7/8 string Explorer, RD, Iceman, Firebird, or Fireman?

[jwade]

Alright, what do you guys think? I have to decide what to build. I'm trying to decide between these 5 shapes:

*edit to add one more option/picture*

I already have a nice (large) chunk of ultra-light swamp ash, and pretty soon, I'll have a big chunk of wenge for the neck. Countdown to the build starting in 2 weeks!

 

[JD27]

RD 7 would be cool. Don't see many RD's, so a 7 string would be very unique.

 

[sniperfreak223]

i'd personally love an 8-string Explorer, but the RD is definitely a shape you don't see too often...hell, I think the only ones I've actually seen were in Ghost/Ghost BC.

 

[TemjinStrife]

RD 7 would be cool. Don't see many RD's, so a 7 string would be very unique.

I think there's a good reason for that; they're hideous

I'd go Explorer or Firebird, myself.

 

[JoshuaVonFlash]

I vote Firebird 7.

 

[AceFransson]

What does RD stands for?

 

[JD27]

I think there's a good reason for that; they're hideous

I'd go Explorer or Firebird, myself.

So hideous that I own two of them

 

[jwade]

What does RD stands for?

research and development

 

[darren]

I already have a nice (large) chunk of ultra-light swamp ash, and pretty soon, I'll have a big chunk of wenge for the neck. Countdown to the build starting in 2 weeks!

Keep in mind that Firebirds are already somewhat prone to neck dive, so pairing a lightweight ash body with a wedge neck might make things worse.

 

[jwade]

I was thinking that with all of these, I'd try to counteract that with clever strap pin placement.

No experience with any of these models really, I had an Iceman once for 2 days but the selector switch was incredibly impossible to avoid while strumming, so I took it back.

*edit* A fellow builder friend has suggested offsetting the neckdive by installing weights.

 

[Hollowway]

Well, it's not on your list but I'd say Fireman 8. And here's why:

1) Its an incredibly rare shape that just doesn't get seen anywhere.
2) It's got that long upper horn, which is hugely important for preventing ERG neck dive.
3) Paul Gilbert
4) I will think you're cool, and will go on record as such.

So redo that dang poll, and watch Fireman 8 go to the top! Bonus cool points if you use single coils. (At least a couple of them?)

 

[jwade]

You know, I actually thought about that previously. Especially after his fancy-schmancy new $8000 anniversary model was announced. I really love the entire overall aesthetic of that thing. I'm going to be making my own pickups as well, so I can do basically whatever I want, within reason.

I'd also been in talks with a custom builder a year ago about having a Fireman 7 (with the Universe's disappearing pyramid inlays) built, but decided against it when school became an option.

(I'd add the Fireman to the poll but I don't see an 'edit poll' option anywhere)

 

[Hollowway]

That's fine. I'll forgive you in you build me one, too!

 

[Michael T]

Well, it's not on your list but I'd say Fireman 8. And here's why:

1) Its an incredibly rare shape that just doesn't get seen anywhere.
2) It's got that long upper horn, which is hugely important for preventing ERG neck dive.
3) Paul Gilbert
4) I will think you're cool, and will go on record as such.

So redo that dang poll, and watch Fireman 8 go to the top! Bonus cool points if you use single coils. (At least a couple of them?)

I highly highly highly recommend listening to this !!!

Did I mention I highly recommend this.

 

[The Spanish Inquisition]

An 8 string Explorer is just killer, I got one and it's just great, no neckdive and a massive tone because of the huge slab of wood.

 

[Estilo]

Anything but the explorer and iceman. Way more original.

 

[HeHasTheJazzHands]

None of the above.

7-string destoyer

But if that isn't what you want, RD 7-string.

 

[tssb]

Well, it's not on your list but I'd say Fireman 8. And here's why:

1) Its an incredibly rare shape that just doesn't get seen anywhere.
2) It's got that long upper horn, which is hugely important for preventing ERG neck dive.
3) Paul Gilbert
4) I will think you're cool, and will go on record as such.

So redo that dang poll, and watch Fireman 8 go to the top! Bonus cool points if you use single coils. (At least a couple of them?)

this.

 

[Shimme]

I'm a huge fan of the Xiphos and other X-shaped guitars myself!

 

[TemjinStrife]

Several people I know have cautioned against using one-piece wenge necks, citing instability. I'd recommend at the very least laminating it.