What is the material used instead of wood to make a bass?

fmm06418 · #1 05-06-2008, 08:05 PM

I heard there was a upright bass made out of some type of material other than wood that was very durable and weather proof. You could leave it in the rain. Does anyone know who makes one? Thanks, Fmm06419

Jake deVilliers · #2 05-06-2008, 08:48 PM

Lewis & Clark

There's one in the DB department at Long & McQuade in Vancouver. The Carbon Fibre/Graphite neck and body sure look bombproof, the wooden bridge not so much.

It would make a great rockabilly bass with a flame job on its charcoal grey body!

20db pad · #3 05-06-2008, 08:59 PM

Sounds like an aluminum body bass. I faintly recall an old story where players would transport an aluminum bass on top of a car, and if it rained they'd just shake the water out of it and play it.

They're from several decades ago, some are retired U.S. Navy issue:

Aluminum Bass - Looking for new info

http://www.eclecticbass.com/bass.html

dave88 · #4 05-06-2008, 09:05 PM

I just played a fiberglass(even the fingerboard) bass a few days ago. Made in the 70's I think, the guy said that they destroyed the molds for them. Sounded really good, somewhat unbelievable.

mattfong · #5 05-06-2008, 10:24 PM

The Lewis and Clarke basses are pretty cool. I've never actually played it, but I plucked the E string a couple times. From what I remember it sounded surprisingly good, very bright.

fmm06418 · #6 05-07-2008, 06:41 AM

Thanks. I found info on carbon fiber basses. Quintis and Lewis&Clark Big$$$$

robobass · #7 05-07-2008, 04:16 PM

Check out Cosi basses from France. At $10k, not something you would want to leave out in the rain (wood fingerboard and bridge anyway). I haven't played the Quintis or Lewis&Clark, but I'd absolutely trade the bass I currently use in orchestra (and costs more than double) for the Cosi. The bass is a Mother. The E-String speaks as quick and clear as the D on most basses. Being durable is I suppose a + as well. If you're playing a shady lounge in Brooklyn and some shooting starts...

Robobass

Andrew McGregor · #8 05-09-2008, 08:03 AM

I've played a Lewis & Clark in that Vancouver store briefly, it's a great bass. Worth the money, I'd say. Bright, clear sound, quick to speak, bows nicely.

I've vaguely been thinking of getting some moulds for a carbon fiber bass done… it would be an interesting experiment to see how hard it is to make something good that way. Of course, it helps to have contacts with lots of composites experience…

Rickett Customs · #9 05-09-2008, 08:05 AM

I've made a few out of PVC, my thread is in my sig.

SteveFreides · #10 05-09-2008, 08:31 AM

The very first upright bass I played was made of fiberglass. It belonged to the Philadelphia, PA school system, and was procured for me to borrow for a summer by a parent of a guitar student of mine who was a school teacher.

I lived in a third-floor walk-up apartment at the time (1975-1980) and wasn't in the habit of leaving any of the air conditioners running when I went away for a few days. When I came home one time, the bass had started to melt! No kidding. I don't think the situation would be much different if left in a car for a few hours on a hot, sunny day.

Steve "my bass is made of wood, thank you" Freides

Bass Barrister · #11 05-09-2008, 08:44 AM

Not trying to be the spelling Nazi here, but the name is Luis & Clark, as in Luis Leguia. The other cats were the explorers. Try:

www.luisandclark.com

Jake deVilliers · #12 05-09-2008, 08:52 AM

Thanks BB. I've played it but I didn't read the label.