Soon, I will have a reason to visist [DB]...

Osama_Spears · #1 05-12-2007, 03:45 PM

just ordered my Shen SB80 Bass from UptonBass (UptonBass.com). Really excited, especially since I will have it in about...2-3 weeks, estimate.

I am getting it hooked up with bridge adjusters, and Obligato strings. I told him I will be Pizz most of the time, but I plan on learning Arco as well, so he's gonna hook me up with a set-up that'll work well with that.

Anyone have this same bass?

This is my first upright, and I will have Upright lessons over the summer!

waltzfordebby · #2 05-12-2007, 04:05 PM

congrats! i'm looking to get my own bass too. i've been playing on a beatup plywood from the 60s... i can't wait

lessons! yay

Marcus Johnson · #3 05-12-2007, 04:06 PM

That's great! For some reason, I always assumed that you were already playing DB. Welcome to the dark side.

Osama_Spears · #4 05-12-2007, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus Johnson

That's great! For some reason, I always assumed that you were already playing DB. Welcome to the dark side.

what made you think that? I rarely even post anymore :|

Marcus Johnson · #5 05-13-2007, 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Osama_Spears

what made you think that? I rarely even post anymore :|

I dunno... just from the old days. I've been here for awhile.

Osama_Spears · #6 05-13-2007, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus Johnson

I dunno... just from the old days. I've been here for awhile.

yeah,you live(d) in MD right?

Marcus Johnson · #7 05-13-2007, 11:49 AM

Nope. Born in Wisconsin, and then just kept goin' West.

Osama_Spears · #8 05-26-2007, 09:10 AM

REVIEW!

Alrighty, Upton shipped it out on tuesday and since I am located on the east coast as well, I recieved it thursday! Seriously I think Upton has the best customer service I have ever dealt with. Any question, comment, concern was answered within a few hours via e-mail, in good detail. When I talked to Eric on the phone, he completely understood my situation (being new to the DB world), and hooked me up. He suggested Obligatto strings and told me to do some research on it before making my decision. Who does that anymore? Serious awesome guys up there.

My brother picked my bass up from work (business address), and brought her home to me....

First off, the gig bag is very well constructed and padded. I thought it was going to be a thin cover to keep my bass in, but this thing is nicely padded. Its almost as quality as my BG bags which I paid $$ for.

So, I pull the bass out, fiddle with the shipping bridge to put on the Adjustable Bridge which went better than I expected. However, one issue (and I emailed UB about this), was that my adjustable bridge doesnt move. the turny thingys dont move at all. Anyway, I set up the strings and put her in tune...

Now, I am a novice to the sound and set up of DB, but with my lack of experience, I really dig the sound and feel of this bass! the only other bass I played was my Instructors $20,000 upright made in like the 1800's, so I cant really compare it to that. So, I run through a few scales (F, Bb, C, G) and attempt to play a few tunes. The action will take some getting used to, for I am used to the action of a BG, where the lower the better.

In conclusion, other than the bridge adjusters giving me trouble, and the end pin rubber-stopper unscrewing every once ina while (is there a way to fix this?) - i love this thing. its gorgeous and I am so happy that I chose upton as my first upright. I feel so spoiled playing such a bass when I just started!

So, if you're thinking about going for Upton, or buying an Upright...I definately suggest you check 'em out.

CamMcIntyre · #9 05-26-2007, 04:55 PM

Congrats.

Osama_Spears · #10 05-26-2007, 07:09 PM

wow, i was expecting much more. its appreciated though

TheSuzie · #11 05-26-2007, 08:23 PM

Enjoy! There is not much better than the feeling of a DB. AFA responses, please remember that it is a lot slower here - especially on a weekend like this. Lots of people have gigs to deal with.

Peace,
S

waltzfordebby · #12 05-27-2007, 12:35 AM

i'm glad you like your shen :]
i'm going to be able to make a post like that in a week or so...
until then... still beating on that old plywood

Cathead · #13 05-27-2007, 03:20 AM

Congratulations on your bass! I will be getting me one Lord willing in early June. I would like to get one from Upton also, but I won't wait that long on one. Hope you enjoy yours.

Steve Swan · #14 05-27-2007, 10:14 AM

When I was starting out, I had a medium quality Kay for a couple years and a very sturdy (stiff and unresponsive) Roth hybrid for a couple of years after that. I wish that we had the Shen SB80 as a choice 25-30 years ago. It would have made learning to play a whole lot more fun and musical for me.

Osama_Spears · #15 05-27-2007, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Swan

When I was starting out, I had a medium quality Kay for a couple years and a very sturdy (stiff and unresponsive) Roth hybrid for a couple of years after that. I wish that we had the Shen SB80 as a choice 25-30 years ago. It would have made learning to play a whole lot more fun and musical for me.

im sorry...we can share mine,kay? (no pun intended)

Osama_Spears · #16 05-30-2007, 05:50 PM

argh...today i noticed the strings/bridge are shifted slightly to the left. is there anyway i can fix this issue without completely de-tuning and re-applying the bridge? also, wont it be more difficult without post-it note markers on where the feet should go?

im in need of help

Dbassmon · #17 05-30-2007, 06:35 PM

Your bridge will shift from time to time. Especially when you bang it going through door jams. Try as you might to be careful, it happens.
Really no big deal. With the palm of your hand gently tap the bridge back into place. You may have to loosen the strings a little but you do not want to unseat the sound post so leave tension on the bridge.
I took a pencil and lightly outlined the position of the bridge feet one the sound board. Press hard enough to create a permanent mark.That makes it very easy to see when your bridge has shifted and were it has to go to be back in position. Actually, I learned that from Bill Merchant. It's very helpful.