HIMA basses

driedleaves · #1 03-13-2006, 11:15 AM

Hi everybody,

I have just one year of experience with my laminated contrabass and while I've decided the bass is definitely my instrument, I would like to sell it to get a carved instrument with a more woody and deep tone. I love Gary Peacock's sound, just to give you the idea.
I will proabably go out and try as many basses as I can in the next few months, since I want to choose wisely.

In the meantime I was searching the forum for info on HIMA basses.
Apart from a couple of posts or threads that mention them, I coulndn't find anything about how they play and sound. I was wondering if anybody here owns one and how you think they compare to similarly priced instruments in terms of quality, reliability and sound. They let you try the instruments if you want, which is really good.

I was considering a 7/8 Panormo model, I play mainly jazz and just a little bit of arco. Do you think the shape would be uncomfortable/unsuitable? (Errr... sorry if it's a stupid question)

Thanks in advance.

jmpiwonka · #2 03-13-2006, 11:40 AM

i don't have a HIMA bass so i can't comment on that.

i will say that the bass will only play as good as the setup work that is done on it is.

Marcus Johnson · #3 03-13-2006, 01:05 PM

I haven't played the HIMA, but I do think that the general shape and size of the Panormo is more suited to orchestral playing. Those broad shoulders may be a bit of a hindrance when you're venturing up into thumb position. It can be done on the Panormo, but I'd be looking more into a 3/4 sized instrument with more sloping shoulders, to give you better access to the upper register.

**Adrian Cho** · #4 03-13-2006, 03:50 PM

If the neck is set out far enough from the body, the shoulders won't be a big issue. This is at least what I've found with my Maggini copy (http://www.adriancho.com/Photos/Ital...ass/index.html).

Marcus Johnson · #5 03-13-2006, 03:54 PM

True dat, if it sounds good to you, it's the right bass.

Damn, Adrian, that's a nice looking axe.

sibass89 · #6 03-13-2006, 04:22 PM

I have a HIMA Panormo Bass. It is good for what it is. I searched for about 3 months and for 5K, I couldn't really find something that was much better. The lower register has a great growl and bite and the upper register has a nice warmth.

With a good setup they play like a charm. The large shoulders havn't really been a problem for me, but I am 6' 3" and broad shouldered.

I recommend them highly, just take the extra costs and put a good setup on them, and keep them in a stable environment and it will be a great bass for you.

Any specific questions just PM me

driedleaves · #7 03-14-2006, 03:00 AM

Thanks for all the replies... I will obviously spend the extra money for the setup, or the upgrade would be pointless.

Sibass, what size is your Hima Panormo? I'm one inch shorter than you, and have long arms, so I was thinking I could try your same size if 7/8 feels uncomfortable.

sibass89 · #8 03-14-2006, 10:09 AM

My Panormo model is 7/8 and a 42" string length. I belive the Panormo model only comes in 7/8 and then there is a gamba model that is a large 3/4 and a bussetto model that is a small 3/4.