Converting a 4 string into an 8 string

[prog_rockin_metal_man]

hey guys...I was just wondering if it was possible to convert a 4 string ric into an 8 string...I really want an 8 string and since ric doesn't make them anymore and they rarely show up on the bay I could just get a 4 string and get someone who knows what they are doing to convert it. I'm pretty sure I have seen some pics of a 4004 that was a conversion. This would be a project for the future though...I'm not looking to have it done right now just gathering some info.

[bassduke49]

My first thought is to contact Jeff Rath on this forum. He converts lots of Ricks to 5-stringers, and has been toying with the idea of an 8-string. He should be easy to find around here.

[dswp]

Forum member Simon Mole has done this.

You can see it at....

Bjorn Eriksson's Rickenbacker Page

[jwr2]

if you are willing to fill the existing holes and redrill 8 new holes it can be done ...

[prog_rockin_metal_man]

I would have thought you'd have to extend the headstock to make an 8 string...what other mods would be involved? a new nut for sure(duh)...what about the bridge...would there be any way to mod a ric bridge so you can adjust the octave strings independantly from the fundamental strings? I know with the 4008(or 4003s8 not sure what it's called) you can't and I think I've heard people have had problems intonating but I'm not sure.

[rickfan60]

The 4003S/8 does not play in tune very well at all. Independent saddles would make a lot of sense.

[jwr2]

since I have this bass here http://www.3dentourage.com/425/10string.htm my 4003-8 project may not happen ...

[rickenbrother]

quote[The 4003S/8 does not play in tune very well at all. Independent saddles would make a lot of sense.]

I don't have much experience with playing a 4003S/8, only to play Erik Kutzler's for a bit one afternoon. It really didn't seem that bad at all. Besides, the strings being slightly off from each other gives a little chorusing effect which I thought was desirable anyway,well at least when you are playing a 12 string bass anyway. If any of you have a 4003S/8 and hates how it tunes up, I'd be very happy to take it off your hands!

Hey Jeff, stop showing off that 10 string, you're giving me GAS for one!! LOL

[prog_rockin_metal_man]

yeah your 10 string is really sweet Jeff...those sound clips are what got me wanting an 8 string in the first place...I wanted a 12 string at first but I knew it would be impossible to convert a ric into a 12 string unless maybe I got a hold of a factory 5 string but those are pretty rare but after hearing how nice that 10 string sounds you got me GASing for a 8 string...so really your the whole reason I'm in this mess Jeff

[jnbass]

Simon made a 4004 into an 8.




intonnation-it is what it is...

[sloop_john_b]

Simon's page:

http://www.rickbeat.com/gallery/simonmole/simonmole.htm

Scroll all the way down.

[jnbass]

gotta love it!

[dswp]

Of all the Ric 8 strings that I have ever played, Erik K. owns the best playing one.

I believe that it was one of the last ones made. (2001)

[rickfan60]

Joey: The E strings are bad but the others are more or less workable. The E strings are .45/.90 and there is no saddle position that works well enough for both. The tuning error is far more apparent above the 5th fret. Near the 12th it is pretty nasty. I am no Jaco (not even close) but I do like to use the whole neck when I play.

[prog_rockin_metal_man]

speaking of string gauges...I've never actually played an 8 string so I was wondering what the string gauges are.