Shen the best deal for someone new to double bass?

[Marcus Johnson]

Mike...when I say stuff like that, it usually means that I'm about to do some shopping.

[jmpiwonka]

threads about how nice shens are make me happy these days.
i'm gonna pick up a shen SB200 on monday and i can't wait to string it up and play it.

its gonna be like having a new girlfriend

[sejarus]

So last week I made arrangements to return the Shen SB80 I've been renting for 3 months. But the dealer had an SB150 hybrid that I could take a look at while a was there, and take home on a trial basis for a week or so if I wanted to. Then a couple days later I find out that some bass teacher and his student had called and asked a LOT of questions about that bass, and they were going to come look at it on Saturday. And THEN, when I made the drive from Milwaukee to Wheeling, IL on Monday, there's no SB150 to be played, or taken home on a trial basis, because the bass teacher and his student had bought the bass. So now I am bass-less. Mike Goodbar, you guys bought my bass! AARGH!!

[Mike Goodbar]

Uh....um.... well....heh-heh...ah.....ya see, the thing is....




Whoops?



Seriously, Sej, Michelle told me that the bass would probably go fast. I called the day before to make sure it would still be there on Sat.

Plus, I'm sure she can get another one pretty quick.

Sorry!

[Doug Ring]

Oh dear...

Saying it's a small world doesn't help either

[Freddels]

Well . . . what comes to mind . . .

You snooze, you lose.

He who hesitates, waits.

[PB+J]

I have a shen SB200, the 7/8 flatback with willow ribs and sides. I'm completely delighted with it. It's got a big, balanced sound, very rich and complex, lots of deep bottom but still articulate. More a ray brown sound than a ron carter sound. It's a joy to play. It's very easy to get it to speak, and the high register sounds as good or better than the low

The finish quality is excellent. Willow is very plain looking wood, so it doesn't have a lot of maple "bling," but the sound, the sound. It's a big bass, which is a little inconvenient compared to a 3/4. When I amp it (using a clef solo pickup) I have to roll off a good bit of bass or it gets woofy. But the acoustic sound is amazing

It was not cheap overall, but in terms of value per dollar it's pretty oustanding. I tried some basses costing twice as much that i didn't like as well. I suppose that makes it a good deal

But is it the best bass/deal out there? I don't know--there are a lot of choices. I'd love to try one of the new standards. Lots of people like the christophers. But I don't think shopping for a specific brand makes the most sense. My teacher, aaron clay with the Marine band, plays the same model shen. He says he likes my bass better. They vary from instrument to instrument--all basses do

[sejarus]

No complaints about Mike's student buying the bass. I would like to have played it while I was there, but I know she could have one set up and ready to go in a matter of days. Actually, I did get to see another SB150 there, but it wasn't set up--as in no bridge and no strings. Not quite as satisfying as playing it, but it sure looked purdy.

[JimmyM]

May I also put in a little plug for Upton Bass in this thread? I have a Hawkes plywood bass, and I have yet to find anything in its price range that beats it, Shen included. Shen makes terrific basses, no doubt, but I think Uptons have a deeper and richer tone from what I've seen. Upton plywood basses sound better than many cheaper carved basses I've played. I've played all their models and loved them all.

My personal opinion here...don't mean to offend any Shen lovers or reps. Nothing at all wrong with Shen, but check out Upton and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised in the bang-for-buck department.

[Mike Carr]

I'd like to add my comments re: Shen Basses
I'd had the pleasure of playing my 3/4 Willow for about 3 months now. It's really opening up nicely, great for jazz with Spirocores. I can't wait to see how this bass will sound once it matures, for a new bass, even now it's very nice sounding!
Since I got mine, every pro bass player from the abroad working here in Shanghai has gotten a Shen Bass! We have all fallen in love with these basses. Three of the guys got hybrids and are very happy playing them on their jazz gigs. Even the Shen plywood basses are great for the money, great plywood pizz tone, fat and loud! Sam Shen told me he is very pleased that his basses are being so well received in America. He ships quite a few basses each month, mostly plys and hybrids to the states. The demand, mostly by schools is high, he could make and easily sell more, but won't. He insists that each of his basses, even student models be of the highest quality possable in it's class. If he increased production, he fears that a slight decrease in quality could occur. He won't risk that, even if by doing so he could make more money. His name and reputation as an instrument manufacturer means the world to him. He knows all about the "bad rap" on many Chinese basses, we see first hand all of the crap basses that are being made and sold here. They are everywhere here in China. Sam wants everyone to know the his basses are in a different league. They truly are not to be confused with the "BSO's" that you see on e-bay. His carved basses, like my Willow and the Roggeri Basses he makes are instuments he takes particuler pride in. They are wonderful basses. I cant see ever wanting another bass since getting my Willow, except maybe a Shen Roggeri, set up for classical playing!