And it's quite the beast.
Fully carved Cleveland. Arnold and Wil did an amazing job. I have been waiting for this since late last yea0r. It's been in my possession for just 3 days and can't put it down!
My inspiration for this was after playing an original American Standard and I had to have one for myself but didn't want plywood. I had just played John Clayton's bass for a few minutes last year and loved the look of Buster William's Hawkes so I wanted something that was a throwback to the old Yankee basses, and they nailed it. When the lights are dim it gets very dark and almost ominous. Rubner machines as I've always wanted hatpegs. Plain wood - I didn't want flames to go with the look & feel.
The neck is very thick... thicker than anything I've played and I love it. I find it even easier than a thinner neck to play.
How does it sound? Holy crap. I never played a bass that had such oomph in the G string. Even in the upper registers, it still makes the floor vibrate. My neighbors prob aren't happy.
The sound makes my Chrissy go whimper in the corner. The tone is clear but still has a richness about it I dunno how to describe. Arnold did such a great job with the setup... it sustains and growls for days and boy is it easy to play. Practicing with it tonight I have gained a new sense of understanding in just how sensitive I can get with just pizz. Never knew what it was like to let a note really blossom before... they used to just thud out of the old bass. The string tension is just right.
How is it with arco? It's strung with Spiro orchs... and I still can't believe how easy it is to bow despite the strings being banjo-y and new. Even at this brand new state, it sounds 10 times better than the Chrissy with broken in Spiro Solos tuned Orch.
The only hitch was that there is a cosmetic crack in the back due to windshake. Hardly noticable. Play it for 2 minutes and you'll forget it was even there.
Pickupwise, I'm currently going to use a planet wing but am in the process of finding a good mic for it. It'd be a shame to run it through anything less.
So yeah, thanks again Arnold and Wil. You guys made me a very happy camper. The wait was well worth it.
Thanks also to Durrlfriend and BIGGUS who helped me make the leap of faith and buy it blind.
I'll try to post some audio clips when I find the time.
P.S Arnold/Wil: I saw the name Shadowbox when you sent the initial sample pics.... did you name it that or something? I have been refering to it using that name now.
