The Last Bass Outpost

Main Forums => The Bass Zone => Topic started by: BTL on August 22, 2022, 05:55:17 PM

Title: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: BTL on August 22, 2022, 05:55:17 PM
The 8-string bridges are in the mail and on their way to me...:mrgreen:

(http://www.lowecustomguitars.com/wp-content/gallery/Image-Hosting/thumbs/thumbs_Lowe-8-01.JPG)

(http://www.lowecustomguitars.com/wp-content/gallery/Image-Hosting/thumbs/thumbs_Lowe-8-02.JPG)
Title: Re: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: gearHed289 on August 23, 2022, 08:15:32 AM
Nice looking piece. Looking forward to seeing one on a bass, as I'm sure you are as well!
Title: Re: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: BTL on August 23, 2022, 08:22:49 AM
Yes, 100%. Interestingly, I suspect the first bass to showcase one of these bridges will be a Serek. Jake reached out to me a few weeks back and he'll be getting a couple from this first batch.
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: BTL on August 23, 2022, 06:32:04 PM
I have been working with an attorney on filing a provisional patent on this design. We're filing a provisional patent applications in the US, so I will have a year from today to evaluate whether a utility patent is worth pursuing...and yes, I'll be selling the bridges to fund the patent process. It seems like I've been waiting forever to share the news.

As an FYI, there are currently no plate-style, single-piece (integrated bridge and tailpiece) 8-string bridges on the market and none has ever offered this combination of features integrated into a single design. I'll talk through the details in the next day or so, but right now I'm just taking a victory lap.
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: uwe on October 05, 2022, 04:58:31 PM
Where will the grooves for the strings be or am I missing something?
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: BTL on October 05, 2022, 07:13:36 PM
The v-groove is the string guide and the shelf is a zero fret. It's a different way of solving the string alignment challenge and is an element of the design patent application.
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: uwe on October 09, 2022, 04:25:32 PM
I still don't get it how it's supposed to work, where do the strings run in pairs, I don't see it?
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: BTL on October 09, 2022, 05:09:10 PM
The octave pairs align at the apex of the v-grooves. The v-groove acts as a string guide with the vertical side maintaining string-to-string spacing. The shelf acts as a zero fret. 

This is the only currently available 8-string bass bridge that offers intonation and height adjustment for each individual string. Retrofits a standard/vintage-spec 5-screw bridge without modification. 2.3" string spacing. Saddles lock from the treble side of the bridge. Patent pending.

(http://www.lowecustomguitars.com/wp-content/gallery/Image-Hosting/IMG_E2715.JPG)

(http://www.lowecustomguitars.com/wp-content/gallery/Image-Hosting/IMG_E2716.JPG)

(http://www.lowecustomguitars.com/wp-content/gallery/Image-Hosting/IMG_E2717.JPG)

(http://www.lowecustomguitars.com/wp-content/gallery/Image-Hosting/IMG_E2718.JPG)

(http://www.lowecustomguitars.com/wp-content/gallery/Image-Hosting/IMG_E2719.JPG)

(http://www.lowecustomguitars.com/wp-content/gallery/Image-Hosting/IMG_E2720.jpg)
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: uwe on October 10, 2022, 05:44:37 AM
Now I get it! The original pics were just too small to make out the details. That bridge looks very well thought out, compliments!

(https://media3.giphy.com/media/peAFQfg7Ol6IE/200w.gif?cid=82a1493bkz06qv48cg6e4mlc0e6vp131hsi5jgq0xcfce4ta&rid=200w.gif&ct=g)
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: BTL on October 10, 2022, 03:01:23 PM
Now I get it! The original pics were just too small to make out the details. That bridge looks very well thought out, compliments!

(https://media3.giphy.com/media/peAFQfg7Ol6IE/200w.gif?cid=82a1493bkz06qv48cg6e4mlc0e6vp131hsi5jgq0xcfce4ta&rid=200w.gif&ct=g)

Thank you so much! I'm hoping this and my conversion necks bring a renaissance of the 8-string bass. :mrgreen:
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: uwe on October 10, 2022, 07:10:12 PM
I knew we were missing something all these years. That and flight jackets of course.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2zurZig4L8

Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: BTL on October 11, 2022, 03:08:35 PM
There's something to be said for an Alembic 8-string.
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: uwe on October 13, 2022, 08:39:16 AM
ELP at least recorded it so that you can hear it's an 8-string and not some mushy something. To this day, I haven't heard that recording quality bettered by any other band, but to be fair ELP had the advantage of not having to worry about the bass getting in the way of the guitar(s). I think that poses an issue for most bands with a multi-string bass player. I have yet to discover for instance what Petersson's 12-string excesses really ADD to the Cheap Trick sound, try as I might. It seems to be a very expensive way of generating an indirect and unfocused bass sound.
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: BTL on October 13, 2022, 10:47:43 AM
As you say, I feel like the 8-string is a tool that benefits a power trio most often, but may also create an opportunity for a power duo as well. It seems less relevant the more players there are on stage.
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: gearHed289 on October 14, 2022, 07:12:49 AM
ELP at least recorded it so that you can hear it's an 8-string and not some mushy something. To this day, I haven't heard that recording quality bettered by any other band, but to be fair ELP had the advantage of not having to worry about the bass getting in the way of the guitar(s). I think that poses an issue for most bands with a multi-string bass player

Very true. I've tried using mine with my band, but most of the effect gets lost within the overdriven guitar and violin. It seems to need a pretty specific opening in the sonic spectrum to really work. I think JPJ got pretty good results on the Presence album. Also GFTO and Changes by Yes.
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: slinkp on October 15, 2022, 04:09:03 PM
I was never much a fan of this song, but ... at least you can hear what that Hamer sounds like during the intro!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rHSBduo9Yg
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: BTL on August 23, 2023, 12:22:55 PM
The patent application has been filed. :)

(https://www.lowecustomguitars.com/wp-content/gallery/Image-Hosting/Patent-Drawing.JPG)

Here are a few client photos:

(https://www.lowecustomguitars.com/wp-content/gallery/Image-Hosting/Serek-Bridge-8-String-Bridge-Installation.jpg)

(https://www.lowecustomguitars.com/wp-content/gallery/Image-Hosting/8-String-Bass-01.jpg)

(https://www.lowecustomguitars.com/wp-content/gallery/Image-Hosting/8-String-Bass-02.JPG)

Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: Dave W on August 23, 2023, 05:54:15 PM
Best of luck, Brad.
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: morrow on August 24, 2023, 04:29:25 AM
That’s simple , clean design. Congratulations.
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: Basvarken on August 24, 2023, 07:37:28 AM
Congrats Brad.  :toast:
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: BTL on August 24, 2023, 08:14:20 AM
Best of luck, Brad.

Thanks, Dave! I'm sold out on my first run and have a waitlist for the next batch. :)

That’s simple , clean design. Congratulations.

Thank you, I'm very happy with how this is working out.

Congrats Brad.  :toast:

Thanks, Rob!
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: BTL on August 30, 2023, 01:18:28 PM
This is what the modular system will look like for 10-string & multi-scale applications. Any interest?

(https://www.lowecustomguitars.com/wp-content/gallery/Image-Hosting/8-string-bass-bridge-side-block-2.jpg)
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: uwe on September 01, 2023, 03:15:11 PM
My genetic German engineering heart rejoices!

Ausgezeichnet!
(https://cdn.britannica.com/41/236941-050-B806E1BF/Operation-paperclip-Army-Ballistic-Missile-Agency-Huntsville-Alabama-Oberth-Stuhlinger-Toftoy-Lusser-Von-Braun.jpg?w=300)
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: BTL on September 01, 2023, 03:21:47 PM
:)
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: uwe on September 01, 2023, 03:33:11 PM
All unspeakable Yank sins regarding the Gibshit
two-point-tiptomatic-bridge-abomination are
herewith, if not exactly forgotten, at least forgiven!!!

(https://media1.giphy.com/media/vhz8aRXqkD2F2/200.gif?cid=82a1493bazqkn0gomes41n8tutgf5lo21kfuse45vc76uer6&ep=v1_gifs_related&rid=200.gif&ct=g)
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: BTL on October 05, 2023, 04:00:52 PM
My buddy John Johnson edited my crappy cell phone pics to look like legit, commercial-grade product photos. I'm lucky to have so many talented friends. :)

(https://www.lowecustomguitars.com/wp-content/gallery/Image-Hosting/IMG_E2715_Edit.jpg)

(https://www.lowecustomguitars.com/wp-content/gallery/Image-Hosting/IMG_E2716_Edit.jpg)

(https://www.lowecustomguitars.com/wp-content/gallery/Image-Hosting/IMG_E2719_Edit.jpg)

(https://www.lowecustomguitars.com/wp-content/gallery/Image-Hosting/IMG_E2717_Edit.jpg)

(https://www.lowecustomguitars.com/wp-content/gallery/Image-Hosting/IMG_E2718_Edit.jpg)
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: uwe on October 06, 2023, 07:39:45 AM
Wot, no black hardware ones for playing heavy metal?
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: BTL on October 06, 2023, 12:44:34 PM
Wot, no black hardware ones for playing heavy metal?

I plan to have 3 or 4 in the next batch plated black chrome.  :mrgreen:
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: uwe on October 06, 2023, 03:37:50 PM
(https://allears.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/venom-spider-man-3-gif.gif)
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: BTL on November 29, 2023, 08:14:27 AM
Proof of life: 8-string & 10-string base plates.

(https://www.lowecustomguitars.com/wp-content/gallery/Image-Hosting/IMG_E4962.JPG)
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: slinkp on November 29, 2023, 12:49:43 PM
It's a beautiful design. I'm looking forward to seeing the brass ones completed!
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: BTL on November 29, 2023, 08:08:20 PM
It's a beautiful design. I'm looking forward to seeing the brass ones completed!

Thank you! By the way, they've always been brass, just chrome-plated. :)
Title: Re: 8-string bridge reveal: TODAY IS A HAPPY DAY!!!
Post by: Basvarken on November 30, 2023, 06:36:46 AM
Congrats Brad. I hope I get commissioned to build a ten string, so I can order one of your bridges!