Bridge options: 6 single and 8 double course @ 2 7/8" to 3" spacing

[BTL]

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 will do the job on the six-string, single-course front.

I'm guessing the ABM 3208 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, 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?

[amptech]

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.

[gearHed289]

Schaller makes a great 8 saddle bridge. Good price on this one - https://reverb.com/item/5105120-schaller-471-8-8-string-bass-bridge

[BTL]

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.

[gearHed289]

Forgot to mention that I've got the big Kahler bridge on my Peavey TL-Six. Swapped out the nasty worn gold for chrome. 

[gearHed289]

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?

[BTL]

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!

[gearHed289]

I've been secretly building my dream Lowe bass in my head, and a 3+2 Ridler-style headstock is part of it. 

[BTL]

I've been secretly building my dream Lowe bass in my head, and a 3+2 Ridler-style headstock is part of it. 

That's such a nice compliment, thank you!

[BTL]

As a follow up and for posterity, a few potential sources for 8-string bridges are:

SUNG IL (used on LTD/Schecter)
ABM Allparts
ETS Bass & Guitar Hardware
Warwick
Alembic

[gearHed289]

None of those links are opening for me.

[BTL]

Better now?

[BTL]

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.

[gearHed289]

Better now?

Yes. Some good options there. The Warwick looks great.

[BTL]

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.