I converted Persuader 86P4121 to an 8 string, because 8's are so hard to find, or are super expensive. I bought this from Tom for a reasonable price awhile back (thanks again Tom), because it has a repaired headstock, a loose tail piece from a broken screw, and had issues with the electronics.
http://club.alembicguitars.net/index.php?topic=22416.0 (http://club.alembicguitars.net/index.php?topic=22416.0)
http://club.alembicguitars.net/index.php?topic=22024.msg222654#msg222654 (http://club.alembicguitars.net/index.php?topic=22024.msg222654#msg222654)
I moved the tail piece down a little, and reattached with a bigger screw. I replaced the electronics with separate activator filters and volumes. Mica sent out new blank bridge saddles that I filed to accommodate the octave strings. The intonation was OK except for the "A" string, which required that I have an opposing slant on the saddle slots. I ground the nut smooth, lifted, then refiled 8 slots. I routed out the control cavity, repainted with shielding paint, then installed a switchcraft 5 pin socket, so it works with a DS-5 in stereo. I tapped into the 4th pin +20v, and stepped the voltage down to 10v with a buck converter. I installed a Stew-Mac 9 flag 1/4" socket, so it can still work with a battery in stereo, just like a Series. The Stew-Mac's are similar to the ones on a Series, except that the 9th flag is on top with the others, which made soldering easier. The ones installed in Santa Rosa are better quality though. It took a few turns on each truss rod to get the neck straight initially. I took precaution, knowing the headstock might snap, but it held perfectly. Maybe glue is stronger than wood. It has been 6 months now, and it plays really well, and stays in tune. Sounds really good to! I figure if the headstock snapped again, I would saw it off, and make it a headless 4 string with a bridge tuner. The planetary banjo tuners really set it off, truly making it a poor man's Series 8 string bass. Cheers!
Joe
Congratulations. Lots of work you have done there. Would love to hear how it sounds. Any audio files coming?
Thanks Brian! Was not really that bad, as far as work goes, once the parts were assembled. Since Alembics have adjustable nuts, that part was easy. I will get an audio file up when I can. Cheers!
I see what you did there. ::)
For fun, here is a quick recording I just did on my laptop. Forgive the quality 8)
https://soundcloud.com/user-496774463/alembic-p8-open-string-sound-check (https://soundcloud.com/user-496774463/alembic-p8-open-string-sound-check)
Sounds......Alembic (which means great).
Yes, Alembics even sound good using a laptop microphone that cannot hear the low tones!
great!