Picked up my Hawkes Hybrid

Jazzman · #1 08-13-2006, 07:39 PM

I picked up my new Upton Bass Hawkes Hybrid on Saturday. I know there is some people thinking about buying this bass around here, and this is the latest version, so I shall share my initial opinions. I have also posted a couple pictures below showing the beautiful dark matte varnish.

The playability is very similar to my old AES restored American Standard because they mimicked the neck profile and setup for me...so it feels great and not too 'foreign.' The shoulder design is very accessible and I really dig the feel of having no scoop on the back of the fingerboard - not to mention the solo fingerboard extension adds a nice touch to the overall looks.

The sound is huge. It has a lot of the bloom that I am use to (large upper bout?), but it is very well defined and has a definitive growl to it. I only used it one rehearsal so far, but the tone seems to cut through more (not get lost in the mix) and has more volume than any bass I have owned. The entire range of the bass is balanced. I was also amazed how easily this bass bows - but that could be because I am coming from a laminated to a hybrid.

I will add one suggestion - if you are thinking of ordering one of these basses and use Spirocores, go with the heavy gauge. I had mediums put on this and for some reason them feel more like lights.

All in all, it is a great bass for an unbelievable price...I am one happy camper.

Greg Clinkingbeard · #2 08-13-2006, 08:04 PM

Good to see this bass. I am definately considering a Hawkes, so it's good to have your comments. Can you post more pics.
Dig the finish.

Jazzman · #3 08-13-2006, 08:28 PM

I didn't take a whole lot of pics - I was too busy playing.

Here are a couple more:

http://www.brusabass.com/gear_files/images/hh_01.jpg

http://www.brusabass.com/gear_files/images/hh_02.jpg

http://www.brusabass.com/gear_files/images/hh_05.jpg

Scott McC · #4 08-13-2006, 08:45 PM

that is a beauty, congratulations!!!

JimmyM · #5 08-13-2006, 09:30 PM

Oh man, that cherry finish on that bass!! I got my Hawkes ply last year when they had the orange finish, and every time I look at those cherry finishes, it makes me want to send it back to them for a refin. But I got it for a lower price than they ask now, so it's all good

5stringDNA · #6 08-13-2006, 11:19 PM

Nice! The finish is great! I ordered mine with a super extra dark antique finish, so if it a pinch darker than yours I will be stoked. Good to hear another favorable review on this bass- it takes out some of my jitters. I am expecting mine in late september.

Is that a mike Pecanic tail piece Jazzman? What did you pay for the upgrade? I dig it!

gomez hacienda · #7 08-14-2006, 05:35 AM

Great bass

At that price, it is destined to become a very popular instrument. It sure is purty...

Jazzman · #8 08-14-2006, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5stringDNA

Is that a mike Pecanic tail piece Jazzman? What did you pay for the upgrade? I dig it!

Yes, it is. They pulled it off my old bass, so the cost was whatever Mike was selling them for a couple years ago.

I was lucky that the length happened to be correct for this bass also.

The only real "upgrade" I got on the bass were ebony bumpers for a hundred bucks.

gomez hacienda · #9 08-14-2006, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazzman

The only real "upgrade" I got on the bass were Jack's famous ebony bumpers for a hundred bucks.

That endpin looks different. Is that carbon fiber? Mine is the 10mm steel w/ the detents, but yours looks fatter.

drurb · #10 08-14-2006, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gomez hacienda

That endpin looks different. Is that carbon fiber? Mine is the 10mm steel w/ the detents, but yours looks fatter.

I can answer that one. I recently upgraded to the same Upton endpin. Yes, it is carbon fiber with no detents. The rubber tip has a metal collar that unscrews from the pin leaving a threaded spike.

I also switched from a chrome-rod type with detents. Before Jack removed the old one, I thought ahead to measure from the bottom rib to the tip of the endpin with it set where I play it. Then, I simply put a pencil mark on the new endpin so that I could easily reproduce that height.

5stringDNA · #11 08-14-2006, 04:06 PM

I thought that the carbon endpin was a standard upgrade on the Hawkes?

I am considering the bumpers, but an extra $100 seems hard at the moment. I am tired of the finish getting worn off the side of my bass :/.

drurb · #12 08-14-2006, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5stringDNA

I thought that the carbon endpin was a standard upgrade on the Hawkes?

I am considering the bumpers, but an extra $100 seems hard at the moment. I am tired of the finish getting worn off the side of my bass :/.

I upgraded because my bass, which is not an Upton Hawkes, had a a nice chrome endpin with detents. I have a fully carved Kmiotek from Upton that I got about two years ago. When I changed from the Oblis to the Doms this summer, it was a good time to upgrade the endpin and rehang the tailpiece with their gut cord rather than the stranded steel wire that was on there. Jack also fit a new soundpost.

As for the finish wearing off, I try to stay away from hard surfaces and often carry along a fold-up picnic pad.

As for the Doms, I love them!

Jazzman · #13 08-14-2006, 07:47 PM

A small update, which I think is somewhat important...it has been a few days now and the bass continues to impress. Each time I pick it up, the sound and playability astonish me.

robgrow · #14 08-14-2006, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazzman

A small update, which I think is somewhat important...it has been a few days now and the bass continues to impress. Each time I pick it up, the sound and playability astonish me.

Hi Chris,

Glad you're enjoying your new bass. I've had my UB Hawkes Hybrid for about 3 weeks, and it continues to open up and sound better every day. My bass has the same finish as yours as well as the carbon fiber endpin, which I'm finding is a very nice touch. The sound, playability and overall quality are all very impressive indeed. These basses really are an incredible bargain IMO. The new UB hybrid replaces a fully-carved bass that cost considerably more money as my 2nd bass, and I like the Upton bass much better in every way. I agree with your earlier comment about strings: Spirocore mediums feel almost like Weichs on this bass.

drurb · #15 08-14-2006, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KSB - Ken Smith

I clicked on your Pic and that is a sweet looking Bass. I prefer those shoulders over the broader Hawkes style. What kind of Bib is that on you Bass in the pics?

Well, Ken, thank you. Given your expertise, that is quite a compliment. The bib is from Gage. It has worked out quite well and I prefer it to the "short style" that just sort of hangs on the shoulder.

5stringDNA · #16 08-14-2006, 09:42 PM

Your Kmiotek is a very attractive bass, I know I had seen it around before but it had been awhile. If I had the extra bread I would have gotten Gary's full-carved flatback. Maybe in a nother few years I'll be able to upgrade over the Hybrid... Funny I'm saying this when it hasn't even arrived yet

I actually fell in love with the hawkes because of the broad shoulders Ken. I love the top-heavy look on basses

.

Greg Clinkingbeard · #17 08-14-2006, 10:26 PM

The Hawkes is high on my list, but while the shoulders do look like a potential problem, I personally can't see myself playing every inch of the bass. Heck, right now I'm only good for two octaves......
Rob, you're convincing me.

I thought I had a guy who would trade me his 200 year old German flatback for my 83 Toyota, but he was just pulling my leg. I won't mention his name, as he's been seen around these parts..........

drurb · #18 08-15-2006, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5stringDNA

Your Kmiotek is a very attractive bass, I know I had seen it around before but it had been awhile. If I had the extra bread I would have gotten Gary's full-carved flatback. Maybe in a nother few years I'll be able to upgrade over the Hybrid... Funny I'm saying this when it hasn't even arrived yet

...

Thanks for the kind words. I know how you feel. I went from a Kay C-1 to an Upton Hybrid (years ago, from Kmiotek shop, I think), to the carved guy. I think you will really enjoy that Hawkes hybrid. Having played it, it is fair to say that it is a substantially better-sounding bass than was the hybrid I purchased years ago-- sweet as that bass was. The Hawkes hybrid is all around more bass for the $$$.

For old-times sake, here are pics my former love: Attachment 40073 Attachment 40074

I always liked the "depth" of the finish on my old hybrid.

5stringDNA · #19 08-15-2006, 05:00 PM

That is the old Medio Fino model isn't it DRURB? I was talking with Jack a couple weeks ago and he was adamant that the new Hawkes Hybrid was hands down a better playing and better sounding bass than the old medio fino version, so I think your observation is in line with everything else I've heard. I'm anxious to see how well the revolution solo 2.0 sounds on it, as I've been told it is significantly better than my old revolution pickup, which was already pretty darn good sounding.

Jazzman · #20 08-15-2006, 07:00 PM

They have a slick looking five string Medio Fino at Upton...I didn't get to play it, but it certainly drew my attention.

For the critics of the Hawkes shoulders - I find them very comfortable and certainly not a hindrance. Although I am coming from an American Standard. But the sound of the Hawkes makes you love the broad-shouldered good looks.