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GMC Forum _ GEAR & PRODUCTION _ E.r.g. (extended Range Guitars) Only Thread
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 18 2013, 06:08 PM
Found some really cool ERG axes lately and thought I'd share! 
If you think ERG guitars are sill, this thread is probably not for you 
Let's start with a spiff custom. Anyone else seen anything interesting lately?
This one is from ETHERIAL GUITARS.
Posted by: Taka Perry Jul 18 2013, 11:24 PM
10-string with fanned frets? Am I seeing this correctly? 
That would be a really wide neck. Even the 8-strings have massive necks.
Now, this takes the whole 'lots of strings' business to another level...
...that is if it still counts as a guitar 
Posted by: sammetal92 Jul 18 2013, 11:54 PM
I don't think ERGs are bad, but I always wonder how the hell do players get around such wide necks? 
And I think the material of the guitar is heavily dependent on the durability of these axes; they're holding so many thick strings to tension.
Oh and yes, I always wanted to play a 7 or 8 string guitar, anything above that, though is not for me, even though they look and sound pretty awesome to me, but I won't be able to play on them 
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 19 2013, 12:18 AM
Yup!!! It's a bit insane, even for an ERG. I have no idea what the tuning is like. The neck is MASSIVE and it does make me wonder how well it plays?
That would be a really wide neck. Even the 8-strings have massive necks.
Now, this takes the whole 'lots of strings' business to another level...
...that is if it still counts as a guitar
I"m still trying to decide if I like the 8 string I bought. I LOVE the 7, but the jury is still out on the 8. I've played hand built custom 8s and cheapie 8s and in between and so far they don't feel exactly like guitars IMHO. The tension is such that the use of vibrato is a bit less attractive IMHO. It can be done, just double the work and tires out the hand a bit. Not an "expressive" instrument so much as a rythmic instrument.
And I think the material of the guitar is heavily dependent on the durability of these axes; they're holding so many thick strings to tension.
Oh and yes, I always wanted to play a 7 or 8 string guitar, anything above that, though is not for me, even though they look and sound pretty awesome to me, but I won't be able to play on them
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 22 2013, 08:33 PM
ERG TELECASTER? Fred Brum, Polish shred man had this custom ERG TELE hand built. It has Death Bar pickups and will chug with the best of them but the aesthetics just throw me off. What do you think?
If nothing else he could play SURF MUSIC with MESHUGGAH 
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 23 2013, 05:27 PM
Found a great link to a resource that talks about 7/8 string instruments and gives specs on what the numbers are in terms of lowest frequencies generated and such and suggestions on gear that works well with ERG guitars. great info 
One bit up front.
Number of strings Single Scale Length Lowest Pitch
6 string 24.75 - 25.5 E2 - 82.41Hz
7 string good-25.5 better-27 B1 - 61.74Hz
8 string ok-27 better-28.625 F#1 - 46.25Hz
9 string 30.3 - 31.2 C#1 - 34.65Hz
Here is the link.
http://www.kneelie.com/guitar/tone/tone.htm#aamps
and here is a way spiff loooking ERG from a custom builder in California.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 23 2013, 07:29 PM
Just found this one, and it's pretty sexy 32 frets. 8 Strings. 30 inch scale.
Posted by: DeGroot Jul 23 2013, 09:19 PM
32 frets. 8 Strings. 30 inch scale.These guitars are INSANE! This white one looks incredible. Would love to try a 32 fret guitar!!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 23 2013, 09:47 PM
I must agree, these are insane I wanted to make a thread packed with over the top ERG guitars. They just don't fit in any other thread This one in particular is really impressive. I'm really curious how it plays!
Posted by: sammetal92 Jul 24 2013, 11:44 PM
32 frets. 8 Strings. 30 inch scale.Looks killer but I don't know if I could play at the 28th and above frets
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 26 2013, 03:27 AM
I"d love to get this thing for a run through I"m really curious if it actually plays well.
Posted by: Taka Perry Jul 26 2013, 07:38 AM
32 frets. 8 Strings. 30 inch scale.Wow, that looks nice. Are those EMG's? I've never seen white ones before
Posted by: sammetal92 Jul 26 2013, 08:10 PM
I believe they've been making white and cream colored ones for a while now
http://www.emgpickups.com/products/index/210/236/1
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 27 2013, 05:02 AM
Yup, EMG finally decided to offer colors other than basic black
http://www.emgpickups.com/products/index/210/236/1
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 29 2013, 06:16 PM
Here's and ERG combo!!!
It's OLA ENGLUNDS travel rig.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 31 2013, 05:58 AM
Bit more ERG pron
9 STRING VIK GUITAR
Posted by: vonhotch Jul 31 2013, 03:11 PM
9 STRING VIK GUITAR
I like these!
Does this count. Only gonna have 6 strings but designed to tune F,C,G,D,A,E. Almost as low as a standard 8. It's one I am building in my spare time. Working on fretting it right now. Scale lengths 25"-27" and the string gauges will go from .010-.076.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 31 2013, 10:23 PM
Well, if you tune it to a LOW C then it's ERG! Share the results with us! I like the fanned frets!!! Could you to a Flying V sort of shape as a 7 or 8? I'll be your first customer!
Does this count. Only gonna have 6 strings but designed to tune F,C,G,D,A,E. Almost as low as a standard 8. It's one I am building in my spare time. Working on fretting it right now. Scale lengths 25"-27" and the string gauges will go from .010-.076.
Posted by: sammetal92 Aug 1 2013, 12:38 AM
Oh man, VH custom guitars, its got a nice ring to it then again, people would confuse it with Van Halen Custom guitars
Posted by: vonhotch Aug 1 2013, 02:02 PM
Share the results with us! I like the fanned frets!!! Could you to a Flying V sort of shape as a 7 or 8? I'll be your first customer!The 5th string will be LOW C and the 6th LOW F!
The guitars are more of a hobby. I try to build 1 a year, as I get time. Every one gets a bit better. Don't see why I couldn't do a 7 or 8 V. I'd be up for it if you are!!! I also got plans to build an 8 that is a cross between a Strandberg ergo shape, and my F series 7 string style. But that is just a couple boards glued together at this point. then again, people would confuse it with Van Halen Custom guitars Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 1 2013, 10:06 PM
Awesome Would the strandberg be headless? BTW did you know you can download the strandberg build plans for free? They are creative commons so it's public You might be able to get some ideas.
P.S. hand built guitars can easily fetch 4,000 each or more so it can be very profitable to build them
d
The guitars are more of a hobby. I try to build 1 a year, as I get time. Every one gets a bit better. Don't see why I couldn't do a 7 or 8 V. I'd be up for it if you are!!! I also got plans to build an 8 that is a cross between a Strandberg ergo shape, and my F series 7 string style. But that is just a couple boards glued together at this point.Posted by: vonhotch Aug 5 2013, 04:00 PM
Would the strandberg be headless? BTW did you know you can download the strandberg build plans for free? They are creative commons so it's public You might be able to get some ideas. P.S. hand built guitars can easily fetch 4,000 each or more so it can be very profitable to build them
d
I think I'm a little ways from getting 4 grand for them, but they are fun to build. My F series/ergo/Strandberg abomination will not be headless. I just can't get by the headless thing. I made up a template and have gotten a little bit done on them. I don't want to totally hijack this thread so I can post some pics in a new thread. This is a guitar made by Rick Toone. I love the organic nature of it. Even if it is headless.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 6 2013, 06:14 AM
I"m looking forward to seeing it Yeah, the headless thing is not for everything. I personally don't mind it but hey whatever twists one's nickers!!!!
That guitar you like (even though it's headless, ahem) is certainly unique. There's something to be said for that! Nice grain on it But yeah, I don't think I"ll need one. Now a a VON guitar, that would be something spiff!!! i Vote you pull out your metal working skills and use zero plastic!
Todd
I think I'm a little ways from getting 4 grand for them, but they are fun to build. My F series/ergo/Strandberg abomination will not be headless. I just can't get by the headless thing. I made up a template and have gotten a little bit done on them. I don't want to totally hijack this thread so I can post some pics in a new thread. This is a guitar made by Rick Toone. I love the organic nature of it. Even if it is headless.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 6 2013, 10:33 PM
Some spiff RAN guitars.
Posted by: sammetal92 Aug 7 2013, 12:18 AM
What a beauty! I'd like to try this one out
Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 16 2013, 08:37 AM
Now this is a bit CRAZY IT's not so much and ERG as it is a bass and guitar slapped together
Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 16 2013, 01:54 PM
Here is a pretty compact ERG Rig 
Posted by: sammetal92 Aug 17 2013, 08:52 AM
Todd, if I get a seven or an eight string, would I be able to tune the thickest string(s) so that the guitar can be in dropped tuning at the same time being in a standard tuning at the bottom six strings?
Posted by: DeGroot Aug 17 2013, 11:29 AM
IT's not so much and ERG as it is a bass and guitar slapped together That is pretty fantastic.
With the amount of strings on his guitar and his approach to playing, it reminds me of a chapman stick.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 18 2013, 04:19 AM
Sure The intonation might drift a pinch but you should be fine. I tune my ibby 8 low string to E like Tosin abasi and keep the rest in standard 7 string tuning. Despite the fact that the RG8 is designed to be 2 steps down tuned, I don't do that. None of my other guitars would match so recording would be a huge pain.
Bingo!!
And in a way it's like Stanley Jordan Meets Tosin Abasi With the amount of strings on his guitar and his approach to playing, it reminds me of a chapman stick.Now this is a real beauty!!! Ibby 8. Spiff!
Posted by: sammetal92 Aug 18 2013, 07:14 AM
Thanks!
I think Brandon (thefireball) here has that one
I didn't know they had any 8 strings in the RG series before finding out about rg8 and of course, then I saw you had one too
Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 18 2013, 07:24 AM
BRANDON has the RG8 like me It's the starter 8 string but it gets the job done You can get a KRAKON (Korean from the same factory as AGILE) for about $300 on ebay, but it's nearly 100 to ship from Korea. You can also get a AGILE used 8 for about the same price on ebay. But as per usualy, I wouldn't suggest it unless you've played one first Speaking of 8 strings I"m going to sell mine on Ebay now that I think about it I think I"m going to save up for a FANNED FRET model and they are not cheap
I think Brandon (thefireball) here has that one
I didn't know they had any 8 strings in the RG series before finding out about rg8 and of course, then I saw you had one too Posted by: vonhotch Aug 19 2013, 03:50 PM
I just saw the other day that Ibanez is bringing back their 7 string acoustic. This is gonna be the next guitar I buy!!!!
http://www.ibanez.co.jp/products/u_ag_page13.php?data_id=309&color=CL01&year=2013&cat_id=3&series_id=133
Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 20 2013, 07:01 AM
Nice!!!! Can't wait to hear!
http://www.ibanez.co.jp/products/u_ag_page13.php?data_id=309&color=CL01&year=2013&cat_id=3&series_id=133
Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 11 2013, 05:13 PM
I found a FANNED FRET 8 STRING by AGILE for a shockingly cheap (by comparison with any other fanned fret 8) price. $799. I'm guessing it needs new pickups and a good setup so really more like a grand. But still for a fanned fret 8 thats a steal. I've not read great things about the neck thickness though Tad square and thick.
Anyone ever tried this guitar?
http://www.rondomusic.com/pendulumprodual72527ebblackflame.html
Posted by: verciazghra Sep 11 2013, 05:38 PM
why not???
Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 11 2013, 07:49 PM
Well sure Why not??
why not???
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 11 2013, 11:34 PM
I'm considering (or not so much anymore...so, I have decided) saving up for an 8-string guitar, but only if I practice intensively for a year. That gives me time to save up as well. Maybe I should look into one of these 30-fret ones. The RAN ones, though not 30 fret, were staggeringly beautiful in my opinion.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 12 2013, 12:00 AM
The RAN guitars are pretty darn amazing Keep in mind that fanned fret/multiscale guitars feel more like regular tension guitars on the higher strings while 8 string non fanned guitars have quite a bit more string tension so the high strings can feel a bit stiff. Make sure to try out some 8 string guitars at your local guitar shop to see which feels right
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 12 2013, 12:04 AM
Keep in mind that fanned fret/multiscale guitars feel more like regular tension guitars on the higher strings while 8 string non fanned guitars have quite a bit more string tension so the high strings can feel a bit stiff. Make sure to try out some 8 string guitars at your local guitar shop to see which feels right I definitely will, but only so when I get closer to having the funds, I think. Or maybe I'll go there once in a while to keep me inspired! I've been thinking about the RG2228 in white. Looks so darn cute!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 12 2013, 09:19 PM
The RG228 is a fine guitar Just make sure to play one and play a fanned fret for comparison if at all possible before making the final call I bought my RG8 before I knew much about "scale length" and figured out the hard way that some 8 strings have TONS of string tension making them a pinch less "expressive" IMHO. Great for dent, but less so for subtle vibrato and lead work.
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 13 2013, 08:30 AM
Just make sure to play one and play a fanned fret for comparison if at all possible before making the final call I bought my RG8 before I knew much about "scale length" and figured out the hard way that some 8 strings have TONS of string tension making them a pinch less "expressive" IMHO. Great for djent, but less so for subtle vibrato and lead work.I definitely will as we get closer to some not-set-yet date in a years time. I have my other guitars for more subtle stuff, so it's all cool!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 1 2013, 09:09 PM
Check this one out. "Lace Burl" wood from STRICTLY 7 GUITARS. They make some amazing axes. They did have some issues a while back when they started growing faster than they could build but they seem back on track and are building some killer instruments. I have an 8 string Cobra with Lundgren Pickups that's just a BEAST!!!
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