CF basses from Cosi?

[robobass]

I was recently at the Frankfurt Musikmesse and I played some of these basses. I have no connection to Cosi, but I was so amazed I had to write this post.

They have an endorsement from Barre Phillips. They have models that are all CF (ebony board and maple bridge, though), as well as spruce top models, and foldable (removable neck) models as well. I didn't find the spruce top version very interesting, but the all carbon was really neat! I found it really special on the E-String, which I could make speak with the delicacy, clarity, precision, and punch I get from a D-String on most nice wood basses. And this was with Spirocore! (Are the French aware that there are other strings besides Spirocore?) The instrument was very even, from the open E to the highest notes on the G, and as loud or as soft as you could ask for at any place in between. At the audition I gave it on the floor at the trade show, I found it wonderful for orchestra passage work, Bach suites, and concertos, although I can't say how ideal it would be for jazz (it would depend on your tastes). The price seems to me quite fair, although they are not exactly giving it away. I really can't stress enough how impressed I was without doing something embarassing

Again, I am in no way connected to Cosi, but if I were shopping, I would buy one in an instant. Just don't know how the orchestra would react. Bringing a synthetic bass to work would be only slightly less shocking to them than wearing a flashing neon green codpiece! After they heard it though, I bet they would deal.

Robobass

[MarkRubin]

I just played one here in Austin TX and found it to be amazingly even and balanced in all the registers. Had a KILLER travel trunk with it as well. I do believe the owner is thinking of selling it, but I don't have the bread myself, or I would have snatched it up. He bought it on a lark when he was touring France a few years back and now wants a better symphonic bass. It's a shame that he can't audition with this, as it's really really quite fine.

[bribass]

What are they asking for these things?
If it were light weight the one w/ the removable neck would be the ideal axe for the traveling musician in these days of tough weight and oversize restrictions.

BG

[Steve Swan]

I was quite impressed with these at the January NAMM show. The only draw back is that since the euro is kicking the US dollar's butt these days, it's a little pricey. If you have the money, the neck attachment time is short and it plays very well.

[robobass]

At the show they quoted me 6500 euro, so a bit over $10k. That's not pocket money, but I really don't see any new carved basses in this price category that compare at all for me. If I were travelling around for auditions, this would be it. The first round is behind a screen anyway. I can imagine some audition staffers taking offense when they actually saw the bass, but, hey, they liked your sound when they didn't know!

As much as I loved the bowed sound and playability, I must say that it seemed a bit dark and soft to be a great jazz instrument. I think Barr plays the spruce top model, which is probably brighter, but I found it uninteresting. Since the folding option would be of particular interest to the jazz market, perhaps Cosi should offer a full CF model with a slightly stiffer top for pizz.
Robobass

[J.C. Lagarde]

Hi there,

I'm Jean-Claude Lagarde, the COSI bass maker

First, i want to thank you for you very nice posts I'm really happy to see that some of you really appreciate my instruments.

If you want to play some of my instruments, I will be at the ASTA 2010 conference (february 17-20), Santa Clara, CA.

Bassically yours,