According to the price list, the increase in list price for a Spyder 8 is $1,300, and the list for an Excel 4 is $4,800.  (The price listed is dated 01/01/08, so it may not be current.)  This suggests that the list on an Excel 8 would be around $6,100.

So, if they would make such a beast, it would run you around $5K at your local dealer after a reasonable discount and with no sort of special figured in.  I wonder when the Double your string count monthly special will come up?

They would indeed. If you would be interested in a Warwick dolphin pro 8 with amber leds in dark deep purple finish w/case for $2800 plus shipping, I have one. But a build is more exciting.

Danno, you'd have to cut 2-3 inches off the scale length before it would interest me, but I can't speak for Ray.  I did try a short Hamer, but wasn't sufficiently impressed, so only an Alembic is likely to get my wallet open.    
 
Did you ever sell that RavenWest?  To look at it, it seemed like a very nicely constructed piece that might benefit from an electronics replacement to become a fine mid-level instrument.  In pictures, it certainly looked like it had more potential than the average Schecter or Dean.  Still, neither an Alembic nor a 30-32 scale...
 
-bob

Its going to a detective at the kung fu school I attend. Great axe for the money. As always I hope everyone finds their dream bass.

Toshiaki; Stanely Clark eight string? I have a brown bass and was wondering what an eight string would be like . is it neck heavy? It must be a dream to play even if it is.    Ray

Ray, The neck is very heavy and the bass itself is heavy too. It's one of the heaviest bass which I have ever played. It would be better if the octave string tuners were guitar tuner. Toshiaki

I spoke with Mica about converting my JPJ to an 8-string last year sometime.  Total cost was in the $1300-1400 range.
 
Required steps:
 
* replace bridge/nut/tailpiece
* remove veneers from front/back of headstock
* block the headstock (increase size)
* new veneers/shaping/drill for tuning pegs
* refinish

Thanks, Brian, that sounds pretty good and definitely worth considering.  The remaining question I would have is what nut width you need for this to be viable.  I am guessing a standard 1.75 four string nut will work, but my narrower jazz spaced instruments wouldn't space to take eight strings.
 
I guess this would also mean that if one could get their hands on a Distillate for under $2K, one might end up with an eight string for not much more than $3K.  That seems a bargain compared to the price eights seem to command on the used market.  I'll have to keep my eyes open.  Heck, if someone breaks their headstock and then offers the bass at a bargain price, that would be ideal!
 
-bob

I've put together this much information. the nut width on my Schecter eight is, 1...62, and the 24th fret is, 2.575. to me the nut width seems to narrow. It appears to me the best candidates for conversion are the orion, essence, rogue and the europa five strings,  with 1.875 nut and 2.933, 24th fret. I have a 32 distillate 5 with 1.90 nut and 2.465; 24th fret which all so a good candidate. but I don't think I can bring my self to do this, to this particular beautiful bass. Wondering if some one with an Alembic eight could send  the dimensions on their bass for a more accurate comparison      Ray.

I've just taken pics of string spacing comparison. The scale indicates "cm". 2.54cm = 1inch.  8string

 

  4string with comfort taper

 

  4string with classic taper

 

  (Message edited by to 81 0190 on April 13, 2009)

Some more pics.  8string 24th fret

  4string comfort taper 24th fret

  4string classic taper 24th fret

  Then I found out classic 5string has very similar dimension to 8string but they might be as rare as 8string.   5string very narrow taper in 81'  

 

 

great pics; lots of information. The five string you are showing has the same string spacings as my distillate. Don't know if I can do it . The 24th fret on the orion,essence, rogue,  and europa might be a little to wide. I believe patience will win the day. but if I give up waiting, I am, sitting on the perfect candidate for a conversion. great information.   Thanks much!!        Ray.

well ;it looks like I went against my beginning thoughts. that thing about the cost of a new bass getting me in hot water.It seems like it's the best way to do it right. so I did. I am just about done wrapping up the specs with Mica.  Balance K Mark King with a small point, two purple heart and one ebony neck laminate, 3A quilted top, anniversary  electronics, 32scale, and  a few other small things thrown in.Working out the neck specs now. the information, Tosiaka sent was help full. thanks. Ray.

Wow, congrats!!  Sounds like a great bass!