Hamer B8S Specifications

[DSTim]

I am looing into making an 8 string bass like the B8S.  I saw Nick Lowe play one in a small club in Portland Oregon back in the early 80's and have wanted one ever since.  I have made a few 6 string guitars in the past so I have some knowledge.  I'm wondering if anyone has any information about the design they could share.  I know it's a long shot but if there are any drawing out there it would be a big help.

 

Thanks!

[HSB0531]

9 hours ago, DSTim said:

I am looing into making an 8 string bass like the B8S.  I saw Nick Lowe play one in a small club in Portland Oregon back in the early 80's and have wanted one ever since.  I have made a few 6 string guitars in the past so I have some knowledge.  I'm wondering if anyone has any information about the design they could share.  I know it's a long shot but if there are any drawing out there it would be a big help.

 

Thanks!

I'd personally just buy one off of Reverb or Ebay or better yet, right here when one comes up for sale.  The cost of making one and all the time/research would be equal to or close to or more than the real thing.

[cmatthes]

18 hours ago, HSB0531 said:

I'd personally just buy one off of Reverb or Ebay or better yet, right here when one comes up for sale.  The cost of making one and all the time/research would be equal to or close to or more than the real thing.

Those seem to be rarer than hen's teeth these days, and would likely set a guy back $3k.  It's not like it was around here 20-25 years ago, when there was a 4-digit or 90s B-8s up for sale for $1k or below every couple of months!  I'd like to know where all of those ended up!

 

[HSB0531]

45 minutes ago, cmatthes said:

Those seem to be rarer than hen's teeth these days, and would likely set a guy back $3k.  It's not like it was around here 20-25 years ago, when there was a 4-digit or 90s B-8s up for sale for $1k or below every couple of months!  I'd like to know where all of those ended up!

 

Yeah I haven't seen one for sale in maybe a year or so, but regarding used Hamer cost I figured around $3k+ also.  I looked into 12 string necks first, and I haven't found any companies that make bolt on 12-string bass necks. I would imagine a custom shop 12ver short scale would be quite a bit more money.

[crunchee]

There's a 12-string Hamer (1986 from the S/N, I  think) up for sale on Reverb, but it ain't cheap (no affiliation)...headstock kinda reminds me of the old Hamer 'Dan Armstrong' headstock shape:

1980s Hamer Custom 12-String Bass Deep Red w/30" Scale Length #615717 | Reverb

Then a 'homemade' 8-string bass, painted by Stike supposedly (no affiliation with me either), is the seller/builder a member here?:

“Hamer” Thunderbird FB 8 string Bass | Reverb

Of course, Schecter has a few models of 12-string basses, they can be found being sold by online retailers such as Sweetwater, if someone would rather skip the hassle of building their own.

Edited January 28 by crunchee

[topekatj]

The red Hamer 12er is in nice shape but has to be neck heavy with the short upper horn. ‘Tony S.’ on the TRC, Tony Stevens (Foghat)?

ETA: Looks like the bass must’ve belonged to Tony Senatore.

https://www.12stringbass.net/tony-senatore-holyland

I also found an instagram link — the seller recently acquired the bass at a guitar show in the Bay Area.

Edited January 29 by topekatj