Carved basses from KC Strings

Bass Barrister · #1 03-09-2009, 03:50 PM

I looking for comments from those that own or have played the three carved basses offered by KC Strings that sell for $7.5k, $9k, and $16k. The pics look great. How do they play? How well are they made. From the web-site, it appears that the $16k bass is made from scratch here in the US, while the other two are, at least in part, assembled somewhere else (Germany, Romania, China??).

mjt0229 · #2 03-09-2009, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass Barrister

I looking for comments from those that own or have played the three carved basses offered by KC Strings that sell for $7.5k, $9k, and $16k. The pics look great. How do they play? How well are they made. From the web-site, it appears that the $16k bass is made from scratch here in the US, while the other two are, at least in part, assembled somewhere else (Germany, Romania, China??).

I played one (A $9K, I think) at Hammond-Ashley about 2 years ago. I recall really liking it, but it's too long ago to remember specifics. I didn't think it compared to the Luciano Golia instrument they had on consignment at the same time, but there was a $3K price difference (at least). It was much nicer than the Calin Wultur flatback that I had bought 3 years ago. The workmanship was good.

Greg Clinkingbeard · #3 03-09-2009, 07:05 PM

I've been very happy with my $9k bass. If you do a search, you'll find some stuff.
Yes, I believe the carcass is made in Romania and KC Strings buys them with the tops off and unfinished. They regraduate the tops and graft in a nice soundpost patch which Anton believes improves the tone. It will certainly be good insurance against a crack down the road. The finish on these basses is really spectacular as well.

The more expensive basses $16k to well over $20k are made entirely in house from an enormous stock of well seasoned stock. I was amazed to see all the wood they have collected over the years. I played a bass a couple of months ago that was just finished, I think priced at $24k. The quality of wood was really something with tight, flamed maple and sweet top wood. If you spend more money, you get a nicer bass. That said, I think the bass I chose is a much better value than those made entirely in house. Although I don't put the bow to it much, it really sounds great under the bow. I imagine their top basses might be better for that use.
Of all the basses they have had in the shop, I have almost always preferred their instruments to others, regardless of age, or price. Anton is always looking for every possible improvement in his instruments.

No, I don't work there, just an enthusiastic customer.

manutabora · #4 03-09-2009, 08:30 PM

Sorry, I can't offer you specific information about their basses. I own one of their violins (this is my third one from that shop) and I've dealt extensively with them.
I can tell you for sure that Anton is a great craftsman and that he is all about getting his instruments in the hands of players. Great people to deal with, and their shop is just drool inspiring...

Proton Lenny · #5 03-12-2009, 12:15 AM

I own one of their 9k basses. It is honestly amazing for the price. I feel that it compares with basses that are easily around 14,000ish. The varnish is gorgeous, and it is able to be setup with very low action (which is how I play). Everything from Rabbath solo pieces to jazz standards (pizz. obviously) sounds great. Plus Anton, Micha, and the rest of the staff there are the nicest people ever. That is my two cents.

Greg Clinkingbeard · #6 03-12-2009, 07:28 AM

Lenny,
Where are you.
+1 on the setup. Aiden really dressed the fingerboard nicely for me. I had the strings at 3 and 6mm just to see and the bass played, albeit at a whisper.
Right now at 5 and 8 the bass is a cannon and is really opening up. The low end is nice and growly as well.

For those who don't know, Anton has paid his dues and learned the ropes. A stint at Gage's prolly didn't hurt.

jmpiwonka · #7 03-12-2009, 11:17 AM

i would imagine they sound really nice.
my former teacher had one of Anton's basses as his solo bass. it sounded awesome to my ears. he said it could've sounded a little sweeter but it was super loud and he had it for his solo bass so...

a few of his other students had the mid level basses and they sounded real nice to my ears but i didn't get to do any extensive listening to them.

Proton Lenny · #8 03-12-2009, 08:33 PM

Clink,

I'm in the Shawnee/Lenexa area. Yeah, I don't know the exact measurements on my action, but it is much lower than the average bass player's is, that's for sure. I can play as loud as possible and not get any buzz. I really enjoy that shop. It is such a laid back place.

Ciao