The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Bill's Shop: Projects, Mods & Repairs => Topic started by: Pekka on September 07, 2011, 10:32:53 AM

Title: 8-string bridge for an Aria SB-700
Post by: Pekka on September 07, 2011, 10:32:53 AM
I'm about to have my Aria SB-700 converted to an 8-string bass and what I need the most is a fully adjustable bridge. I've heard the Schaller bridge is a bit too wide so if anyone has any ideas and suggestions please tell. The neck width at the saddle is 45mm and at the body end 56mm.

The bass itself is heavily modified, it used to be a 9-string (like a 12-string but without G-strings) and is now a 6-string (tuned from E to E, like a Fender VI but with a full scale) so the headstock has the tuners and the neck will support the strings. As an 8-string it would get more usage as I need one in addition to two of my 12-strings.

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4322198/bass%20020.jpg)
Title: Re: 8-string bridge for an Aria SB-700
Post by: Pekka on September 08, 2011, 02:05:19 AM
Any experience on this bridge:
http://www.gitarrendesignshop.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=70&osCsid=ab2ad69c1f212facfb0f1c78724277b0 (http://www.gitarrendesignshop.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=70&osCsid=ab2ad69c1f212facfb0f1c78724277b0)

ABM also has (or had?) a model 3208-B.
Title: Re: 8-string bridge for an Aria SB-700
Post by: dadagoboi on September 08, 2011, 11:01:04 AM
No experience with that bridge but it looks pretty slick...what's the string spacing?

This is the bridge on my Robelli, the entire bass cost me what that bridge does.  I just bought two more 8ers that use the same setup, mainly for the necks, bridges and tuners to build 8 string basses.  Even if I end up buying new Warmoth necks and selling the remaining parts I'll still be ahead
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/JAEbird%20V/P1040583.jpg)

Here's a reasonable 8 string bridge from Bezdez, it's string thru, to be honest I'm not exactly sure how it's supposed to work.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/8-STRING-BASS-GUITAR-BRIDGE-8-string-CHROME-/220487550478?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item335615060e
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/JAEbird%20V/419htw1.jpg)
Title: Re: 8-string bridge for an Aria SB-700
Post by: jumbodbassman on September 08, 2011, 12:53:48 PM
Quote from: Pekka on September 07, 2011, 10:32:53 AM
I'm about to have my Aria SB-700 converted to an 8-string bass and what I need the most is a fully adjustable bridge. I've heard the Schaller bridge is a bit too wide so if anyone has any ideas and suggestions please tell. The neck width at the saddle is 45mm and at the body end 56mm.

The bass itself is heavily modified, it used to be a 9-string (like a 12-string but without G-strings) and is now a 6-string (tuned from E to E, like a Fender VI but with a full scale) so the headstock has the tuners and the neck will support the strings. As an 8-string it would get more usage as I need one in addition to two of my 12-strings.

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4322198/bass%20020.jpg)

I have the same passive (passive version which i think that one is)  put a emg active HB in it.  sounds better.  that doesnt look like the original pup either...


Title: Re: 8-string bridge for an Aria SB-700
Post by: Bionic-Joe on September 08, 2011, 04:18:02 PM
I used to get mine from Hamer but the one from the Futura was the last one I had. I'm Looking in to have some machined for my future bass projects.
Title: Re: 8-string bridge for an Aria SB-700
Post by: Pekka on September 08, 2011, 11:55:15 PM
Quote from: dadagoboi on September 08, 2011, 11:01:04 AM


Here's a reasonable 8 string bridge from Bezdez, it's string thru, to be honest I'm not exactly sure how it's supposed to work.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/8-STRING-BASS-GUITAR-BRIDGE-8-string-CHROME-/220487550478?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item335615060e
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/JAEbird%20V/419htw1.jpg)

Looks like the one on the new Hagström HB-8 so it has only four saddles. It has to have separate saddles for the octave strings too.
Title: Re: 8-string bridge for an Aria SB-700
Post by: Pekka on September 09, 2011, 12:00:56 AM
Quote from: jumbodbassman on September 08, 2011, 12:53:48 PM

I have the same passive (passive version which i think that one is)  put a emg active HB in it.  sounds better.  that doesnt look like the original pup either...


This had the EMG too and now has the humbucker from my Waterstone TP-2. I will eventually move the pickup close to the neck and put a custom made Charlie Christian -type PU to the bridge position. Both of my 12-strings have those too and also roughly at the same location. Will be wired in stereo.
Title: Re: 8-string bridge for an Aria SB-700
Post by: dadagoboi on September 09, 2011, 04:11:22 AM
Quote from: Pekka on September 08, 2011, 11:55:15 PM
Looks like the one on the new Hagström HB-8 so it has only four saddles. It has to have separate saddles for the octave strings too.

Intonation is highly overrated ;D
Title: Re: 8-string bridge for an Aria SB-700
Post by: Pilgrim on September 09, 2011, 08:55:04 AM
Quote from: dadagoboi on September 09, 2011, 04:11:22 AM
Intonation is highly overrated ;D

Especially on anything below a low E string   ;)  ;D
Title: Re: 8-string bridge for an Aria SB-700
Post by: leftybass on September 09, 2011, 09:34:02 AM
Quote from: Pilgrim on September 09, 2011, 08:55:04 AM
Especially on anything below a low E string   ;)  ;D

There's nothing below low E.
"There be monsters".
Title: Re: 8-string bridge for an Aria SB-700
Post by: Bionic-Joe on September 09, 2011, 11:10:49 AM
A few months back I bid on a Stars Guitars tune o matic style 8 string bridge and tailpiece. It went for something like $275.00!!!! The tailpiece was like an Alembic 8 string.
Title: Re: 8-string bridge for an Aria SB-700
Post by: Pekka on September 09, 2011, 11:34:29 AM
Quote from: dadagoboi on September 09, 2011, 04:11:22 AM
Intonation is highly overrated ;D

It shouldn't be.
Title: Re: 8-string bridge for an Aria SB-700
Post by: dadagoboi on September 09, 2011, 12:06:16 PM
Just kidding.  but my Robelli is spot on with these saddle settings.  That's why I don't think that cheapy bridge is so bad that a file couldn't fix it.  That and the fact a lot of GREAT music has been recorded on Telecasters, EBs and 60s Thunderbirds with fairly poor capabilities to dial in perfect intonation

(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/JAEbird%20V/P1040583.jpg)
Title: Re: 8-string bridge for an Aria SB-700
Post by: Pekka on September 09, 2011, 03:05:22 PM
Quote from: dadagoboi on September 09, 2011, 12:06:16 PM
Just kidding.  but my Robelli is spot on with these saddle settings.  That's why I don't think that cheapy bridge is so bad that a file couldn't fix it.  That and the fact a lot of GREAT music has been recorded on Telecasters, EBs and 60s Thunderbirds with fairly poor capabilities to dial in perfect intonation

The fact is that I need a whole new bridge since the one that is on now has six saddles so I'd rather have a bridge that at least has the option to get the intonation right and could be adjusted more easily than with a file since I'm not too handy with one.:)
Title: Re: 8-string bridge for an Aria SB-700
Post by: dadagoboi on September 09, 2011, 04:56:25 PM
Quote from: Pekka on September 09, 2011, 03:05:22 PM
The fact is that I need a whole new bridge since the one that is on now has six saddles so I'd rather have a bridge that at least has the option to get the intonation right and could be adjusted more easily than with a file since I'm not too handy with one.:)

Makes sense!

How about one of these?
http://www.allparts.com/Chrome-ABM-8-String-Bass-Bridge-p/bb-0338-010.htm
$110 US plus shipping.  I'm a dealer
Title: Re: 8-string bridge for an Aria SB-700
Post by: mc2NY on September 10, 2011, 12:40:35 AM
Since you already have a 6-string bridge on it and you need a narrow one with that neck.....maybe take the saddles off a Gotoh GTC12 bridge to use ??

I cannot see your bridge too well in the photo to tell if they will swap out but the Gotoh has dual saddles for each string and might work OK on the bass strings.

http://www.guitarpartsworldwide.com/Gotoh+GTC12+12+String+Hardtail+Fixed+Bridge+%28More+Options%29+PUlqTTFBRE14b0RkalZIWnZKSGM

Title: Re: 8-string bridge for an Aria SB-700
Post by: Pekka on September 12, 2011, 12:30:14 AM
I doubt they will swap out since it's also a custom job thanks for the guitar bridge idea. The width from string to string at the bridge should be about 50mm so the ABM bridge is too wide.
Title: Re: 8-string bridge for an Aria SB-700
Post by: Pekka on September 12, 2011, 01:29:27 PM
Quote from: dadagoboi on September 09, 2011, 04:56:25 PM
Makes sense!

How about one of these?
http://www.allparts.com/Chrome-ABM-8-String-Bass-Bridge-p/bb-0338-010.htm
$110 US plus shipping.  I'm a dealer


Can you tell the measurements?
Title: Re: 8-string bridge for an Aria SB-700
Post by: dadagoboi on September 12, 2011, 01:58:51 PM
Quote from: Pekka on September 12, 2011, 01:29:27 PM
Can you tell the measurements?

I just called Allparts and had them measure...from the center of the high E to low G saddles the dimension is 64mm.  


The bridge I showed in the beginning of this thread is 61mm.  It seems to be the standard  for Korean basses with a neck that is 45mm at the nut  and 60mm at the 12th fret.  I think Baz is using a tighter spacing.

Here 'tis
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/JAEbird%20V/TBird8LowEnd2.jpg)

THAT IS NOT ONE OF MY BASSES, it's from LowEnd.
Title: Re: 8-string bridge for an Aria SB-700
Post by: Pekka on September 15, 2011, 03:12:30 AM
Quote from: dadagoboi on September 12, 2011, 01:58:51 PM
I just called Allparts and had them measure...from the center of the high E to low G saddles the dimension is 64mm.  

Thanks for the trouble you took, I appreciate it. Too wide again. I got the Gotoh 12-string guitar bridge and my luthier friend sees what he can come up with it.
Title: Re: 8-string bridge for an Aria SB-700
Post by: dadagoboi on September 16, 2011, 04:58:20 AM
Quote from: Pekka on September 15, 2011, 03:12:30 AM
Thanks for the trouble you took, I appreciate it. Too wide again. I got the Gotoh 12-string guitar bridge and my luthier friend sees what he can come up with it.

Cool!  Look forward to seeing the results
Title: Re: 8-string bridge for an Aria SB-700
Post by: SGD Lutherie on October 03, 2011, 07:31:14 PM
I have a Schaller bridge on my 8-string:

(http://www.warmoth.com/Assets/ProductImages/S471C.jpg)

http://www.warmoth.com/Schaller-471-8-String-Bass-Bridge-Chrome-P917C724.aspx

(http://www.sgd-lutherie.com/images/mantaray.jpg)