I know this'll probably stir up the pot but has anyone done a comparison between various EUB basses and written up a review? I'm interested in getting something with low action that I can use for soloing but that also has a good sound for jazz rhythm section playing. Sounds like the Eminence may be the way to go for rhythm section stuff but what else is out there that's comparable or perhaps better for one thing or another?

Yes, I've done searches and read many of the postings in this forum...

Thanks,

Jaz

Hi Jaz,

I have played many of them and have specific requirements for an EUB that stem from 20 years of playing double bass. Based on my requirements - and these are right for me but may or may not be right for you - the AlterEGO bass is the "best" instrument. I endorse the basses now.
Much has already been written within the forum on these basses. Here is the thread:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=159557&highlight=alterego


Thanks,
Rick McLaughlin

Thanks Rick. I know it's a stupid topic because there is no "best" but I'm looking for something that has some DB vibe but at the same time, I would also like something with a bit lower action to play bop-type solos on. On my electric, I can solo on it like it's a big jazz guitar but on my DB, the action is just too high. That obviously contributes to the tone too so it's obviously a compromise but I figured if I get an EUB I'd get something that I could set the action lower on and use for some soloing stuff as well as regular bass stuff. (Conflicting requirements, I know...)

so , where can you get these in the US and what's the price range?

You Jack Zucker the jazz guitarist that used to hang out rmmgj? Perhaps this appeals?
Very upright sounding amplified and has a very strong acoustic personality.
http://www.azola.com/

http://www.azola.com/sys-tmpl/nss-folder/gallery/deco%203way%202.jpg

Based on my requirements - and these are right for me but may or may not be right for you - the AlterEGO bass is the "best" instrument.

Hi,

I'm still looking for the 'best' EUB for me, and Alter Ego is on my short list (which also includes the Kolstein travel bass and the Azola acoustic baby bass)

I tried the Alter Ego basses out at an IAJE conference a few years ago and really liked them. As a matter of fact, I found that I was spending a lot of time at their booth, and had a hard time putting them down.

They do a good job of emulating a 'real' bass; I wonder if it would be possible to use an Alter Ego in e.g. a salsa setting (more 'punch', more volume) to good effect as well. Has anyone tried this?

Rick Strong

Hi,
I wonder if it would be possible to use an Alter Ego in e.g. a salsa setting (more 'punch', more volume) to good effect as well. Has anyone tried this?

Rick Strong

Hey Rick,

I own an AlterEGO Acoustic Figaro 4-string (with Spirocores) and because I'm endorsing the entire line, two babyEGOs are at my house also - a 4-string (with steel strings) and a 5-string (with Velvet strings). I played the Acoustic on a salsa gig earlier this summer and had a great time. I was able to get enough punch to keep the hard core salsa cats satisfied, while warming things up a bit to keep my jazz colleagues happy too. It worked out great for me anyway.

My hunch is - and I haven't tested this personally yet but I have some anecdotes I can share with you if you PM me - that the babyEGO with steel strings will take it a step further.

Thanks,
Rick

Will salsa be your main style of music that you will be playing? If so, a baby bass (Ampeg or Ampeg copy) will be your best bet. Nothing beats the sound of a real baby bass in that setting. That said, I think if you talk to Jill Azola, they *might* still have the option of building a bass with a baby bass-like pickup system. Juan Perez has a custom mini-bass with that system, and it sounds very nice.

I'm sure with the right strings and EQ, you could get an alter ego (or nearly any EUB) to get a good thumpy tone that would work for salsa. With my ergo, if I take a piece of soft foam and position it just right under the strings near the bridge, and EQ my iAmp800 accordingly, i can get a VERY convincing baby-bass like tone.

NO, Salsa is not my primary focus. Actually, it'll be used in a modern jazz setting (ECM style ala Abercrombie, Bierach, etc).

Will salsa be your main style of music that you will be playing? If so, a baby bass (Ampeg or Ampeg copy) will be your best bet. Nothing beats the sound of a real baby bass in that setting. That said, I think if you talk to Jill Azola, they *might* still have the option of building a bass with a baby bass-like pickup system. Juan Perez has a custom mini-bass with that system, and it sounds very nice.

I'm sure with the right strings and EQ, you could get an alter ego (or nearly any EUB) to get a good thumpy tone that would work for salsa. With my ergo, if I take a piece of soft foam and position it just right under the strings near the bridge, and EQ my iAmp800 accordingly, i can get a VERY convincing baby-bass like tone.

You Jack Zucker the jazz guitarist that used to hang out rmmgj? Perhaps this appeals?
Very upright sounding amplified and has a very strong acoustic personality.
http://www.azola.com/

http://www.azola.com/sys-tmpl/nss-folder/gallery/deco%203way%202.jpg

Yep. That's me. I've heard good things about the azola basses. I have not seen the one in your posting. I'm looking for a 41.5" scale instrument and something that would allow me to switch easily between a real UB and an EUB

Yep. That's me. I've heard good things about the azola basses. I have not seen the one in your posting. I'm looking for a 41.5" scale instrument and something that would allow me to switch easily between a real UB and an EUB

Cool, yer a heckuva good musician....didn't know you played bass too.

My Deco is here a 34" scale so not what you're after. It's pretty much replaced the upright for me so I thought I'd run it past ya. Only thing I really miss is the inability to use the bow with it and I'm talking to the Azolas about a new instrument that addresses that issue. It won't be a popular opinion around here but when it comes to playing amplified I'm perfectly happy with a shorter scale instrument. I've done my time with 41".5 scale instruments to come to that though and I'm glad I did it that way. There are some things only the big bass can teach you.

Cool, yer a heckuva good musician....didn't know you played bass too.

My Deco is here a 34" scale so not what you're after. It's pretty much replaced the upright for me so I thought I'd run it past ya. Only thing I really miss is the inability to use the bow with it and I'm talking to the Azolas about a new instrument that addresses that issue. It won't be a popular opinion around here but when it comes to playing amplified I'm perfectly happy with a shorter scale instrument. I've done my time with 41".5 scale instruments to come to that though and I'm glad I did it that way. There are some things only the big bass can teach you.

Thanks for the info. How much did the azola run you? I wouldn't mind picking up a flattop acoustic bass like that...

Thanks.

Thanks for the info. How much did the azola run you? I wouldn't mind picking up a flattop acoustic bass like that...
Thanks.

I've had this one for over seven years....I think they start around $5K these days. I'm an archtop guy and really coming from the upright but Tacoma makes some nice flattops for around or under $1K. I've got a Takamine flattop I never play I'd part with cheap. PM me if you want.

I'm interested in getting something with low action that I can use for soloing but that also has a good sound for jazz rhythm section playing.

How does this sound to you ? Brian Bromberg on BSX Allegro Acoustic (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmlF1FAvoDY)

I've got one myself but I'm too much of a newb on upright to venture much of an unbiased opinion on it ... except that I'm enjoying it right now.

Brian Bromberg seems to play with a pretty low action, and the action on these BSXs is adjustable (some sort of arrangement with the neck bolts) so it might be right up your street.

I used to be an endorser and play the Alter Ego, but for the past year I've been playing a new French Bass called "Volante". It's by far the closest to the sound and feel of an upright. And it completly disassembles and fits in a hard shelll golf club case. I play with jazz vocalist Patricia Barber and travel around the world with it.

Do you have a link for the Volante EUB, Mike?
We could also add it to the sticky list of EUBs.

Best!
François

here's one article

http://www.citizenjazz.com/article3457045.html

http://www.musiquelocation.fr/volante-bass.php

Thanks!
Copied into the sticky list!

I don't read/speak french very well. Can someone tell me more info on the volante? It looks like it's got a spruce top but no body. Is that correct? How much are they? It seems that there are several non US EUBs out there that look pretty good but $3500 is a lot to pay sight-unseen for importing an instrument you've never heard...

I've got to put in another good word for the workhorse of EUBs...the Azola BugBass. I've played mine for six years now and it has been a reliable, easy-to-play, good sounding instrument.

Mine's the original version, solid body with just a BassMax and volume control, so it doesn't sound exactly like a URB. But it does sound good and after I bring my old American Standard upright to a gig, I quickly return to the BugBass to get more focus to the sound than I've ever gotten with a pickup on the American Standard.

Lately, I've been playing the Bug through a Clarus head and either a Wizzy 12 or a Contra EX and it's sounding even better and more upright-like.

Having a bass on an endpin is an important feature for me...it seems hard to engage a bass standing on a tripod like the all-stick designs.

Having a bass on an endpin is an important feature for me...it seems hard to engage a bass standing on a tripod like the all-stick designs.

I had my Bug on a tripod. After playing an acoustic so long I had a very difficult time adjusting to the difference in balance of the EUB. The shoulder bout is well designed and very functional but how it (or any other EUB I've played for that matter) feels spinning on its vertical axis never felt right to me. My tripod had a ball joint that when done up just tight enough to hold the bass was also loose enough to move with me. Also I prefer sitting which made the tripod invaluable as no EUB has enough depth to really be comfortable in comparison to a DB.

I don't read/speak french very well.

There's a UK flag there.
Links to:
http://www.musiquelocation.fr/volante-bass-en.php

I finally bought an EUB. Ironically, the only person I could get a reply from was from the dudepit. I bought a hollow bugbass II LTD Edition. I should get it tomorrow or monday. I'll write a review of it in a few days.

I bought a hollow bugbass II LTD Edition. I should get it tomorrow or monday. I'll write a review of it in a few days.

Wow!
Congratulations, you bought a real good one!
:hyper:

I agree...fantastic choice...a quality instrument and a great company to work with!

I finally bought an EUB. Ironically, the only person I could get a reply from was from the dudepit.

Hi Jack,

I was also looking at a few EUBs here. I believe we were looking at a few of the same ones. I haven't receved any responses either! The Azola is a killer bass and the Azolas are two of the nicest people you will ever meet.

I ended up buying an azola bugbass II LTD Edition semi-hollow which I love. The only guy that would return my emails! :) I found it on the dudepit bass page. I understand if guys are busy don't put up an ad if you don't have time to respond. Sheesh...

BTW, here's a link to a picture and a mini-review...

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=364888

Given the title of this thread, I have to give a plug to Alan Hatswell's Bassix EUBs.

http://www.bassix.net/range.php

I've had mine about a year, and although I'd still use my double bass most of the time, I really enjoy taking the Bassix out on gigs when I can. The sound is excellent, both arco and pizz. I'd be curious to know if anyone who's splashed out on an Alter Ego has heard one of these, because at less than half the price I think the Bassix would give it a good run soundwise.

I played an alter ego in Germany, it is a very nice instrument. I still think the Ergo can't be beat for the money, especially for extened range instruments. Now that I am used to my 7 string I wouldn't trade for anything. Jesse just made an 8 string (Low F# to high F) which looks beautiful.

Just wondering if there any recordings where one can hear the volante? Also where to buy one? Any advice would be great to follow up on.

I used to be an endorser and play the Alter Ego, but for the past year I've been playing a new French Bass called "Volante". It's by far the closest to the sound and feel of an upright. And it completly disassembles and fits in a hard shelll golf club case. I play with jazz vocalist Patricia Barber and travel around the world with it.