Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Brian: One more thing. Prepare to be blown away. The power of a Rickenbacker 8 string is undeniable. Go easy at the HOB. You may cause structural damage.

I'm in a metal band so structural damage is to be expected

I'm thinking that the "more powerful" s8 should be a perfect match for my 4 string 4003's (with Bartolini p/u's).

I like the octave string on the treble side as it is. It makes it easier for me to strike the strings individually or combined.

Ted....thanks for the string tip. I usually use Boomers on my others so that should work out well.

Speaking of GHS and Boomers, any suggestions for specific GHS sets, or do you build sets from indivdual strings. ?

Brian if you play metal ... a 2030 bass is very good at heavy music ... I own a dozen basses and my 1986 2030 but when I play stuff like "man in a box" the 2030 is the best bass for that music ... and you can get them for around $500+/- ...

Jim: The strings I bought are light guage 8 string Boomers (8LS-DYB on the package) They are as follows:

G 040/020
D 055/025
A 070/035
E 090/045

I believe these are the same guages installed by RIC at the factory.

Brian: Yes, the 2030 has some balls too. They are quirky basses at first (IMHO) but they are solid and LOUD. The short upper horn makes them hang with the neck in the 3:00 postion. Some players don't mind this but I prefer a more upright angle.

Thanks Ted, I'm about to try a set of Sub Zero's and see how they sound on my v63 ...

Jeff thanks for the tip. I have my 4003's dialed in perfect with my rig for the tone I want. Also I'm not a big fan of the 2030 shape, JMO.

Ted....yeah, a little too quirky for me and I also like a little upward angle at the headstock.

I was originally planning on getting a 4003 as a backup for my other two but when I saw the 4003s8 I just couldn't resist. In my band there is only one guitarist and most of the material we cover would be better tackled with dual guitarists so that means that I am filling a little more of the song than my part was originally intended for so I have to improvise some to give a solid feel to the mix. The s8 may fill some of that need quite well.

They definately rock. You will love it.

he scores!

An s8 I a metal band. *shivers*

j/k

You take good care of that s8, Brian, she's a beaut.

Just be prepared to spend some time strengthening the fingers on that baby, they tend to be a bit tiring at first.

I looked into an eight string bridge, but it would basically require replacing the entire bridge, as you'd need to be able to split the saddles, and the strings aren't aligned in the center.

I also find that the s8 sounds best played with fingers in its factory string setup, since the high string gets hit first. Picking also works, but doesn't sound the same, since the high string gets hit last.

Yes, strong fingers are required. It is a bit a surprise the first time you try to apply a little vibrato and nothing happens.

Try playing a 12-string bass all night! When you go back to the 4, it feels like you just had weights taken off of your fingers! Good job, Brian! Enjoy it!

I just played the s8 for about 2/3rds of my gig last night and, I must say, it sounded fantastic. Very thick and full......just what I was hoping for.

I didn't have too much of a problem playing it. The only issue I had was some minor stumbling because of the extra strings on some fast left hand parts. My hand strength seems to be okay but I can say that they certainly felt like they got a workout after we were done.

The only real negative is that it is like playing a cheese grater. This is the first time in a long time that I have had blisters from playing. It should make for an interesting gig tomorrow.....I'll bring the super glue

Good on ya', Brian!