Aria EUB megathread

[jjq]

Anyone tried an Aria SWB Lite? Looking for a "budget" EUB I came down to a choice between that and one of the low-end Bassix EUBs, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of choice under £1000 (I'm in the UK btw).

JJ

[ToneRanger]

I'm looking for a budget EUB as well, although I suspect there's no such thing in Australia.
I can't find much info on the Aria, but it looks like it may be reasonable value for money (unlike the Palatino I tried).

Does anyon know how many pickups it has? The manufacturer's site says it has mag + piezo, and on the same page says piezo only.

Also, it has a stained maple fingerboard - anyone have experience with this material?

I'm a BG player looking for an EUB as a second instrument (I already play fretless) - I don't want a major investment, but also don't need authentic URB tone.
Would love to hear comment from anyone who's played the Aria.

[jjq]

Well in the end I've ordered one so I guess I'll know within a few days how good (or not) it is. Like you I've seen conflicting specs on the pickup configuration. Incidentally I found a huge variation on price for this instrument within Europe, shouldn't Aria be cheap in Australia though?

JJ

[jjq]

My Aria SWB-LITE arrived today and I've had an entertaining few hours with it. Before I pass comment I should probably say that today is the first I've ever played upright bass of any description - my instruments are bass guitar (from which I currently eke a meagre living), 6-string guitar, mandolin and violin. So I'm used to fretless and fretted instruments of varying scales but nothing like an upright bass.

Anyway, the instrument seems manufactured to a good standard, the fittings are reasonable quality, and it looks like an ideal instrument for regular gigging as it's going to withstand knocks without showing much in the way of scars. It comes in a gig bag, with end pin and side frame. I initially thought the neck and body were moulded but the website insists that the body is alder and the neck maple so I'll take them at their word.

Electronically, well there's a Fishman double-pickup system under the (wooden) bridge, leading into a pre-amp in a rear cavity. On the pre-amp pcb are individual string gain preset pots, and externally mounted are volume, treble and bass controls, with the latter two having centre position detents. No sign of any neck pickup or any wiring leading to the neck so perhaps the details on the website are misleading.

So after tuning it and spending 30 minutes trying to find a comfortable playing position, I junk the side frame and find it suits me best resting against the inside of my left thigh with my left leg slightly bent. The SWB has a tendency to rotate unless resting against something, and the side frame could not be more awkwardly placed imo although perhaps that's just lack of familiarity.

Having found that position I can now actually try playing some bass lines - and gosh, it's much easier than I thought! The scale presents no problem as there are cheat dots down the side of the neck, and acoustically it is loud enough for practice. After playing finger-style (is that called pizzicato on a bass like on a violin?) long enough to be reasonably happy with my intonation I grab an old violin bow and try bowing - it works but with a slight tendency to produce an octave or fifth harmonic, probably something I'm doing wrong or perhaps just the bow itself. It's encouraging enough that I'll invest in a bass bow and work at it.

So then I try plugging in to an acoustic instrument combo. The first thing I notice is quite a lot of treble and some hf hiss so I roll the treble back a bit, and the tone (to my uneducated ears) is surprisingly good. Full and mellow just like one would hope for, and even across the strings and up the neck. I'm sure a real upright bass player would cringe, but compare it against the upright bass model in a Line 6 Variax bass and see which one you prefer! It has that tone that fretless bass guitars never quite get due to their shorter scale, and in a band context (which is the intended use) it is more than adequate.

I can't imagine an experienced upright bass player would be interested in one of these, but my verdict is that for a bass guitarist looking to get into EUB this is a good first instrument. The price I paid is much the same as that of the entry level Bassix High-tech R, but the instruments are totally different in shape (the Bassix is curved where the Aria is straight) so perhaps trying both is a good idea. On the other hand I'm still wondering if the much cheaper Dean Pace would not be the better choice unless the eventual aim was to play acoustic upright bass...

JJ

[ToneRanger]

Thanks for a great review! Sounds like the sort of instrument I'm after - now I just have to find an Aussie supplier who doesn't want to retire on the profits of the sale.

[jjq]

Here's a brief update: I've now had the Aria SWB a week and have been practicing like mad with the thing, to the extent of sore hands (!). My initial dismissal of the side frame quickly proved to be down to lack of familiarity and I now can't play without it. I've stuck to pizzicato, largely due to that being the requirement for my main group (a dance band doing the weddings and corporate functions circuit).

Anyway tonight was a rehearsal, the band were expecting to see the new toy so I took it and we ran through a few numbers that it seemed it might suit, and in spite of inviting criticism of intonation etc. it seems the SWB is required for this weekend's gig. I wonder what their reaction will be when I'm actually playing in tune :-)

But some serious comments from using the SWB-Lite in a band context - I now think I might have missed some wiring in my examination and there might be a neck pickup after all as the fretboard is very "live" to the touch at band volume, or is that normal with piezo-loaded EUBs? Also I found myself rolling off even more treble and on with the bass, and thinking vaguely about a compressor although that's probably down to bad technique. Overall it sounded great and really made a couple of songs so I am anticipating the day when I can justify a pro-standard EUB instead of being at the budget end.

JJ

[ToneRanger]

Thanks for the update, jjq. I found the Australian distibutor and emailed them - this is what they replied:
"THE ARIA BASS YOU INQUIRED ABOUT WILL TAKE APPROX. 3-4 MONTHS TO GET. IT WILL RETAIL FOR APPROX. $1799.00"

Just wondering, what does it sell for in the UK? My wife is travelling there in a couple of months - might be quicker & cheaper for her to pick one up.

btw, did you find you needed to spend any extra on setup & replacing strings, or is it OK out of the box?

[igor kondur]

I use with my Aria SWB04 La bella 7710 black nylon type

[wateroftyne]

'I'm still wondering if the much cheaper Dean Pace would not be the better choice...'

As it happened, I played one of these at the weekend. It's not DB scale length... It's fun, but it just sounds like an upright fretless bass.

I have two Bassix EUBs. One of which I *love* and can't do without. The other one is newer - it has a different pup system which is a little too 'jazzy' for my tastes.. great for some people, but not for me.

I also find that I need to roll a lot of top off in a band context. I also have to engage a low shelving EQ to aid efficiency if it gets really loud. It's a great tone.

[jjq]

Originally Posted by ToneRanger

Thanks for the update, jjq. I found the Australian distibutor and emailed them - this is what they replied:
"THE ARIA BASS YOU INQUIRED ABOUT WILL TAKE APPROX. 3-4 MONTHS TO GET. IT WILL RETAIL FOR APPROX. $1799.00"

Just wondering, what does it sell for in the UK? My wife is travelling there in a couple of months - might be quicker & cheaper for her to pick one up.

btw, did you find you needed to spend any extra on setup & replacing strings, or is it OK out of the box?

I paid around £900 from a shop in Edinburgh, but prices seem to vary wildly. For example www.thoman.de has them for about £1400, and they are often cheaper than anyone in the UK when shopping around for stuff.

It was fine straight out of the box and I've left the original strings on although I have fitted a Schaller magnetic pickup for use with my EBG setup.

JJ

[Persio]

Hello all,

I'm wandering how playing SWB lite in the upper register (from the thumb position upward) , because I can't notice any fake shoulder in it.

Furthermore, anyone tried to play it sitting? and bowing?

This instrument attracts me, but I have this kind of doubts.

Thanks,
Persio

[wahyong]

Originally Posted by Persio

Hello all,

I'm wandering how playing SWB lite in the upper register (from the thumb position upward) , because I can't notice any fake shoulder in it.

Furthermore, anyone tried to play it sitting? and bowing?

This instrument attracts me, but I have this kind of doubts.

Thanks,
Persio

Persio, I am using the Aria Beta, with magnetic and piezo PUs, coupled with Thomastik Spirocores strings.

Basically, the thumb position is awkward because a) the fingerboard is planed quite straightly, and b) as you have rightly pointed out, lack of that left upper bout reference point that you would find in an actual upright.

Bowing is also difficult due to the same straight fingerboard, but I have found that using a violin bow does work better. It gets around more adeptly.

But, tone-wise, I'm pretty happy with it for jazz gigs. The chambered body helps to emulate that upright tone. And it sure beats lugging a doublebass around town.

[Persio]

Many thanks!
Persio

[kenf]

Hi
Can anyone recommend a stand for my Aria SWB04 available in the UK?
Thanks
Kenf

[kenf]

Hi
It's me again. I have searched my local shops and no one can come up with a solution. One shop rang Aria and they had no ideas. It would be great if someone could suggest something.
Thanks.
Kenf

[Bruce Lindfield]

Sorry - no idea; my EUB stands up on its own, so there's no need for a stand.

Give it time though - there are some very knowledgeable people around here, but they don't always log in every day - so you may yet get an answer!

[RIKODRIKO]

Yo

check this link... http://www.djmmusic.com/

theres a old skool double bass stand for £94 ... this one has a spike rest. i used to have a palatino EUB that was a similar design and shape as your aria... I got a similar stand with the spike holder when i bought the palatino and it seemed to work ok. It wasnt a perfect fit but it worked all the same. I couldnt find a bespoke stand for my bass though. I still have it but now my lovely acoustic bass rests in it when shes not getting thrashed

Maybe some of the more experienced guys around here will tell you different though. Hope this helps.

Mr Driko.

[kenf]

Hello
Thanks for your replies...
I have just found this...
www.violinvaluations.com/trolleyed/99/index.htm
It may do the job.
Thanks again.
Kenf

[Brent Nussey]

Hi. Aria make a stand for this bass, called the DS-800.
http://www.ariaguitars.com/jp/02prod...b/swb04_n.html

I live in Tokyo, and my favourite mail order shop sells the stand for 5380yen, tax included.
http://www.soundhouse.co.jp/shop/Pro...%5EDS800%5E%5E

Maybe you can order one directly from them. If not, and you're willing to risk sending me the money (or sending it to a 3rd party we both trust), I'll be happy to order it and mail it to you in the UK. Doesn't seem like much effort.

Brent

[kenf]

Thanks Brent!