darren
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So it never hurts to have options, right? 
The interest in 8-strings has been heating up quite considerably, but for most of us, price is a big barrier to adopting an extended-range instrument. Most of us haven't played an 8, and dropping $1000+ on an instrument without knowing whether it's something we can get along with is a big investment in what is essentially an experiment.
Naturally, i thought of approaching Kurt and Rondo Music about the possibility of adapting an existing guitar or bass design to an 8-string guitar. After thumbing through just about every page of their online catalog, i came across the Brice Defiant 6-string bass... i thought it was pretty much the perfect platform to start modifying. The shape is superStrat-esque with some unique but still aesthetically pleasing twists, and i dig the overall look.
I've mocked it up with some proposed specs, for your perusal... it's shown white here just to get the shape across. It would likely use similar woods and finish as the Defiant 6-string bass.
I've opened a discussion with Kurt about it, and as we all know, Rondo is VERY receptive and responsive to customer requests. If you guys are interested in something like this, chime in and maybe Kurt can make it happen.
[EDIT: Since nobody wants to read through 200+ pages of posts to find the latest, i'm adding a FAQ here - darren. FAQ Updated 2009.01.10]
Just to recap the evolution:
October 4, 2006
October 5, 2006
December 19, 2006
May 4, 2008
May 4, 2008
Updated 2008.08.11
... with production pics!
Agile Intrepid Pro 8 at HomeOld
The first batch is expected around September 1. Here are some pics of a maple-fretboard model:
The interest in 8-strings has been heating up quite considerably, but for most of us, price is a big barrier to adopting an extended-range instrument. Most of us haven't played an 8, and dropping $1000+ on an instrument without knowing whether it's something we can get along with is a big investment in what is essentially an experiment.
Naturally, i thought of approaching Kurt and Rondo Music about the possibility of adapting an existing guitar or bass design to an 8-string guitar. After thumbing through just about every page of their online catalog, i came across the Brice Defiant 6-string bass... i thought it was pretty much the perfect platform to start modifying. The shape is superStrat-esque with some unique but still aesthetically pleasing twists, and i dig the overall look.
I've mocked it up with some proposed specs, for your perusal... it's shown white here just to get the shape across. It would likely use similar woods and finish as the Defiant 6-string bass.
I've opened a discussion with Kurt about it, and as we all know, Rondo is VERY receptive and responsive to customer requests. If you guys are interested in something like this, chime in and maybe Kurt can make it happen.
[EDIT: Since nobody wants to read through 200+ pages of posts to find the latest, i'm adding a FAQ here - darren. FAQ Updated 2009.01.10]
First, a disclaimer: I DO NOT WORK FOR RONDO MUSIC! I cannot answer any questions about production, sales, inventory, or anything other than the design and specifications. I'm a player and designer who just happened to work with Rondo to make this instrument a reality.
DO NOT SEND ME PRIVATE MESSAGES WITH THE QUESTIONS BELOW (OR QUESTIONS RELATED). DOING SO WILL RESULT IN YOU GETTING NEGATIVE REP. Sorry, folks, but that's the way it's gotta be. Please direct all questions to Kurt.
The FAQ below should answer any remaining questions...
Q: Are these still available?
A: The easiest way to find out is to go to Rondo's site and look for yourself. They're usually on the last page of the electric guitars section. If you don't see them there, then the answer is no, there are none currently available for ordering.
Q: When will the next run be?
A: If you want to be alerted as to when the next run is available for ordering, the best thing to do is to sign up for the Rondo mailing list. Advance notice goes out to all list subscribers before the ordering page hits the site for the general public.
Q: Will the Intrepid become a regular stock item at Rondo instead of being produced in small manufacturing runs?
A: The only person who can answer questions about future product plans is Kurt at Rondo Music. If you want an answer to this question, please email him at info@rondomusic.net instead of asking in this thread for the ELEVENTY-BILLIONTH TIME.
Q: How much?
A: Current pricing (as of Fall 2008) for the Intrepid Pro (maple/walnut 5-piece neck thru body with mahogany wings, maple fretboard, Hipshot bridge and EMG 808 pickup) is USD$675 plus shipping. Pricing on the second run of Intrepid Standard models is USD $535. The Intrepid Dual Standard 8 is $625. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at ordering time, with the remainder due prior to shipping. Pricing and payment policy may change in the future, but i'm not going to keep updating this FAQ with the pricing for every run.
Q: How long are pre-orders being accepted?
A: Intrepids are being ordered from the factory in relatively small runs, and all instruments were pre-sold through the pre-order process. The first run was apparently 50 instruments, and those sold out within days. Orders are usually taken until a production target is met or an ordering cutoff date is reached. We do not know if Rondo Music plans to order additional units for inventory.
Q: When are these coming in?
A: Estimated ship date for the second run is March 3rd, 2009. You will be contacted directly by Rondo Music when these come in, as the balance of your payment will be due before your guitar ships out.
Q: Is there a hardshell case available?
A: Yes. Baritone Case
Q: Can you make me a mockup for a custom shop model i want to order?
A: No. I don't work for Rondo Music, and can't respond to every single request for a custom mockup. If you have questions about other products from Rondo, please contact Kurt directly.
[EDIT: Just so nobody's confused, i'm updating this post with all of the prototype concept mockups to date. - darren, 2008.04.05]DO NOT SEND ME PRIVATE MESSAGES WITH THE QUESTIONS BELOW (OR QUESTIONS RELATED). DOING SO WILL RESULT IN YOU GETTING NEGATIVE REP. Sorry, folks, but that's the way it's gotta be. Please direct all questions to Kurt.
The FAQ below should answer any remaining questions...
Q: Are these still available?
A: The easiest way to find out is to go to Rondo's site and look for yourself. They're usually on the last page of the electric guitars section. If you don't see them there, then the answer is no, there are none currently available for ordering.
Q: When will the next run be?
A: If you want to be alerted as to when the next run is available for ordering, the best thing to do is to sign up for the Rondo mailing list. Advance notice goes out to all list subscribers before the ordering page hits the site for the general public.
Q: Will the Intrepid become a regular stock item at Rondo instead of being produced in small manufacturing runs?
A: The only person who can answer questions about future product plans is Kurt at Rondo Music. If you want an answer to this question, please email him at info@rondomusic.net instead of asking in this thread for the ELEVENTY-BILLIONTH TIME.
Q: How much?
A: Current pricing (as of Fall 2008) for the Intrepid Pro (maple/walnut 5-piece neck thru body with mahogany wings, maple fretboard, Hipshot bridge and EMG 808 pickup) is USD$675 plus shipping. Pricing on the second run of Intrepid Standard models is USD $535. The Intrepid Dual Standard 8 is $625. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at ordering time, with the remainder due prior to shipping. Pricing and payment policy may change in the future, but i'm not going to keep updating this FAQ with the pricing for every run.
Q: How long are pre-orders being accepted?
A: Intrepids are being ordered from the factory in relatively small runs, and all instruments were pre-sold through the pre-order process. The first run was apparently 50 instruments, and those sold out within days. Orders are usually taken until a production target is met or an ordering cutoff date is reached. We do not know if Rondo Music plans to order additional units for inventory.
Q: When are these coming in?
A: Estimated ship date for the second run is March 3rd, 2009. You will be contacted directly by Rondo Music when these come in, as the balance of your payment will be due before your guitar ships out.
Q: Is there a hardshell case available?
A: Yes. Baritone Case
Q: Can you make me a mockup for a custom shop model i want to order?
A: No. I don't work for Rondo Music, and can't respond to every single request for a custom mockup. If you have questions about other products from Rondo, please contact Kurt directly.
Just to recap the evolution:
October 4, 2006
October 5, 2006
December 19, 2006
May 4, 2008
May 4, 2008
Updated 2008.08.11
... with production pics!
Agile Intrepid Pro 8 at HomeOld
The first batch is expected around September 1. Here are some pics of a maple-fretboard model:
I'm not to big on anything more than 7 strings these days, but if this sees the light of day and is at a reasonable price, I just might pick one up for the hell of it.
