King built for classical?

Brandon Tuomiko · #1 03-04-2009, 08:45 AM

Is the Studio king really built for classical playing? Its carved, violin corners, and other non king signature parts.

Are these even worth spending money on? For orchestra? It looks nice... but what is it really like compared to a good carved of say... upton... for the same price?

Uncletoad · #2 03-04-2009, 09:04 AM

You'd be hard pressed to find an orchestral player sporting a King bass.

Brandon Tuomiko · #3 03-04-2009, 10:05 AM

even the studio king? It is carved.....

kurt ratering · #4 03-04-2009, 10:11 AM

[quote=Brandon Tuomiko It is carved.....[/QUOTE]

so is a dug out canoe, but i bet those sound like crap too

Bass · #5 03-04-2009, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kurt ratering

so is a dug out canoe, but i bet those sound like crap too

Do you really think a "Studio King" sounds like crap? I sincerely doubt it, but I wouldn't know, I've never heard one. Have you?

Uncletoad · #6 03-04-2009, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncletoad

You'd be hard pressed to find an orchestral player sporting a King bass.

I suppose I could repeat myself in case this was hard to read.

jschall84 · #7 03-04-2009, 10:59 AM

thats cause most of them are so holy that they wouldn't touch anything newer than 100 years old. even if a studio king sounded like God when you played it, most classical guys wouldn't play it because it is a king and doesnt cost $100,000.

salcott · #8 03-04-2009, 11:04 AM

"Is the Studio king really built for classical playing?"

No.

Marc Piane · #9 03-04-2009, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jschall84

thats cause most of them are so holy that they wouldn't touch anything newer than 100 years old. even if a studio king sounded like God when you played it, most classical guys wouldn't play it because it is a king and doesnt cost $100,000.

bitter much?

peterpalmieri · #10 03-04-2009, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jschall84

thats cause most of them are so holy that they wouldn't touch anything newer than 100 years old. even if a studio king sounded like God when you played it, most classical guys wouldn't play it because it is a king and doesnt cost $100,000.

A stereotype is a preconceived idea that attributes certain characteristics (in general) to all the members of class or set. The term is often used with a negative connotation when referring to an oversimplified, exaggerated, or demeaning assumption that a particular individual possesses the characteristics associated with the class due to his or her membership in it. Stereotypes can be used to deny individuals respect or legitimacy based on their membership in that group.

salcott · #11 03-04-2009, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jschall84

thats cause most of them are so holy that they wouldn't touch anything newer than 100 years old. even if a studio king sounded like God when you played it, most classical guys wouldn't play it because it is a king and doesnt cost $100,000.

If the Studio King were capable of producing a suitable classical sound, classical players would be lined up around the block to buy one. There are a lot of "new" basses from reputable luthiers being played by classical players around the world. It's not a matter of being "holy", it's about sound and nothing else.

Slaps McGoo · #12 03-04-2009, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncletoad

I suppose I could repeat myself in case this was hard to read.

If I'm reading this right then yes, you were perfectly clear with what you said. What you meant was not entirely clear though. Folks asking these questions are just looking for clarity not snarky comments.

I apologize in advance if I have misread you the second time around but that's exactly how it sounded.

And Peter, from my cruising of these boards jschall has a legitimate reason to feel this way. And he did not state that ALL are like this, just most.and there is some truth in this.

sXeMike · #13 03-04-2009, 11:14 AM

I've only seen pictures. They look nice.

Has anyone here played one?

Marc Piane · #14 03-04-2009, 11:15 AM

Well and jeez. Try subbing in with some top touring rock act with a Fender Squier and a Peavy TKO.

kurt ratering · #15 03-04-2009, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass

Do you really think a "Studio King" sounds like crap? I sincerely doubt it, but I wouldn't know, I've never heard one. Have you?

i just meant that just because an inst. is carved doesnt mean it will have a good sound. sure it helps, but its the graduations and tuning of plates that seperates nice basses from the canoes.

sXeMike · #16 03-04-2009, 11:25 AM

just because and inst. is made by King doesn't mean it will have a bad sound.

peterpalmieri · #17 03-04-2009, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slaps McGoo

And Peter, from my cruising of these boards jschall has a legitimate reason to feel this way. And he did not state that ALL are like this, just most.and there is some truth in this.

Well honestly "cruising the boards" might not be the most legitimate way to make an evaluation.

The statement I quoted IMO is ignorant and offensive not to mention entirely untrue. Please point me in the direction of the many that only play 100 year old $100,000 instruments. Then we can debate how many of those people don't deserve to be playing the absolute best.

I think this summed it up well "If the Studio King were capable of producing a suitable classical sound, classical players would be lined up around the block to buy one. There are a lot of "new" basses from reputable luthiers being played by classical players around the world. It's not a matter of being "holy", it's about sound and nothing else."

I agree and many could site examples...

jschall84 · #18 03-04-2009, 11:28 AM

so, has anyone here actually played one?

Brandon Tuomiko · #19 03-04-2009, 11:30 AM

yea no joke. that is what I asked... I am not looking to buy one, but I was really curious

Uncletoad · #20 03-04-2009, 11:34 AM

Ok I'll make this simpler. The playground is full of buzzards all of a sudden.

King basses were not designed with orchestral players in mind, regardless of their marketing. They don't have the goods.

Every King bass I have played was uninspiring under the bow.

If you need an entry level orchestral instrument and can't afford what you typically find there The Shen Willow is an excellent choice. Usually found under $5000.

If your budget is below that you could explore hybrid Shen or other basses and see if they will suffice.

I have no in hand experience with Upton Basses so I can't compare them.