My own "In Search Of..." thread

[Wilbyman]

Cue weird synthesizer music:



I see these TB threads all the time. This one is mine. I am on the hunt for real. I am looking for a bright, nasally and punchy sounding carved jazz axe ala Ray and C-Mac. I have not picked up a bow for quite some time, and I almost always use an amp, so I'm not really looking for a huge cannon with lots of low end. I would like to find a very fast sounding bass which is a bit "boxy" sounding around the edges with plenty of sustain...a jazz axe, nothing more.

I have a Kohr ply with slightly thick neck, a 41" string length and a nice, generous amount of overstand. I really like this mensure and the neck angle achieved by the overstand, and the thick neck is alot less fatiguing than the spindly neck on my current carved.

Thus, it begins!

[drurb]

I doubt anyone can give you any direction that would actually be of use based on the very general and subjective description you gave. I think the most fruitful approach would be for you to identify who are the dealers/suppliers that seem to be preferred around here and then go and play a bunch of basses.

[Wilbyman]

Originally Posted by drurb

I doubt anyone can give you any direction that would actually be of use based on the very general and subjective description you gave. I think the most fruitful approach would be for you to identify who are the dealers/suppliers that seem to be preferred around here and then go and play a bunch of basses.

I am within shot of the Bass Cellar and I am a big fan of Bob Beerman's shop in NC, which I travel to on occasion. (Bob has done excellent repair work for me since I went to the dark side). I have requested a TB'er I know scope out the Bass Cellar inventory for me.

While I would agree the criteria is subjective, I think its a pretty apt description of what I'm looking for such that somebody could say "hey, I played a bass kinda like that [here], or "my Shen [whatever model] generally fits that description".

I am really looking forward to checking out some basses, but I can't do it today so indulge me with this thread, plz?

[Sam Sherry]

Originally Posted by Wilbyman

I am looking for a bright, nasally and punchy sounding carved jazz axe ala Ray and C-Mac. I have not picked up a bow for quite some time, and I almost always use an amp, so I'm not really looking for a huge cannon with lots of low end. I would like to find a very fast sounding bass which is a bit "boxy" sounding around the edges with plenty of sustain...a jazz axe, nothing more.

O man of will: Don't forget that, if you're like 99.999% of us, you're used to hearing Ray and Chris on record. You're used to hearing your bass in person. If you can bring somebody else along on the Trek you'll probably be even happier with the result.

Happy hunting.

[Wilbyman]

Originally Posted by Sam Sherry

O man of will: Don't forget that, if you're like 99.999% of us, you're used to hearing Ray and Chris on record. You're used to hearing your bass in person. If you can bring somebody else along on the Trek you'll probably be even happier with the result.

Happy hunting.

Thanks counselor. (Of course, there's that added rub of not having Ray and McBride's respective gifts, even fractionally). I actually heard Christian live a few months ago but it's pretty tough to get a feel for his unamplified sound at the volume he uses with his electric band.

When I go down to Bob's I will make sure Gael (who works in Bob's shop) is there to make some quarter notes for me.

W

[drurb]

Originally Posted by Wilbyman

I am within shot of the Bass Cellar and I am a big fan of Bob Beerman's shop in NC, which I travel to on occasion. (Bob has done excellent repair work for me since I went to the dark side). I have requested a TB'er I know scope out the Bass Cellar inventory for me.

While I would agree the criteria is subjective, I think its a pretty apt description of what I'm looking for such that somebody could say "hey, I played a bass kinda like that [here], or "my Shen [whatever model] generally fits that description".

I am really looking forward to checking out some basses, but I can't do it today so indulge me with this thread, plz?

Happy to help and I understand. It just didn't seem (to me, anyway) that your description was targeted enough. I thought there might be a high probability that someone might say, "Oh Bass X is what you want" and you'd end up saying, "That's not quite it." Just lookin' out for ya.

More via PM...

[Chris Fitzgerald]

You're welcome to drop by and hear my LaScala any time, just let me know you're coming. There are soundclips of it up all over the place, and based on these it may or may not be your cuppa. But a "jazz axe that's easy to play and sustains for days" is pretty much how I'd begin to describe it. Plus, the 'Ville is only about 90 minutes from Cincy.

[Wilbyman]

Originally Posted by Chris Fitzgerald

You're welcome to drop by and hear my LaScala any time, just let me know you're coming. There are soundclips of it up all over the place, and based on these it may or may not be your cuppa. But a "jazz axe that's easy to play and sustains for days" is pretty much how I'd begin to describe it. Plus, the 'Ville is only about 90 minutes from Cincy.

Thanks Chris. I have heard your clips and the bass sounds great (+playing). I also really like the sound Marco gets from the LaScala...I'd pretty much say Marco's tone is ideal, to me. (Wish I could play like that too...on either axe). I may drop you a note if I get a OH/KY trip planned.

[emilio g]

For what its worth, lots of people have this major quest to find a great bass.

I called Barrie Kolstein and told him I'm a student that needs an upgrade to a carved instrument. He told me he had one that fit the criteria, so I went and played it, plus some really expensive basses. I also got to play/hear dozens more at the ISB convention. It keeps up with the good stuff! It'd be hard to find a better bass unless I wanted to spend at least a few thousand more.

If you find a really killer instrument you can afford, go for it.

[ole Jason]

Originally Posted by Wilbyman

I may drop you a note if I get a OH/KY trip planned.

I have a Shen hybrid in Louisville you're welcome to try if you find yourself in the area as well