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07-05-2006, 03:46 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Maine | | | La Scala Flatback #203
With what we read of folk's experience with the many well-regarded builders represented here on TB I felt comfortable looking to TB for much of the info I used in narrowing my choices..we are truly in a Golden Age.
The Bass as delivered: NS LaScala Hybrid Flatback with solo fingerboard extension, brushed brass tuners, leather bumpers, "medium-amber" finish and Realist pickup. I'll make more pix avail if folks are interested.
I had fully intended to create a well organized and detailed presentation of my new bass; maybe even it's own online album, but I'm just to dang busy playing it to put it down. I've had it 3 weeks already so it's time to just bash this out!
Wil was kind enough to meet me halfway in Boston to take delivery. Much of the northeastern US has been plagued by incessant rain and high humidity, and that weekend was no exception.
From the moment it came out of the bag and into my hands I just can't stop smiling..or playing it..
Much has been said about these instruments, so I'll attempt to confine this post to speaking of things possibly unique to my experience.
I had it supplied with strings that I was most familiar with; Spiro Orch Mittles (Red). The Mittles quickly revealed the effects of the humidity on this wooden sponge for my first couple gigs, which were outside but on covered stages. Another issue I had was distortion with the Gage into my Baggs Para-DI. Both challenges were quickly solved, however.
Spiro Orch Solo strings I've since installed really seem to let the bass "breathe" easier tho I have to be careful not to overplay. It also gives much more focus and definition to the initial attack along with that wonderful sustain. (hey, I like it..) I may get bitten with string-itis in the fall, but I'm ok for now.
A couple calls with Baggs Engineering proved helpful in solving the distortion problem with a simple internal mod to the preamp. It seems this latest iteration of the pickup is incredibly hot, and combined with the massive acoustic energy from the bass driving the pickup, levels of over 3+ volts RMS can be produced! Anyone with the new Gage/Baggs combo feel free to write for details.
Finally an indoor gig in a great hall w/engineer gave me the opportunity to have fewer un-managed variables. All I had hoped for, and more. I wrote Wil a silly letter telling him about how it felt as if my hands were directly connected to the air coming out of the bass..and that I've never felt more connected to a bass.. it still sounds pretty silly, but absolutely true.
I cannot speak well enough of not only the amazing detail to the fit, finish and rapidly evolving sound of the instrument, but also the ongoing dialog I continue to have with Wil and NS.
They take their relationship with their clients as seriously as their craft.
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"The three of us make a good pair; don't we?"
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07-05-2006, 05:02 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Coppell, TX | | Glad to hear you love you la scala.. I am patiently waiting for mine!!!  |
07-06-2006, 12:19 AM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Eugene,Oregon/Tyler,Texas | | Quote: |
Originally Posted by mburd ... I'll make more pix avail if folks are interested.... | IF we're interested eh? |
07-06-2006, 07:49 AM
|  | Oracle, Ancient Order of Rass Hattur | | Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Connecticut | | | That is stunningly beautiful! Arnold sure can cook! |
07-06-2006, 07:49 AM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Florida | | | I've got #179, a hybrid flatback as well.
Recently strung it up with Oliv D & G, Superflexible E & A. I just seem to dig this bass more as time goes on; I'm sure you will too. Can't imagine what I'd have to spend to find something better.
Congrats!
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S. Wright
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07-06-2006, 08:24 AM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Maine | | | Mo' pix
There are several places to see "full frontals", so I'll put up a few pix highliting the detaily-bits..these of the scroll.
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"The three of us make a good pair; don't we?"
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07-06-2006, 08:34 AM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Maine | | | An' sum mo'
..these of the corners..
Like many of you I've run the gamut of Krusty Kays and even one reputedly "old" bass of widely-disputed origin(Hi Ken!  ). This bass knocks the socks, hat and overalls off 'em all.
It has the sort of implied but honest "wisdom beyond it's years" vibe that just melts your heart.. <sigh>
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"The three of us make a good pair; don't we?"
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07-06-2006, 10:23 AM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Chicago | | Quote: |
Originally Posted by mburd ..these of the corners..
Like many of you I've run the gamut of Krusty Kays and even one reputedly "old" bass of widely-disputed origin(Hi Ken! ). This bass knocks the socks, hat and overalls off 'em all.
It has the sort of implied but honest "wisdom beyond it's years" vibe that just melts your heart.. <sigh> | OK, now your really startin' to p*ss me off.... 
ps. I just love those corners...such nice attention to detail.
Hey Ahnold, do you any "Pro Bono" work?
gomez
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07-06-2006, 10:43 AM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Maine | | Quote: |
Originally Posted by larry I've got #179, a hybrid flatback as well.
Recently strung it up with Oliv D & G, Superflexible E & A. I just seem to dig this bass more as time goes on; I'm sure you will too. Can't imagine what I'd have to spend to find something better.
Congrats! | Larry- I'll likely try your combo (nice tone on your mp3, son..) after I cycle thru my Spiros a couple times to establish a baseline.
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"The three of us make a good pair; don't we?"
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07-06-2006, 10:43 AM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ventura, Ca. | | ....'tis a thing of beauty!!
Congrats!!
(where's mine?!!?) 
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MUSIC is the emotion of the gods!
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07-06-2006, 10:44 AM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Maine | | Quote: |
Originally Posted by KSB - Ken Smith Which Bass are we talking about with this "widely-disputed origin" thing?
By the way, I think the LaScala is one of the best priced Basses in its class. The sound is very expensive as well. Bravo Wil and Arnold.
EDIT: Oh, you mean that old Yankee Bass with the Violin corners.. Got it... | nod-nod wink-wink 
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"The three of us make a good pair; don't we?"
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07-06-2006, 10:50 AM
| | AES Fine Instruments | | Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Brewster, NY, USA | | Quote: |
Originally Posted by DRURB That is stunningly beautiful! Arnold sure can cook! | I appreciate the kudos but need to point out (again) that my crusty partner, Wil deSola, varnishes the New Standard basses. Credit where credit is due... |
07-06-2006, 10:55 AM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Maine | | Quote: |
Originally Posted by arnoldschnitzer I appreciate the kudos but need to point out (again) that my crusty partner, Wil deSola, varnishes the New Standard basses. Credit where credit is due... | Crusty beats out half-baked every time..
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"The three of us make a good pair; don't we?"
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07-08-2006, 05:52 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: malibu | |  La Scala hybrid flatback #207
Congrats!
its a truly beaut!
i have a La Scala hybrid flatback, #207 strung up with starks and it sings with a throaty obbligato all its own.
yep, that is one nice bass!
dont you sound great! that sure is a nice feeling.
simon |
07-09-2006, 06:43 AM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Maine | | | yup..
I'm a lucky dood..
Simon.. Wil told me about you and your Starks..must be like ridin with ape-hangers and a jockey shifter in traffic..more power to ye!
I hear that Lee Alexander (Norah Jones) has one on order too. I really like his lean and sensitive playing. From his sound on the CDs I expect the La Scala should be a great fit for him.
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"The three of us make a good pair; don't we?"
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10-19-2006, 07:47 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Ann Arbor, MI, USA | | Quote: |
Originally Posted by mburd I hear that Lee Alexander (Norah Jones) has one on order too. I really like his lean and sensitive playing. From his sound on the CDs I expect the La Scala should be a great fit for him. | I actually played this the bass which was going to him when I went to Arnold's shop to try each model. He is definately getting a nice bass.
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