I drove out yesterday to Grants Pass to meet up with Steve Swan yesterday to pick up my new Shen Willow bass. I have to say, dealing with Steve Swan was a pleasure from beginning to end. No hassles, no drama, great price, and was willing to meet me to hand-deliver it! In fact, I shopped around for a bit, and Steve's price was WWWAAAAYYYY less than any other luthier I spoke with. Kudos to Steve for a great deal all around!
First of all, it came with a Presto cover. I hadn't heard of them, but after I checked it out, I'm really impressed with the bag. STRONG (and lots of) handles, beefy zipper, lots of pockets, thick padding...just a good all-round nice bag!
Next, the bass. Jeff Sahs set it up, and did a wonderful job of nailing nice buttery-low action with a really low height at the nut. He added adjusters, and the feet fit the belly perfectly. I had it strung with Weichs, and he put very little relief in the board. It really growls like mad!
I've heard of some people wanting to replace the endpin on these basses. I have absolutely no problem with the pin. Time will tell, but it seems very solid, with a screw-on rubber tip and no rattles.
Overall, I am overjoyed with the bass. I've already put in 8 or so hours on it, and it is a treat to play again! I had to stop playing upright for several years due to carpal tunnel, but after lots and lots and lots of physical therapy, my doc gave me the go ahead to start playing again. I know I probably shouldn't have played so much over the last day, but it really is hard to put down! Electric bass has treated me very well, but I am so thankful to be able to play double bass again, especially after the number of years I put in behind the ol' girl! Looking forward to gigging with it on Friday. My intonation is suprisingly good, considering the amount of time it's been since I've played DB, and getting better by the hour. Just gotta keep that up!
By the way, I put the Revolution Solo II pickup on there. No preamp needed, and does a wonderful job of not coloring the sound. Very happy with that pickup.
I'll post pics tomorrow...in the meantime, I'm going to let my hands rest a little, and then play again!
I hope this doesn't come off sounding sappy, but I am really thankful for all the blessings in my life, and the joy I get from playing again leaves me glowing!
Pics to follow, for those of you who need 'em!
