The Last Bass Outpost
Main Forums => The Bass Zone => Topic started by: BTL on October 07, 2020, 06:59:52 PM
-
I have been thinking about adding a six-string Bass VI to the 32" scale lineup for quite a while, and now that the fiver is in production, using that configuration as the platform makes a lot of sense.
I have also had inquiries about building an 8-string 32" scale bass.
It looks like the Kahler 2450-N6 (https://www.kahlerusa.com/guitar-tremolo-and-bridge/2450-n6-cx-6-string-bass-fixed-bridge) will do the job on the six-string, single-course front.
I'm guessing the ABM 3208 (https://www.allparts.com/products/bb-0338-abm-3208-8-string-bass-bridge?variant=18701542719545) will do the job on the 8-string, double-course front, but I can't find a dimensional drawing or specs for that model.
It almost seems like it's been discontinued on the ABM site, (https://abm-guitarpartsshop.com/ABM-GUITAR-PARTS/Bass-Bridges:::256_55.html) but is still in stock at Allparts so I'll give them a ring to see if they have a spec sheet.
Are there any others out there that I should look into?
(https://www.talkbass.com/attachments/2450n6cx-png.4010432/)
(https://www.talkbass.com/attachments/bb-0338-010-web_900x600-jpg.4010433/)
-
I used the Schaller STM roller bridge on two EB0 to EB6 conversions, one with a stoptail and one with a bigsby.
Works like a charm, but you will need to match the rollers to the string diameter. Done quickly with the roller mounted
on a drill, and a ratttail file. May not be what you look for, but it's an option.
(https://i.imgur.com/rc7aFMd.png)
-
Schaller makes a great 8 saddle bridge. Good price on this one - https://reverb.com/item/5105120-schaller-471-8-8-string-bass-bridge (https://reverb.com/item/5105120-schaller-471-8-8-string-bass-bridge)
-
Nice!
It looks like the Schaller 471-8 is no longer being produced, but they are still available on the used market.
On the Schaller STM, I like the looks of that, but it's much too narrow for my application.
After thinking about this some more, having custom saddles fabricated for my 5-string bridge plate is definitely a possibility for the 6-string option.
With spacing at 2 7/8", traditional barrel saddles would be about 0.57" wide and I believe that's wide enough for them to be stable under bass strings.
The 8 string is another matter entirely...there's too much engineering involved to make a small batch feasible.
-
Forgot to mention that I've got the big Kahler bridge on my Peavey TL-Six. Swapped out the nasty worn gold for chrome. :mrgreen:
(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/94872161_10219017814014805_7874707956078477312_o.jpg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=04u1kl5dDJwAX8BCNBp&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=8b6726bb0033712a669b6d2a76b2bae4&oe=5FA60B16)
-
Using your stock bridge plate for the 6 seems like a good idea. And yeah, making an 8 is more trouble than it's worth.
The current Hagstrom 8s have an interesting looking bridge. Not sure if they're proprietary, or maybe Gotoh or something?
-
Thanks, and agreed!
I'm guessing there is a source out there somewhere for the Hagstrom and Musicvox 12-string bridges.
On the five and six string versions of the neck, I'm tinkering with the 2+2 headstock shape in MS Paint to see what a 3+2 and 3+3 might look like.
I like it!
(http://www.lowecustomguitars.com/wp-content/gallery/Image-Hosting/Collage-090.jpg)
-
I've been secretly building my dream Lowe bass in my head, and a 3+2 Ridler-style headstock is part of it. ;D
-
I've been secretly building my dream Lowe bass in my head, and a 3+2 Ridler-style headstock is part of it. ;D
That's such a nice compliment, thank you!
-
As a follow up and for posterity, a few potential sources for 8-string bridges are:
SUNG IL (used on LTD/Schecter) (https://reverb.com/shop/eyguitar-music?query=base%208)
ABM Allparts (https://www.allparts.com/products/bb-0338-abm-3208-8-string-bass-bridge?variant=18701542719545)
ETS Bass & Guitar Hardware (https://www.ets-hardware.com/)
Warwick (https://shop.warwick.de/en/parts-for-instruments/warwick-spare-parts/bass-bridges-tailpieces/19301/warwick-parts-2-piece-3d-bridge-tailpiece-8-string-brass?number=D0404737001564882623A3463-D0568399001429566095A1738599)
Alembic (http://www.alembic.com/family/contact.html)
-
None of those links are opening for me.
-
Better now?
-
I just heard back from ETS and they offer both 8 and 12-string options.
I don't have any technical drawings, but the bridge seems to float in a manner similar to a jazz-box guitar.
(http://www.lowecustomguitars.com/wp-content/gallery/Image-Hosting/ETS-8-Bridge.jpg)
(http://www.lowecustomguitars.com/wp-content/gallery/Image-Hosting/ETS-12-Bridge.jpg)
(https://www.talkbass.com/attachments/12-4-jpg.4019756/)
-
Better now?
Yes. Some good options there. The Warwick looks great.
-
So, an interesting update.
I have been thinking about the dearth of 8-string bridges on the market and what novel design options might be available to address the void.
I drew something up today that I think will work and sent it to a good friend who is a a patent attorney and also a bass player.
His initial impression is that the idea could qualify for a design patent.
Needless to say, I'm pretty excited about that.
-
Where's the like button ?
I hope it will work out , congratulations !
-
Me, too.
Unfortunately, now comes the time where I have to keep quiet until we're ready to go to market.
Ugh!