bit but want something that can give a decent jazz sound.

Thanks

**paynow** · 07-18-2012, 09:59 AM

I was going to mention the Ibanez. That's the only cheap one I know of. I thought of getting one. I agree on your metal comment, but you can play jazz on anything, even if it doesn't look like jazz.

There's Novax: Novax Guitars: Fanned Fret Guitars, Basses, Custom-Built, which Charlie Hunter uses, but they're expensive.

Robert Conti had an 8 string prototype with, but I don't think they ever produced them for the general public:

**Dookychase** · 07-18-2012, 12:15 PM

I think Schecter also makes a solid body 8 string. How would you tune it?
Conti tuned with a low B on the 7th string and low F# on the 8th.

**zigzag** · 07-18-2012, 12:28 PM

Carvin makes great stuff, reasonably priced.

CarvinWorld.com International - Guitars, Amplifiers & Pro Audio

http://guitarism-tr.blogspot.com/201...-extended.html

**Jim Soloway** · 07-18-2012, 12:38 PM

Having played 7-string for about 9 years, I'll throw out one of the negatives of playing an added range guitar that drove me crazy. I was never able work out amplification that would handle both the added low end and the normal range of the guitar in a package that was small enough to be practical. I was thought that the real solution was split outputs running to separate amps like the Novax Charlie hunter model but that makes hauling gear a real nightmare.

**JPMike** · 07-18-2012, 12:40 PM

There are also, luthiers, like Bernie Rico Jr, Strictly 7 that are really good. Also, ViK guitars are really good but are located in Belarus. Huffschmid guitars in Switzerland. A bit pricey but are top quality.

**hot ford coupe** · 07-18-2012, 01:25 PM

8 Strings?? I have enough trouble with 6 without adding 2 more. Just kidding. I watched Charlie Hunter do his thing and I was amazed at what he could do with it. I hope you find a good 8 string that sounds right. When you have a handle on it, please post some pics so we can drool some more.

**Kneelie** · 07-18-2012, 01:29 PM

I second a Carvin DC800, starting at $999 they are the best value I have seen. With the ability to customize you could get a real nice one for around $1500. I have a Carvin DC747 and vouch for their high quality.

DiMarzio has their PAF Pro 8 string pickup out, but not on their web site as I understand if you wanted passives. They would require a pickup ring to mount cleanly. RMC offers some piezo preamps that support 8 strings.

The fundamental for the 8 string low F# is 46.25Hz for and a 7 string is 61.74Hz for the B. For amplification a carefully chosen 12 inch guitar speaker will work but will fall short of the fundamental for the 8 string. See Celestion's web site for specs.

I have played the Schecter 8 string in store and tested many types of amps. It worked with most guitar amps. I could only make a few really fart out with the 8th string. My preference was for a bass amp with 10's and a horn giving a nice clean tone. I have not tried a keyboard amp but that would likely be a good option to try too. I currently use a set of Adam a7x's and that is an amazing option.

**Klatu** · 07-18-2012, 01:47 PM

Check out this essay by Tom Lippincott, a respected jazz guitar performer and educator in South Florida. He is a dedicated 8 string player and plays in the John Stowell and John Scofield tradition.

TOM LIPPINCOTT 8 string pages. Introduction to the 8 string guitar

**pjim** · 07-18-2012, 03:42 PM

Thanks for the recomendations, the carvin DC 800 looks really nice, maybe just what I'm after. I'm looking into it now.

The Schecters I've heard mixed opinions about, so not really sure. Also been looking at the Agile 8 strings which I've heard some good stuff about.

For tuning the F# B seems the standard and makes sense. Some rock players like E B. I'm not 100% sure yet.

As for the amplification I hadn't thought too much about it, but it could be an issue. I play through NI guitar rig so its pretty flexible and I can output to what ever speaker size/config I want or can afford.

I liked the essay thanks.

**Kneelie** · 07-18-2012, 04:46 PM

The Schecter did not do it for me, I really did not like the emg pickups I found them lifeless.

I have heard good things about Agile guitars.
While I have not played an Agile guitar the consensus I hear is they are nice quality and Carvins are nicer but at a nicer price. Having fanned frets available and up to a 10 string if you wish are real pluses for me.

I from the samples I have heard and whit I have read Agile's Cepheus pickups have rolled off highs and are bass heavy similar to Duncan Invaders and are suited for metal and maybe could get a fat jazz sound if that's what you are after.
Here are a couple samples:

**Dookychase** · 07-23-2012, 09:01 AM

Also, Jason Crawford plays an 8 string. I don't know which model. He has
a couple of youtube videos I really liked.

**paynow** · 07-23-2012, 12:07 PM

Here's a video I watched a few weeks ago. He's on the Ibanez:

I believe his tuning is one metal players would use; I can't hear it to confirm because I'm in the library and there's no sound. As mentioned, I watched it a while ago.

To anyone here who has test drove an 8 string: how much harder is it to barre?

**whosgarethparry** · 07-23-2012, 12:33 PM

check
.strandberg* Guitars | Headless, multi-scale and extended range guitars crafted for your unique requirements

Builds multi-scale 6,7,8 guitars. The focus on ergonomics, and weight. I played a few, and have to say, while not for me, the practicality and balance was amazing....

**paynow** · 07-23-2012, 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by whosgarethparry

check
.strandberg* Guitars | Headless, multi-scale and extended range guitars crafted for your unique requirements

Builds multi-scale 6,7,8 guitars. The focus on ergonomics, and weight. I played a few, and have to say, while not for me, the practicality and balance was amazing....

Very cool. I like the look, actually. There's a link on the header that says "Wait List." I can only imagine. Probably expensive.

**whosgarethparry** · 07-23-2012, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by paynow

Very cool. I like the look, actually. There's a link on the header that says "Wait List." I can only imagine. Probably expensive.

He does a non customizable 8 strings based off that Tosin Abasi's guitar for $2500
custom ones are more like $3500 i think.

super nice guy. he travels a lot for his day job, so when he dos, he brings guitars with him to show anyone interested....

**BigDaddyLoveHandles** · 07-23-2012, 02:49 PM

What about an 8 string that sports one addition treble string (A) and one additional bass string (B or A)? Lenny Breau has got me thinking about that treble string. Would amplifying this be easier than the 8 string with the low F#?