Five-string input

LouisF · #1 01-09-2013, 04:46 PM

I'm on a vague hunt for a five-string (low C-B) bass, 3/4 preferably. I've tried a couple in the $15-20K range which just weren't worth the money for my needs (alternate bass to use occasionally in community orchestra).

On the other hand, I've tried a couple of Christopher and Shen basses which were just too heavy and muddy, and took a flier on a Chinese bass from the Neolson factory, which is ok, but not really what I'm looking for (details in the Classifieds)

Any one have experience with any other options: Bob Gollihur's Bulgarian/Kremona basses? Hora from Romania? Other options? I know it's a big spread price-wise (@ $3K for one Bob's basses; $30K for a Polman), but it's a wide open search at the moment.

Thanks

Louis

PS: My bursitis etc just doesn't like reaching up for extensions, and I like the five-string idea. Thanks again.

eerbrev · #2 01-09-2013, 06:22 PM

Upton's got a fiver option, and I'm continually impressed with my 4 string from them. I may have played a 5 string from them at their showroom a couple of years ago, but I think it had a high c and an extension instead of a low b. I may also be crazy.

MaxJohnson · #3 01-09-2013, 06:22 PM

You should really check out Upton. The carved basses they've been making are KILLER, and you can have the instrument tailored to your every need. It's a pretty perfect situation, especially in that Sub-20,000 pricerange

LouisF · #4 01-09-2013, 07:13 PM

It's on the list. I have the first Karr Deluxe Hybrid they ever made. Thanks

Louis

Hqubed · #5 01-09-2013, 08:39 PM

Louis,
You may want to take a look at the Kolstein here http://www.quantumbasscenter.com/fin...le-basses.html Would be interested in hearing your thoughts on it in the event you take it for a spin.

Best in your search.

Eric Hochberg · #6 01-09-2013, 09:33 PM

The Fendt model is a pretty large bass. A colleague of mine plays a 5 string Kolstein Carcassi model that is more manageable, IMO.

jmacdbass · #7 01-09-2013, 09:51 PM

there is a nice looking 5 string christopher on sale in the classifieds right now with busetto corners

richhansen · #8 01-09-2013, 10:17 PM

I have one of the Bulgarian fivers from Bob Gollihur. It's pretty heavy and could use a graduation on its top, but it is fully carved and is one of the best sounding basses I've tried. I've really been wanting a new standard, and I understand that Will DeSola has a five string for sale. I would check with Will, but I think the Gollihur would be worth your trying as well.

LouisF · #9 01-10-2013, 01:25 AM

Thanks, all. There are some parameters - smaller shoulders, shorter string length, etc; which made the Neolson bass attractive. The Christophers are just too big and heavy; and my hunch is that the Fendt would be a challenge (I had to trade in a Gagnon Maggini when I started all this business with back and shoulder issues). The Upton Venezia is something I did talk to Gary (briefly) about.

Another option might be a Stenholm extension that would not involve reaching back to the scroll. (see: C extensions)

Louis

Heifetzbass · #10 01-10-2013, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmacdbass

there is a nice looking 5 string christopher on sale in the classifieds right now with busetto corners

I was the original owner of this bass. It is a really nice sounding bass for the money! I am just the opposite, I am into the C-Extension and bought that fiver as an experiment. For the money, it has a great sound!

Best,
Brian

Nathan Levine · #11 01-10-2013, 05:58 PM

Don't forget the option of tuning your bass in fifths. You get those low notes you want with a bonus of still playing a four string instrument that you already comfortable with. Problems solved... And a whole new set of "problems" arise. Let me tell you though, my bass just sings in 5ths tuning. Different basses will react differently of course. I also think its worth a try just to see how quickly your brain adapts to it.

LouisF · #12 01-10-2013, 06:10 PM

Brian,

I'm sure the Christopher is a good bass, but I just found the couple of 7/8ths 5-strings I tried just too big to be comfortable.

Nathan, if I was twenty years younger maybe 5ths would be an option (as would the Rabbath method), but at 63 I'm just happy to remember where I put my rosin and car keys at the end of each rehearsal!

Louis

Rick Auvil · #13 01-11-2013, 09:30 AM

I own a Christopher 500 Series 5-string which is a fully carved model. I bounce from a low B to a high C stringing depending on the gig. It has a great sound and is very responsive in all registers. I formerly owned a Busetto 300 series 5-string which also had a great sound for the money. I have no issues with either of the Christopher basses I played.

LouisF · #14 01-11-2013, 10:39 AM

Thanks again. Just to be clear, I didn't have any particular issues with the Christopher 5 string basses other than their size. They felt awfully big (to me) to get around. Thanks
Louis

arnoldschnitzer · #15 01-11-2013, 10:50 AM

In my opinion 3/4 size bass plus 5 strings= recipe for disappointment. You have to beef up a bass' structure to handle five strings (if you want it to have a reasonably long life). Doing this to a 3/4 makes it quite stiff and less able to handle the really deep notes, and will make the bass strong in the midrange, in a nasal sort of way. I think you would be better off with an extension.

LouisF · #16 01-11-2013, 01:26 PM

Arnold, thanks very much for taking the time to add to the discussion. I think you're absolutely right.

This Chinese 3/4 5 string bass that I am currently using is perfectly "fine" in that it is reasonably comfortable to play, totally efficient and respectable in the sound it produces, and, for me anyway, just not particularly satisfying to play... But... it's a back up bass for me to use in a couple of community orchestras etc when low notes are needed; not the Concertgebouw... (And it was very affordable). It's a good bass for what it is. I've just been spoiled on other basses (including your own Cleveland!). I should probably just shut up and practice!

My "vagueness" in the thread title comes from the particulars of my specific search, including certain physical limitations because of aging and health (bad hands/shoulders/back); (don't want to lug heavy basses any more), and understanding that there's really no need (in my situation) for a $30K 5-string canon, unless I win the lottery.

I simply wanted to see what other people thought and what was out there. The input and interest have really been amazing (and appreciated) - as have the range of good instruments at various price points that have been suggested.

Reaching up and back for the normal gated extension just won't work for me (I've tried more than once to do this). Do you (or the others on this thread) have an opinion about the modern Stenholm extensions, which would be more comfortable in my case, if they don't clatter.

Otherwise, it's on with the vague, but fascinating, search.
Thank you.

Louis

Violen · #17 01-12-2013, 04:19 AM

Anton Krutz at KC Strings has built many Five Strings, and i know he really likes them. His Father played one in the Kansas City Symphony for years and years. You should call them up and talk to them about what you would want.

Sadly, i think ive joined the dark-dark side wanting a 5 string myself.

LouisF · #18 01-14-2013, 01:45 AM

Thanks. Bob Ross in Denver also has thought a lot about 5-string issues. I spent a few weeks with this one:

http://www.a440violinshop.com/produc...atId=45&id=358

A collaboration between him and Paul Warburton. Very fine bass; just very heavy (but with a very interesting neck/fingerboard solution to the width of a 5-string bass).

Ken Smith has this one coming available soon:

http://www.kensmithbasses.com/doublebasses/5string/

Thanks again.
Louis