I have an 8 string kramer aluminum neck bass, and its the hugest sounding bass I have ever owned or played. The range of tones that are coaxed from this ugly beast are amazing. I have only been able to find one other brand of 8 string basses at music stores that I could test. It was some new brand, and it was not all that. I know that Hagstrom made em' and that there are some Rick's too. I have never played those, all though I am told that Hendrix played a Hagstrom 8 string on "1983 (A Mermaid I Shall Turn To Be)". Theres one on Pearl Jam's Jeremy I think, and I know John Paul Jones was fond of them. Anybody out there play one they liked or know of a recording with one that comes to mind?

I've seen a few Numetal bands use a Conclin (spelling?) 8 string. I personally don't like them. I prefer to play a four string 65 (not reissue) Fender Jazz. I alternate tune so I end up getting a little different of a tone with it.

Chris

Tom Petersson of Cheap Trick has used them for years. And 12-strings too.

ESP, Dean, and Hamer come to mind for companies that are currently or have recently manufactured them.

Mike from Enemymine played one...to great effect. check out 'The Ice In Me'.
-chris