updated Shen SB100

el_mariachi · #1 02-11-2008, 09:07 PM

Has anyone here had a chance to play the newer updated Shen SB100 basses? These are supposed to have the oil varnish and much nicer tuners than the previous version. These have really perked my curiosity and I wanted to get the forum's opinions on it.

John Sprague · #2 02-15-2008, 02:37 PM

Hi Jeremy,

I suspect the reason that you aren't getting a response is because there are only a dozen or so out there right now. I will have more out to dealers at the end of March, most of which are back ordered. Did you check with Michelle, Mark or Steve to see if they had one for you to check out?
Thanks for your interest.

John

el_mariachi · #3 02-15-2008, 02:46 PM

Hi John. I have emailed Mark and he said he could get one in, but didn't have one it at the moment. I've emailed Michelle and am awaiting her response. I don't know who you are referring to when you mentioned Steve. have a link?

jmpiwonka · #4 02-15-2008, 04:52 PM

oh man, the shen site has really nice pics up now.
i love the rogieri and panormo models. especially the rogieri willow...added rib depth...

Bungee · #5 04-30-2008, 07:43 PM

I 've had mine for almost a month now. It was set up by Nick Lloyd in Cincinnati. It has significantly exceeded my expectations. It sounds wonderful acoustically and through my Fender Bassman 100 combo (with 10' speaker). Fishman Full Circle pickup into Fishman Platinum Pro-EQ pre-amp into the combo amp. It sounds NICE in the practice room and on gigs. I had the good fortune to play it acoustically at a rehearsal without a drummer and that was really, REALLY cool. I have Spirocore Mittels on it and they are great for pizz. I am not an accomplished arco player. The bass is not ideally suited for serious arco playing, but I have been enjoying my arco exercises on it. The bass has a nice full tone, even with new Spiros. The finish is truly beautiful - I had no idea the bass was going to look this nice. The tuners are sweet and mine came with an upgraded endpin - no rattling. I would DEFINITELY buy the bass again. It's perfect for the work I do (jazz pizz with and without drums, with and without amplification, inside and outside). Nick Lloyd RULES. He gave me great objective advice and I could not be happier with his craftmanship. I played the SB180 Hybrid and it was even nicer. I would certainly recommend it to anyone as well. Both basses represent tremendous value in my estimation.

Bassman8416 · #6 08-29-2009, 11:35 AM

Hi everybody,
I am fairly new here. I have had one of these for less than a month. It was set up by New York's Jeff Bolbach. He really thought it was one of the nicer ones he has come across. My teacher was very impressed with the feel and sound. I am 48 yrs old and new to the Double bass and apparently I have been blessed with a fine instrument.

Gary Lynch · #7 08-29-2009, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by el_mariachi

Hi John. I have emailed Mark and he said he could get one in, but didn't have one it at the moment. I've emailed Michelle and am awaiting her response. I don't know who you are referring to when you mentioned Steve. have a link?

steve_swan@earthlink.net

http://www.steveswanguitars.com/shen.htm

ole Jason · #8 08-29-2009, 10:31 PM

I have an SB150 w/ the oil varnish... also bought from Nick.

It's a great bass. I'm actually more of an arco player and am more than satisfied with the bass considering what I paid for it.

thejumpcat · #9 09-06-2009, 09:48 PM

I've had one a few months now. I thought I was going to have to sell it (still might). It's a killer bass. The pictures ALMOST capture how nice it looks, but it plays even better.

Mine was set up by Gary Ritter (just north of Ann Arbor), and he did a great job.

Here's a link to it:
*OFF MARKET* FS: Brand New Shen SB100 - oil varnish

mr mastodon · #10 10-04-2009, 02:53 AM

rather than start an entire new thread, thought i'd throw it out into the convo here.

my friend bought a shen from mr. lloyd in cinci and highly recommended him. when i raise enough money i'll contact him about purchasing one of these. however, what is the difference between the SB80 and SB100. i assume the former is more a student model. but i'm just a poor college kid and if the SB80's a better deal, i'd like to know. i understand it's only $300 more but ... i live on ramen ... haha.

thejumpcat · #11 10-04-2009, 10:30 AM

I think the differences are the 100 has oil varnish; individual tuners (instead of two on a plate per side); and a spruce (instead of maple) veneer top with inlaid (instead of painted) purfling.

You can check out this site:

http://www.samuelshen.com/

On this site, the difference in price is $1,475 to $2,175.

I love the look of mine. When I bought it, the guy I bought it from also had the blonde version. It was a tough choice, but I had a blonde Kay Swingmaster and decided to go with something different this time. If you look at the link in my post above, you'll see it's real purdy. I put a set of Velvet Animas on it a few weeks ago and it's singing.

mr mastodon · #12 10-04-2009, 10:13 PM

would blonde be the best option? evidently, it's practically the same as the SB100 but much cheaper (i guess something to do with the finish? nick lloyd's site has it at $1550 with the standard bag. the SB80 is $1420 with the standard gig bag).