The Shen is in!!

Chasarms · #1 01-16-2004, 08:57 PM

Look what I got:

http://www.geocities.com/charlesarms/shen

Heli Bass · #2 01-16-2004, 10:25 PM

Chas;

Nice Bass!

I enjoyed your review. A question if I may, is the neck on the Shen, thicker than an ES9 but thinner than a Strunal? Is that what I understood? Also, Is the length between the nut and the heel the same on the Shen as on the ES9?

Thanks

Keith

FidgetStone · #3 01-16-2004, 10:37 PM

Beautiful! Congratulations . . .

mchildree · #4 01-17-2004, 09:23 AM

Hey Charles, glad to see you finally got the Shen and are happy with it. It's gorgeous!

Chasarms · #5 01-17-2004, 10:36 AM

Thanks Mike. I think I will have a more defined opinion once I get comfortable with playing it. BTW, both myself and the other bass player are loving the Strunal. Our music minister couldn't be more happy.

As for the neck on the Shen, yes, I would say that the Shen neck is somewhere between an Engelhardt and a Strunal as far as feel. It it as thick back to front as a Strunal but a little more rounded, less square for lack of a better descriptor.

I don't think the neck on the Shen is any longer than an Engelhardt, I just think the neck angle is more parallel to the table. It doesn't slant back as much as an Engelhardt, so it looks longer viewed from the front.

Michael Nickerson · #6 01-17-2004, 04:05 PM

That's a beautiful looking bass, Charles. I also liked your review. I recently bought a Christopher hybrid after playing a Kay for awhile, and you sound as happy with your Shen as I am with my Chrissy. I'm curious as to how a Shen and Christopher compare in sound. Did you have a chance to try any Christophers in your travels. If so, what did you think? By no means am I wanting to give up my Chrissy, but I'm just curious. Meanwhile, ENJOY!!

Chasarms · #7 01-18-2004, 07:51 PM

I may have played a Christopher in some of the shops unknowingly. Many of the shops around here buy from various wholesalers and label basses simply as "Chinese student bass" or "German student bass." The older Shen that I played (a 150 I think) that sort of set my mind on a Shen was billed like that. Only after the fact did the guy at the shop tell me it was a Sam Shen.

I did attend an event last year where a guy was playing a Christopher, a 303 I think. He sounded great on it.

This may be out of sorts for some here, but in comparing basses I think I lean more on feel and playability than anything and construction quality runs second. I personally think the sound will come over time as the bass opens up and you get better aquainted with it. I have taken the same approach with acoustic guitars over the last 15 years with good results.

I knew Shens were built well, had a feel I liked and was certain that Nick could make one play right, so I gave him a call.

I don't think I am experienced enough with basses to compare the sound of two of similar quality without a direct A/B test.

You are more than welcome to bring your bass over and we could do it though. I'll make some soup and bake some bread.

Chas

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #8 01-18-2004, 11:38 PM

Hey, congrats! There's a chance I may be joining the club before too long, so I'll be looking for updates. Having a new bass is almost like being in a new relationship - as long as you choose well, it's a beautiful thing.

Paul Warburton · #9 01-19-2004, 06:17 AM

Congratulations Charles, it's a really nice color...shows the figure in the wood real nice.
What's your string length?

Chasarms · #10 01-19-2004, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paul Warburton
[BWhat's your string length? [/b]

41.25"

CB3000 · #11 01-19-2004, 01:23 PM

I just noticed that classic contrabass near chicago has an SB180 with bag click here

Michael Nickerson · #12 01-19-2004, 02:23 PM

Quote:

I don't think I am experienced enough with basses to compare the sound of two of similar quality without a direct A/B test.

You are more than welcome to bring your bass over and we could do it though. I'll make some soup and bake some bread.

Don't be surprised if I take you up on your soup/bread invitation. Not that I'm in St. Louis much, but I'll bring the wine. The same holds true if you're ever headed to Maine (brrrrr).

delbass · #13 02-25-2004, 01:19 AM

Hey---nice lookin' bass. I may be looking for a Shen hybrid soon too as a replacement for my plywood. Havn't had the chance to play one yet though. Does your bass have a D or Eb neck? Thanks,
-Del

Chasarms · #14 02-25-2004, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by delbass

Hey---nice lookin' bass. I may be looking for a Shen hybrid soon too as a replacement for my plywood. Havn't had the chance to play one yet though. Does your bass have a D or Eb neck? Thanks,
-Del

I would say it is a D neck.

Marcus Johnson · #15 02-25-2004, 10:04 AM

Yummy. Nice flame.