Arnold's Ergonomic Contrabass III

hdiddy · #1 02-22-2007, 09:09 PM

I was doing my routine online drool circuit and checked Arnold's site. The 3rd bass is up for your pornographic pleasure. It's probably advised that you take photos the bathroom ala WARMBATON.

Just thought you guys might like to know as you may have not seen it yet and I didn't see any threads about it.

Arny, care to tell us what the differences are between II and III?

drurb · #2 02-23-2007, 07:51 AM

...and here's a link.

*fenderbass* · #3 02-23-2007, 03:47 PM

That's amazing. Amazing!

Are those holes in the bass side shoulder? What are they for? Are they sound holes to hear yourself better?

Amazing.

John Sprague · #4 02-26-2007, 10:53 AM

This picture makes me dizzy! (asymmetrical bass, tilted floor and ceiling, a definite Escher vibe). Nice job Ahnold!

arnoldschnitzer · #5 02-26-2007, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *fenderbass*

Are those holes in the bass side shoulder? What are they for? Are they sound holes to hear yourself better?

Yes, they are additional soundholes. The theory is that since bass frequencies are mostly omnidirectional, why not allow some of the sound to escape in the direction of the user? I also have plugs for the holes, which when plugged seems to make the frontward projection a little stronger. When the holes are open and the player leans around to play in thumb position, his/her body pretty much covers the holes, and helps the upper register to project. People say they hear themselves well in a section and solo with accompanist on this bass, but I can't say definatively if that is because of the rib soundholes. This is the second bass I have done this to and I think it works, though I have no actual proof.

arnoldschnitzer · #6 02-26-2007, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdiddy

care to tell us what the differences are between II and III?

The rib soundhole configuration is different, and III has a rounded back. II is made of eastern U.S. maple, and III is English Sycamore. The scrolls are a bit different; III has a hole going through the scroll eye from one side to the other.

vier-personen · #7 02-26-2007, 05:06 PM

this bass looks very, very interesting! I am really curious what it sounds like. is there a recording online?
I guess it is only possible to try it at your workshop in the US?

bribass · #8 03-05-2007, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arnoldschnitzer

The rib soundhole configuration is different, and III has a rounded back. II is made of eastern U.S. maple, and III is English Sycamore. The scrolls are a bit different; III has a hole going through the scroll eye from one side to the other.

I love the way the shape of the scroll seems to mirror the unique shape of the body. Bravo Arnold!

Brian

mpm · #9 03-05-2007, 09:35 AM

"hole through the scroll eye", whoa, there is a joke in there somewhere...nice looking tailpiece btw...

arnoldschnitzer · #10 03-05-2007, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpm

"hole through the scroll eye", whoa, there is a joke in there somewhere...

And the punchline is...

hdiddy · #11 03-24-2007, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arnoldschnitzer

The rib soundhole configuration is different, and III has a rounded back. II is made of eastern U.S. maple, and III is English Sycamore. The scrolls are a bit different; III has a hole going through the scroll eye from one side to the other.

Oooh I wish there was a pic of that. I didn't see it on your site.

BTW: I was curious, have you ever tried retrofitting (cutting) some rib sound holes into just any bass to see if it made a difference? I suppose you wouldn't do it on an ancient bass but I could see on a budget instrument like my chrissy, it might be worth while.