Arnold's Walnut 7/8's Doublebass

[Jason Sypher]

I took a trip up to Arnold's today to see and play the new Walnut bass. It is a 7/8 size instrument that plays like a 3/4. In fact, you don't realize how big it is until you step away from it. We've all seen the photos of past walnut basses he has made, they are all stunning. This one is no different. The wood he chose is gorgeous. Looking at it you have to wonder why there haven't been more Walnut basses made...the wood is incredibly stable and strong and the grain is ridiculous. The bass was an absolute canon. Everything about it feels incredibly solid. It's as if the whole bass were made of one piece of wood. I was amazed by how even it was in all registers. The top end was singing, reminded me of the best French basses and the bottom was thundering but very tight and controlled. The extension was very easy to manipulate and each string stop was perfectly in tune. The famed Martini was at the shop and the Walnut held it's own against the old Italian. One can only imagine how much better this bass will be as it ages. Top notch bass!

[tomshepp]

We're very fortunate to have such fine luthiers such as Arnold.

Thing is, how do you determine the amount of tonal improvement a bass has throughout its life? I wonder how many of the really old basses sounded when they were played for the first time. Do basses continue to open up, or do they reach a certain plateau? I know it depends on the amount a bass is played, but there is no way to know how a new bass will sound in 100 years, or how an old bass sounded 100 years ago.

I bring all this up because when I bought my bass, I bought new. I thought a new bass would spend less time and $ being at the luthier for repairs or improvements. Then, When I told a local luthier that I was done looking for a bass, he gave me a knowing glance and asked if I was sure about that.

Your old Yankee must be an incredible bass, yet you continue to look for something else. Is the search part of the fun?

[Jason Sypher]

Well that's a lot to think about. Basses that aren't built well aren't going to be around for a hundred years. I agree there is no way to know as there are so many variables involved. Based on experience, a well-built bass, played daily, preferably with a bow, will sound more resonant. Even an old bass needs to be warmed up to get all the elements working in harmony. Arnold mentioned a story about Gary Karr tuning his G down to an F# and his E down to a D and bowing broadly across the four strings to get a massive D chord ringing in order to open up his bass.

In regards to being satisfied with a bass and never looking for another instrument I would also raise an eyebrow. Players needs change. Players tastes can change as well.
When I bought my bass I needed a powerful bass with a lot of localized spread. Although I still need a big sound, I also need a bass with more soloistic qualities. I never imagined that I would want to bow intricate fiddle tunes at the bottom of the fingerboard, but now I do. Now, my practice is nearly 100% bowing and I DO want to be up in those stratospheric registers. I can do that with my bass but it's just a tiny bit big across the shoulders for me to be totally relaxed in that area. I actually don't like the search as much as I used to. It takes a lot of time and effort and I have to go through the same sleepless night after I find something extraordinary. I seem to have excellent tastes, in that, most of the basses I love are very expensive.

Getting back to the opening up issue. I believe that a bass that is constructed with good wood, properly aged, using traditional techniques, by a skilled luthier will sound better after being played (in the short range and the long range). How much better? Theres no way to know.

[drurb]

Ah, another of the perennial TB subjects! I think (but can't prove) that most of the "opening up" occurs early in a DB's life. Large changes seem to occur in the first few weeks as things settle. Then, there seems to be a slower improvement that may take place over the first year or two or three. I'm not convinced that much substantial happens after that. I think any changes are subtle over the very long term. Time will not make a mediocre bass sound like a really good bass.

[Jason Sypher]

Ok, wait a minute. I started this thread to express incredible virtues of Arnold's new Walnut bass. I don't want it to become something else that might be confusing for someone who wanders in half way through and misses the point I was making. Arnold is an incredible luthier who is making incredible basses at varying price points. I believe his walnut bass is a testament to fine modern bass making in this country. If you are anywhere near the market for such a bass, do yourself a favor and check it out!

[drurb]

Originally Posted by Jason Sypher

Ok, wait a minute. I started this thread to express incredible virtues of Arnold's new Walnut bass. I don't want it to become something else that might be confusing for someone who wanders in half way through and misses the point I was making. Arnold is an incredible luthier who is making incredible basses at varying price points. I believe his walnut bass is a testament to fine modern bass making in this country. If you are anywhere near the market for such a bass, do yourself a favor and check it out!

You opened the door and Tom and I walked in.
You never know where discussions lead-- it's the nature of this place. I hope we don't get a visit from theses guys:



To add to the on-topic comments, I agree that we are, indeed, fortunate to have luthiers like Arnold who do spectacular work and keep the bar raised high. The walnut bass looks breathtakingly beautiful.

[61pollmann]

Is this bass on Arnold's website yet?

[Jason Sypher]

"One can only imagine"...

No, it's not on his site yet to drool over. I'm sure it will be when Arnold gets a hold of his "web guru" as he calls it.

[forester]

arnold+walnut= art to be shared with others.

is it the same instrument he had a start on at the ISB last summer?

[Chris Fitzgerald]

I would love to see this bass. Hopefully, some pics will surface soon. Having owned three of Arnold's "lesser" basses, I can only imagine what the Walnut bass sounds like and how it plays. I don't think I will ever outgrow the ones I have and don't feel the need for anything better, but I hope someone gives this latest monster a good home.

[kmanley_29649]

Okay, I have to ask; who is Arnold? I'm assuming he's quite the luthier, but I am unfamiliar with him myself, and I'd love to become familiar.

[Chris Fitzgerald]

http://www.aesbass.com/

I'd suggest keeping a roll of paper towels handy to wipe up the drool. Enjoy!

[kmanley_29649]

Thanks. That's some amazing stuff. I'm hoping to get into building basses myself eventually, but the plan is to start on a few violins, just to get a feel of the techniques required. That site is both encouraging and disheartening. There's such beautiful and varied possibilities, but it's so tedious and time consuming, and I've never done anything beyond the simplest of woodworking.

[stiv1]

"is it the same instrument he had a start on at the ISB last summer?"

I own that particular instrument and would echo everything that was stated in the opening of this thread. Simply an amazing bass!