Ergo megathread part II

[Barry Clark]

Originally Posted by foderaman77

Welcome to the 8str Ergo club. My 8 is on Jesse's main web page. Is it tuned - F#-B-E-A-D-G-C-F?

That's where I am starting! Who knows where it will end up.

[foderaman77]

Originally Posted by Barry Clark

That's where I am starting! Who knows where it will end up.

When you get it set up. Tell me what strings you plan to use and if you plan to change the piezo pickup.

[Barry Clark]

Originally Posted by foderaman77

When you get it set up. Tell me what strings you plan to use and if you plan to change the piezo pickup.

Will do. I have, however, as of late gotten on this don't-change-a thing-about-it kick. Which... I was never on. haha. By the time I got an instrument home, I already had plans on what was going and what was going in its place.

So... it will be some time before I decide if any changes need to be made as I will do everything I can to make the stock set up work. The 4 string, I still use the original strings (cheapo's) and the stock pickup. All things being the same (and I know an 8 is wildly different than a four) I am hoping to do the same here.

[damonsmith]

The pick up is fine for me, I think more pro strings and stand make a big difference. At least the four standard strings.

[foderaman77]

I agree on the strings. I replaced the stand.

[KirkD]

Just bought an Ergo from Jesse Blue.

When it arrives, and I have had time to 'bond' with it. I'll be sure to chat about my experience.

As for the purchase, QnA, and getting to know the maker himself. It was very good customer service. The guy not only plasys and makes basses, he cares about bass, and he cares a lot about his customers and fellow bassists, be they hobbyists or pros.

[Barry Clark]

'nother update pic of the 8 string.

Was up there hangin out with Jesse and snapped this pic!

[Barry Clark]

Originally Posted by KirkD

Just bought an Ergo from Jesse Blue.

When it arrives, and I have had time to 'bond' with it. I'll be sure to chat about my experience.

As for the purchase, QnA, and getting to know the maker himself. It was very good customer service. The guy not only plasys and makes basses, he cares about bass, and he cares a lot about his customers and fellow bassists, be they hobbyists or pros.

Absolutely. Great guy to work with.

[foderaman77]

Originally Posted by Barry Clark

'nother update pic of the 8 string.

Was up there hangin out with Jesse and snapped this pic!

Beautiful bass. What type of wood(s)?

[Barry Clark]

Originally Posted by foderaman77

Beautiful bass. What type of wood(s)?

The mahogany that he usually uses.

Just a trans black finish.

[KirkD]

Its taking a little time for the strings to settle in to tune.
And, I don't have the amps n electronics for a fancy sound yet, but....

The bass has nice action, feels smooth throughout, is light, manageable, the stand works well. I have ZERO complaints at this point. Its a beauty.

I am wondering if any of you might suggest amps or boxes(which I define as any electrical gizmo between the bass and amp) which happens to work well with Ergos, and is in the low-level hobbyist price range?

As for bows, any thoughts on rosins? rosin brands, heavy rosin application, light, medium, etc.... How tight the bow should be? On an acoustic most beginners are taught to bow midway between the end of the fingerboard and the bridge...where is that on the EUB, should I bow closer to the bridge? About how close, with an Ergo.

I humbly confess, I am total absolute know-nothing newbie mode, and gratefully accept any and all guidance/recommendations.

[Grateful]

Originally Posted by KirkD

I am wondering if any of you might suggest amps or boxes(which I define as any electrical gizmo between the bass and amp) which happens to work well with Ergos, and is in the low-level hobbyist price range?

I picked up a used K&K Preamp here on TB that has a belt clip.

Originally Posted by KirkD

As for bows, any thoughts on rosins? rosin brands, heavy rosin application, light, medium, etc.... How tight the bow should be?

I find that I am equally horrible with a bow regardless of what I use. But I ended up with a German bow and some Pop's Rosin.

[damonsmith]

You don't need a preamp, an amp made for double bass helps, though.
As for the bow, keep the hair as loose as you can without hitting the stick while you play. Pops rosin is fine.
Double bass lessons from a double bass player will go futher than add on electronics.

Originally Posted by KirkD

Its taking a little time for the strings to settle in to tune.
And, I don't have the amps n electronics for a fancy sound yet, but....

The bass has nice action, feels smooth throughout, is light, manageable, the stand works well. I have ZERO complaints at this point. Its a beauty.

I am wondering if any of you might suggest amps or boxes(which I define as any electrical gizmo between the bass and amp) which happens to work well with Ergos, and is in the low-level hobbyist price range?

As for bows, any thoughts on rosins? rosin brands, heavy rosin application, light, medium, etc.... How tight the bow should be? On an acoustic most beginners are taught to bow midway between the end of the fingerboard and the bridge...where is that on the EUB, should I bow closer to the bridge? About how close, with an Ergo.

I humbly confess, I am total absolute know-nothing newbie mode, and gratefully accept any and all guidance/recommendations.

[TOM JENKINS]

I just got my Ergo 5 and I love it, BUT, it wiggles! How do you adjust the set screw or whatever it is to keep the bass from moving side-to-side..I've tried tapping the tiny tap on the part that goes into the bass but it still moves.I'm very frustrated,,,Any suggestions?

[duckyincarnate]

Have you tried getting in touch with Jesse? He tends to be very good about customer service.

It might be a sign that the insert is coming loose. This does happen. Mine did after about a year of heavy playing and gigging and I simply glued it back in using JB Weld glue. Solid as a rock now.

[damonsmith]

It is best to replace it entirely by woodscrewing on a Pearl tom holder.

[Huckleberry420]

I am patiently waiting for my ergo 5. I bought an early used model, made out of zebra wood (zebrano?). It looks like it has a wooden nut, and a tone control. Aftermarket strings of an unknown brand. I have only played on carved uprights, and cannot wait for my eub! After setup and some playing, I will post more.

[Huckleberry420]

Has anyone tried using a strap system like the one offered by NS? Or an endpin setup?

[gscroggin]

I briefly tried an endpin, but I found without the rest of the body (e.g. real doublebass), it did not balance well or feel right in my hands.

I suppose I could have manufactured an arc/upper bout to press against my body, but I was happy to stick with the drum stand (which in my case was already upgraded, like Damon mentioned).

[kissmybASS01]

Mods: This is a repost of the mods I made to my stand. I see the topic has come up again, and due to the size of this thread it gets difficult to find some specific info. Feel free to delete this post (but I hope you don't )

Here is the back of the Ergo with the original mount (held in with epoxy only) removed. Mounted in its place is the Pearl Tom Bracket BT-3. Just make sure you buy the correct length of wood screws


Here is the mods to the original base. The OEM swivel mount has been removed. The parts are the Pearl Uni-Lock 7/8" Post 4x4" Tom Holder TH-1000S, and the Pearl Adapter 5/8" - 1 1/8" Diameter tube AX-20. Using a standard drum key, this stand mod can literally have the bass sit horizontally!







Here is the front view of the ERGO on the stand. If it looks off-centre, yes it is. However, I find it brings the bass closer to my body, and more comfortable.


I hope that helps. Feel free to PM me for more info!