Shen?? Christopher??

Emi · #1 06-05-2006, 12:33 AM

Hi all,

I am new to the board but I have been doing a LOT of research on uprights for about a year now. I am looking to buy a bass of my own within this next school year, I've set a budget. I have several different makes and models in mind, but the more I look the more confused I get. Right when I think I have my mind made up, another bass comes to mind - sometimes it is extremely discouraging.

At this very moment, my main concern is tone. I am looking for a bass with a generally loud sound to it to best suit my style of playing. I've considered the Sam Shen SB 80, the SB 100, the Christopher 100 and even the Christopher 200 (although I'm mostly focused on the other three models). The SB 80 is the most affordable of all four models, but I have not had the chance to play/hear a Shen in person. I DID however get the chance to hear a Chris 100 a couple months back, but I can't exactly form an opinion as of yet since I don't know how Christopher and Shen laminates compare with one another as far as sound goes.

To all of those who have had experience with both makes before, which make generally has the louder tone (or are they comparible in terms of tone)? How do they compare? In between the Shen and Christopher line of basses, Which make and what model would you recommend to a beginner/student bassist?

Thank you for your time..

Emi

Peck_Time · #2 06-05-2006, 03:53 AM

Hi Emi and welcome to TalkBass!

I'm a beginner to the upright as well (been playing for under a year), so I've gone through the bass-buying blues.

I recommend that you fill out your profile. This will help us to help you.

Here are some questions to tighten your search:
What is your budget?
What does your teacher say?
Where do you live?
What do you need the bass for?
Pizz/ arco or both?
Why only Shen or Christopher?

You say your main concern is tone, but you want it loud as well... have you considered a 16th century italian or english bass?

Remember, basses aren't cookie-cutter instruments. You need to go and play as many as you can (or go with someone who can play).

BTW, I ended up with a carved Christopher, and I am happy with it.

Peck_Time · #3 06-05-2006, 05:20 AM

You're right Ken, I got my centuries/ countries confused.

The point I was (hopefully humourously) trying to make, was that the mythical 'holy grail' of loudness & tone is to be found in the beautiful old orchestral instruments from Europe (and the Prescotts too, verily), which is why they cost so much.

In my defence, I might add that the founding document of my country (The Treaty of Waitangi) was not written until 1840, and anything older than 100 years seems ancient (basses included!).

-Daniel Yeabsley

John Sprague · #4 06-05-2006, 12:00 PM

Emi, the Shen SB80 and SB100 will have the same tone for the most part.

The best thing for you to do is tell us where you are, so we can direct you to a shop that has both brands, and more, so you can play a bunch. So where ya hangin'?

And welcome to TB.

oregonbill · #5 10-21-2006, 01:57 AM

Any other thoughts on this matchup out there? I am a new forum member (after months of lurking), and I hope that I haven't overlooked something in the FAQ / newbie section. Anyway, I am ready to make the leap from the electric bass to learning the upright, primarily in a roots / bluegrass / folk setting, but possibly branching out into some blues or even jazz down the road. I've got about $1500 to spend.

Just got back from a local luthier here in Portland (Pete's Bass Shop) and tried out both a Shen model 80 and a Christopher 102. Pete was a first class guy in every way, and answered all of my questions patiently over about an hour period. Anyway, I narrowed my choice down to these bases (I believe that the Christopher was on consignment and is about 5 y/o, and the Shen was new, and set up by Pete). I felt that the Shen had a warmer, more dynamic tone, while the Christopher had a nicer bluegrassy "punch" to it. Of course, Pete mentioned that the strings, setup etc. are all huge factors sound that could be changed. The overall impression I got was that both models would make outstanding starter basses.

So, my question is, does anyone else have any experience with these two bases? I was leaning towards the Christopher, but I am having second thoughts, especially after reading Ken Smith's post above. So, any additional thoughts / comments / snide remarks (not really) etc. would be appreciated.

Also, for the record, it is high priority for me to support / establish a relationship with a local luthier here in town.

Greg Clinkingbeard · #6 10-21-2006, 07:22 AM

I play a Chrissy 100 that is about three years old. It is strung with Spirocores and set up for Jazz. I've not played a Shen, but I believe their top lamination is Spruce rather than Maple on the Chrissy. They look nicer.
My bass plays very well and has a nice, but simple tone. I wouldn't call it a 'loud' bass. I've gotten more than a few compliments on it.
Emi, I think I'd consider the Shen 80 over my Chrissy, but stretch your budget if you can. You won't go wrong with either brand.

I'm upgrading to the Hybrid Hawkes from Upton, but Connecticut isn't local for more than a few million players.

Greg Clinkingbeard · #7 10-21-2006, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oregonbill

I was leaning towards the Christopher, but I am having second thoughts, especially after reading Ken Smith's post above.

The interior linings (thin wood strips reinforcing the top and back to the ribs) on my Chrissy are plywood.
I remember it said that Shens's are solid wood. On a plywood bass I don't know what the advantage would be but I'm no luthier.
The bass has a soundpost patch (wooden disk between the post and top). I was told when I bought it that this was a good thing?

If you have a local luthier that you trust, by all means, deal with him and go with his advice on a bass.

fish slapper · #8 10-21-2006, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oregonbill

Also, for the record, it is high priority for me to support / establish a relationship with a local luthier here in town.

I think you ended up in the right place. Pete is a class act and really knows his stuff. Fortunately (and unfortunately) Pete's not a very forceful salesman so what ever you decide, he'll support you all the way. Part of what you're getting from Pete is the master set-up. The guy's a wiz at squeezing every once of tone and playability from an instrument.

Back to the main topic of the thread. I ended up with a SB-"90" (a blonde SB-100). Christopher wasn't one of the other finalists for me so I don't remember my impressions of it. I did play the Eastmans quite a bit and was considering some Eastern European shop basses. For me, I ended up with the Shen bassed (pun intended) on the tone. I think its been mention before on this thread, Shen does something special with with their top construction.

Anyway, one vote for the Shen. Welcome to the dark side.

Greg Clinkingbeard · #9 10-21-2006, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joshua

Being a newb myself on DB, I doubt my opinion is worth much, but I've been very pleased with my Shen SB80. I've had it for about 6 months now and it's plays great (thanks to a great setup from Arnold et al).

I was actually toying with the idea of an upgrade, but am so pleased with it that I am going to put it off awhile longer so as to further figure out what I want to step up to...

As I remember, we both went to the dark side sometime last spring. It is about time you upgraded.

Yukon4 · #10 10-24-2006, 11:34 PM

For what it's worth - just bought my son a Christopher 303 about a month ago (hybrid) and he just LOVES it. You just can't get a bad sound out of it. It's like butta - smooth, and rich.

COUNT ZACULA · #11 10-25-2006, 12:31 AM

I've had nothing but good expieriences with Christophers and most of the Shens I've played.(all plys) So I think your in good hands either way.

+1 for Pete Lampe in Portland,OR.
http://www.successpool.com/petesbassshop.html

Mike Goodbar · #12 10-25-2006, 07:58 AM

I have a Christopher 300 series (carved top), and I've had no issues aside from a sticky endpin (I've since replaced it with an ULSA Massif).

I must admit, though, that student of mine picked out a Shen hybrid recently, and if I had to do it all over again, I'd probably lean in the that direction.

One caveat: A dealer I know used to stock both Shen and Christopher in the rental pool. They pulled the Christophers because of the number of neck joint problems (mostly the plywood models). Hopefully Christopher has addressed this issue by now.

Chasarms · #13 10-25-2006, 09:24 AM

I have a Shen SB-180. It has the carved top and the fancy figured ply on the ribs and back. It's the bass in my avatar.

I have been VERY, VERY happy with my Shen. The general construction, fit and finish it as nice as most any factory bass I have seen. I get LOTs of compliments on the sound. It embarrasses most any ply it is around and holds it's own just fine with the typically seen newer fully-carved factory basses.

I think I would probably have to spend $8-10K to get an honest and significant enough upgrade to make it worth while. I have played several $5-6K fully-carved basses that don't really do any more for me than the Shen.

I guess it is par for price point, but I have been mostly disappointed with the hardware. The endpin was plain old common variety junk. I replaced it with a KC Strings endpin. The tuners function, but I really wish they were better quality.

My bass is nearly three years old now. In Shen's defense, the U.S. Shen guru was once active here, and I do believe they are using better, or at least different, hardware now.

The ebony fittings are very nice. My teacher, who plays a 200-year-old bass was very impressed with the bass when I got it.

gonniff · #14 10-25-2006, 10:09 AM

I've only just heard of the Shen basses (well, yesterday to be exact).

Does anyone know if these can be had in the UK and if so, from whom?

Thanks

mpoppitt · #15 10-26-2006, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Sprague

Emi, the Shen SB80 and SB100 will have the same tone for the most part.

Hey John, is the blonde SB90 still available?

John Sprague · #16 10-26-2006, 07:18 AM

Hey Mpoppit, it sure is! PM me if I can help you track one down to check out.

Gonniff: unfortunately nothing yet, but we're working on it.

jmpiwonka · #17 10-26-2006, 10:19 AM

i'll give some love to shens.
i have my bass at my brothers house for now because i just moved into some apts. and he already has lots of musical instruments there...
i went over last night and happened to play my bass for a bit...it really sounds great, it felt so good to pick my bass up and play it a bit, i really miss it more than i would've thought.

shen makes some nice instruments.

oregonbill · #18 10-26-2006, 10:56 AM

Wow, this has been an educational thread for me. I think that I was originally swayed towards the second hand Christopher at Pete's Bass Shop partly b/c it had a nice pickup (can't remember the make / model) that came with it. However, when I reflect / strip down / analyze my impressions of the two bases, I thought the new Shen I checked out did have a warmer, nicer tone. It seems that the consensus here, too, is that the Shen may be a slightly more solidly constructed instrument. After all, I'm looking for a good starter acoustic instrument, and not necessarily something that I can plug into an amp and wail on (that's what my EBG is for).

I've have "negotiated" the terms of this purchase with my (pregnant) wife (hey, baby stuff isn't cheap either), and as soon as I unload some under-utilized electronic music gear on ebay, I'll be joining the ranks of you all on the dark side!

arnoldschnitzer · #19 10-26-2006, 10:57 AM

To me Shen is unique because they don't just make basses as an afterthought. Paul Strelau, who heads up design and is the USA distributor, is a fine bassist and luthier. He plays in the Rochester Symphony, and I think he is in China as I write this, keeping an eye on the shop there. FYI: I am a Shen dealer, and also occasionally sell Christophers. I think their quality is also consistently decent.