New bass!

mattfong · #1 02-05-2008, 06:48 PM

Hey everyone,

Just bought a new bass on the weekend! It's a used Eastman 305, fully carved. I love it, it sounds and plays about a million times better than the rented Knilling ply I was using. Paid $2900 CAD, and the guy threw in a nice bow for free.

pics!

mattfong · #2 02-05-2008, 06:50 PM

by the way, are the pics too big? should I resize them?

Gufenov · #3 02-05-2008, 06:52 PM

They look great. She's a beaut!

Silversorcerer · #4 02-05-2008, 07:24 PM

Nice price for a carved bass. Welcome to the world of sweet tone! The photos look good. Take some more.

ZachDad · #5 02-05-2008, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattfong

by the way, are the pics too big? should I resize them?

Not when it comes to gratuitous bass porn they're not!

Jason Sypher · #6 02-05-2008, 08:23 PM

That is some wicked low action on that G string. Must be a breeze to play...

Cathead · #7 02-05-2008, 08:28 PM

The pics are just right and the bass is a beaut!! Great price.

**Matthew Tucker** · #8 02-05-2008, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Sypher

That is some wicked low action on that G string. Must be a breeze to play...

Or maybe a buzz to play??

mattfong · #9 02-05-2008, 08:45 PM

I'll admit there is a very tiny it of buzz (only on the G between the C# and the E) that needs to be addressed. I can't raise the bridge on that side any more than it is, so I think I need the fingerboard shaved down a tad. Not a big issue.

Other than that, yes, a breeze to play!

**Matthew Tucker** · #10 02-05-2008, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattfong

I can't raise the bridge on that side any more than it is,

I'd say THAT needs to be addressed, as the whole point of a bridge with adjusters is to have the slots cut at the lowest playable string height, so that you can raise the string height from there. No point in having adjusters that have no room left to move ...

mattfong · #11 02-05-2008, 09:32 PM

Oh okay. Maybe I'm doing something wrong? I'll have a look.

jmpiwonka · #12 02-05-2008, 10:25 PM

loosen the tension on your strings a bit and turn the adjuster. the bridge will either get lower or higher. make sure you turn both sides the same amount and the same way. the adjusters both need to be at the same height, you can count threads or something. make sure the bridge stays perpendicular to the top when you tighten the strings back up. the feet should be flat on the top. if you don't feel comfortable messing with it then take it to a luthier to have them show you how.

mattfong · #13 02-05-2008, 11:01 PM

So I've played with the action a little. It hadnt been used in a while when I bought it though, so i'm going to bring it in for a setup anyways.

Regardless, it's an awesome sounding and playing bass, and worth every penny

Jake deVilliers · #14 02-05-2008, 11:07 PM

That's a nice looking bass - congrats!

mattfong · #15 02-05-2008, 11:14 PM

oh and I forgot pics of the sides! Theres a bit of flame in the maple. I'll put those up tomorrow.

speyer · #16 02-05-2008, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthew Tucker

I'd say THAT needs to be addressed, as the whole point of a bridge with adjusters is to have the slots cut at the lowest playable string height, so that you can raise the string height from there. No point in having adjusters that have no room left to move ...

Those adjusters look like they have at least a 1/2 inch left in them, the stems are about 3/4" long. My only concern would be that you want to adjust "one side." Usually, you can get away with 1/8" or so either side before the feet start to sit poorly... then you've got to look at re-shaping your bridge.

I would say slowly crank the G side, and check the contact of the feet-to-top as you go with a sheet of thin paper. If the feet move, you'll know right away.

Also, adjustable bridges can be REALLY hard to adjust UP in full tension. I'd back off the strings quite a bit first, but keep an eye on the bridge, it should be perpendicular to the top at all times!

Great looking bass! And a steal for a fully carved.

mattfong · #17 02-05-2008, 11:40 PM

I actually thought about that, when I get a setup done. I think the bridge is shaped so the E is slightly higher. The previous owner was an orchestral player (I'm a jazz guy) and I think that may be why. Something to do with better arco response. Is that what you were talking about?

**Matthew Tucker** · #18 02-06-2008, 12:01 AM

usually it goes something like, the E is 1mm higher then the A, which is 1mm higher than the D, which is 1mm higher than the G. Somefink like that. YMMV (lol) (haha)

BTW hold the bridge foot with one hand while you turn the adjuster.

mattfong · #19 02-06-2008, 12:06 AM

thanks guys. Everythings worked out nicely

What little buzz there was is just about gone. Good enough until I can bring it downtown.

scotty77 · #20 02-06-2008, 12:10 AM

Nice looking bass. Now, how do I find me a deal like that? Congrats...