New 8 String Models

So this is the first pass at the new 8 String S9 Multiscale.
It is going to be 26-28" with Dual Diablo Multiscale Blade humbuckers. I am planning on adding single coils blades as well as hot rails style blades as an option. I plan on starting the first prototype soon.
This is not a technical drawing but a quick sketch.
S9 8 String Chronos Multiscale

I decided that a 27.5" scale 8 might be worth developing for guys who don't like Multiscales. Again this is not a technical drawing but a quick sketch.
T9 8 string Blackguard style.

S9 Express -- RedStar II --

Redstar II

S9 Express Multiscale

25.5" - 27" Scale

One Piece Honduran Mahogany Body

Padauk Neck with Cocobolo Fingerboard

T4M Bridges

Locking Tuners

Custom Blade Multiscale Humbuckers (Jazz)

3-Way/Volume with Push/Pull tap

Black Cherry Dye with Teak Oil and Poly finish

Multiscale 7 on its way

The blades in these pickups took forever to get right. After a while I figured out that they fit so tight that the rough sanding edge was making them impossible to get out of the bobbin. So I buffed the edges of the blades and they slide right out…Here is what they will look like in the body.

Side dots while the fretboard is still square.

Lets get this fretboard prepped for frets.

Frets are in...Multiscales use more fretwire than a normal 7 (for obvious reasons).

Neck Carving time.

Almost there. I think I spent another 45 minutes fine tuning the profile after these photos.

Headstock profile cleaned up and tuners drilled.

Trim the tenon and a mock up before setting the neck. Since this guitar is going to be black I will spend some time sanding and dying the body before gluing the neck in.

Multiscale headstock finally taking shape

S907 Express Mutiscale

Veneers for the headstock. The Laguna leaves a very clean surface.

Headstock prepped for faceplate.

Trussrod access drilling jig.

Headstock roughed in but not final thickness yet. You can see the new trussrod slot I plan on using (unless it sucks).

Bobbins for the pickups rough but ready for wire.

Roughing in the carve.

Body carves are simple on this one.

Drilling the jack cup. I am trying a different location on this one. The idea is to use an angle jack and tuck it into the strap. I used to use a strap jack years ago but I have grown very fond of strap locks in recent years. We will see how this works.

Electronics in place.