Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I currently own two 8-strings - a Tune (I think it's a TWX-8), and my recently purchased 4003/S8 (see the "Shadow Questions" thread).

I've seen a few pictures of and/or comments about 8-strings here, but I haven't noticed a thread devoted primarily to the 8-string. So I thought I'd post some of my impressions about the S8, especially in context of my other 8-string.

I much prefer the (hi-gain) pickups on the Ric versus the active pups on the Tune. I generally prefer passive to active anyway - although active pickups can be cool and can give really bright sounds, I prefer the way passives interact with pedals and effects better, especially distortion.

The order of the pairs of strings is an interesting issue. The Tune has what I consider the "standard" arrangement - when downpicking, one hits the higher string first. In the recent book about John Entwistle's bass/guitar collection, he even says words to the effect that Rickenbacker got the string order backwards! (Look at the page with the 8-string with the funny squiggly headstock - great book, by the way.) I did find it harder to accurately fret both strings with the Ric, though I didn't have adequate time to woodshed with it. I liked playing fingerstyle with the Ric better - with the Tune, I find that when my finger comes to rest on the next string, the higher string rings out. Again, a deficiency in my technique no doubt, but I like the fact that the Ric doesn't require different muting techniques.

The Ric is definitely a bit neck-heavy, probably due to the fact that all the tuners are the same size. The Tune uses guitar tuners for the high strings. I realized that I've got similar pictures of both basses, so I'll end this with pics (which I know people here love!)




Feel free to post your own thoughts/comments on 8-strings...

NIce 8's!

The 4008 has what is called "normal" octave stringing.
,
but is a tad crude in the tailpiece arena.

The S/8's are easier to find...


Somewhat easier to fret.

IMHO

Ah yes, I forgot about the 4008. I was really suprised by John Entwistle's comment...

One other thing I forgot to write in my initial post - I had some problems with the horseshoe thingie (what's the proper term?) - on listening back to what I recorded, my pick hit the neck pickup a lot, producing a clicking sound, which sounds almost like digital distortion. And again, nothing some woodshedding wouldn't help...

Superb collection of instruments, by the way, Jared!

Oh yeah, Jared has a great collection of Ricks.

I bought my s8 after kind-of-thinking-about-checking-one-out for years and then one popped up for sale at a great price so I jumped on it. I figured that if I didn't like it I could sell it and make a few bucks. I was hooked as soon as I played it. I am strictly a finger player so the string order suits me fine.

The stock high gain p/u's were the best set I have heard in a Ric but my other two 4003(s) have Bartolini's (passive) so to keep my tone consistant I changed to Barts in the s8 also. I prefer the Barts for the extra kick in the lowend while maintaining Ric's distinctive tone (IMO).....plus they are a direct swap which is important to maintain the Ric's visual character.

The only negative issues I have with it is that it is a cheese grater to my plucking hand which has led to one notable disaster (another excuse to post my proudest moment). After playing a full gig on the s8 just after buying it I suffered some decent blisters which is abnormal for me. Two nights later my band had a very important gig (for us anyway) and the blisters I had gave way leading to this mess(my 4003 MID).....

I really can't see parting with the s8 except to maybe get a Blackstar or if I am hurting for $$$$ if/when my 4004LK comes in. It adds lots of character to my playing/tone and helps fill some sonic voids since there is only one guitar player in my metal band and it is often up to me to also play rhythm guitar type parts during solos/melodies. Just great, unique, thick monster tone !

As I received it (with chubby/nosey miniature pinscher (Badger).....

As it is now (sans mutt).....

ya gotta love that black-out effect!

Alright, the 8-string tune is up - it's called "8 echo dr." and it can be found here. Also check out "Theme from Hieronymous (excerpts)" if you haven't already - it features my '76 4001 Autumnglo...

I'm lucky to have two 4003s/8's, but one has been modded to have the thin string struck first on a down stroke compared to the standard 4003s8 config as it leaves the factory - its great to compare the two formats on near identical basses... the only real difference I notice is on the first five-odd frets on the low E, where the string diameters mean the modded arrangement falls slightly more easily under the fingertip pad for truer, cleaner fretting - a little extra pressure down there, though, and there's little to choose. I love the Rickenbacker format on their 12 strings, but must confess I've gone for the modded format on a 4004/8 "frankenstein" I'm nearing completion on!! (And as soon as I figure out how I'll post some pictures of my collection - promise!!!)

I loved my Rick 8, and one day will no doubt obtain another...I find they're great for playing rock. Very melodic, very powerful, fantastic. Must admit I never had a problem fretting mine though....it was a 4003s8. I did often think I'd prefer the reversed string arrangement though, being primarily a pick player. Maybe one day I'll get to try both ways and see which suits me best...

Am I correct in assuming the 4003/s8 has the little string on the bottom and the 4008 has it on the top? Either way it must feel strange to finger pluck them especially at first. I know 12 strings guitars feel strange to me with fingers.

wow, i cant imagine playing one i must admit. must be hard to fret the strings. I cant really see a point in one (for myself - i just cant see where it would be musically usefull)

I know sets of strings cost a fortune.

If I ever buy one it will just be to have it as I know I'd never use it live.

I didn't think I'd have a practical use for it but it just sounds so full and unique that I almost hate to play my "normal" four stringers. Strings are only a few bucks more than four string sets....the only problem is that they are not available at the corner music store so you have to plan ahead and stock up.....no major concern.

I adapted to mine pretty quick as far as fretting.....I can switch back and forth between my basses with no major alteration of technique. And Bob you are correct about the stringing differences between the models. My only change is that I stroke or strike the strings rather than plucking but I don't find that it is an issue and comes naturally.