Hey everyone,
I want to order a custom 8-string, fairly cheap, (not  a series bass) I would like some suggestions. The only thing i know I want is:
-signature electronics
-32'scale
-Ebony Lams
Please give me some cost effective, ideas, wood comobs etc.... feel free
Thanks
-Ed

Are you going to play this bass primarily fingerstyle or with a pick?

Hey Mica,
I will mostly use a pick, just to get that true 8-string Sound. I am more comfortable with my fingers though. I think using a pick often will be a good way of wideneing my scope as a musician.
Thanks, for your interest
-Ed

I might suggest Walnut as a body wood - it gives a very immediate attack, great for that true 8-string sound that I have in my head. Someday when I finally decide the rest of it, I'm planning on a Walnut body for my own.  
 
You could use a Maple top if you want a brighter sound. I'd stick with dense woods for the top/back. Stuff like Koa or Lacewood would diminish the contribution of the octaves.

BTW - with Ebony neck laminates, the body wood won't have anywhere near the influence as it would with Purpleheart neck laminates.

Interesting comment about the influence of the body wood with Ebony neck lams verses Purpleheart neck lams.  Thanks!