EUB Recomendations for "newbie"

jvtwin · #1 12-12-2006, 01:43 PM

Hey guys and gals -

Quick background - I've been playing bass for 20 plus years but have always wanted to play Double Bass. I'm new to EUB's but I'm absolutely in love with them. This would be a first for me from my electric basses (Five String) that I play now. I've read through most of the posts and checked out Bob Gollihur's site and wow! I had no idea there was that many EUB's out there. So before I say I think I know what I want, I would like to hear from player's who use EUB's live or studio and get some feedback as to what worth it or what to stay away from. I also have the advantage of being able to attend the '07 NAMM show to do some hands on A/Bing. I figure if I'm going to invest a few hard earned dollars into a bass, I would like it to be of decent quality and be able to withstand gigging on a regular bases. I've got myself into an regular acoustic gig that seems to be gaining more steam as time moves on and I would really like to take advantage of a double bass tone with the advantage of electrics light weight and portability. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

**Francois Blais** · #2 12-12-2006, 03:20 PM

Hi, and welcome to the EUB world!

Did you browse the stickies at the top of the forum?
There's a lot of conversation about the Palatinos and Ergo.
I'm not drawn by either one, to be honest.
Depends on your budget!
You'll also find short scale ones (similar to a BG) and regular scales ones. (around 41 inches)
Do you also want to play with a bow or just pizz?
Want a DB like tone as much as possible or not?

I suggest you get a look at the Azolas booth.
Their EUBs are among the best on the market, and are really worth the investment.

HTH!

jvtwin · #3 12-12-2006, 04:36 PM

Yeah, I've perused the post on this site. Again, I'm just not aware of what's good and what's not. I'd like to keep it under $4500.00. And yes, I would like a "as close to DB" tone as possible. But again, how much tone room is there? I don't know. No bows (I would just make ugly noises, trust me!) I like the looks of the Eminence. Kinda classic, not too post modern. I'm also interested in a five string just because I'm used to it with my electric basses. And last but not least, round or flat board. Does it make a big difference? Should I just stick to flat for easier cross over playing from my current basses? I just figure those of you who play most often would know better than I. I know that it will boil down to just play one till it feels right.

**Francois Blais** · #4 12-12-2006, 07:18 PM

To get a DB tone, you'll likely want a semi-acoustic instrument, like the Eminence, Kolstein Travel Bass or Gage Czech-Ease.
Of course, the Azolas have some hollow body models too. (three models)
Plus their solid-body ones and custom shop instruments.

You'll find round fingerboards on all these instruments (beveled or not), and I think it's better that way.
You should be able to get five-stringers among these, for an extra I guess.

The NAMM show will be a great opportunity for you!

bongomania · #5 12-12-2006, 07:23 PM

Francois, I notice you never mention the BSX Allegro. Is it just something you haven't tried yet, or do you not prefer it for some reason?

Bruce Lindfield · #6 12-13-2006, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jvtwin

Hey guys and gals -

Quick background - I've been playing bass for 20 plus years but have always wanted to play Double Bass. I'm new to EUB's but I'm absolutely in love with them. This would be a first for me from my electric basses (Five String) that I play now.

I was in the same situation as you - really wanted to play DB , but also didn't want to be a complete beginner.

I bought an NSCR5 and have found it to be a good way to "transition" between BG and DB !

So the NS basses can get a reasonable DB-like sound with better strings and they have the same scale length as a DB which I think is important for getting used to DB playing and sound.

But they have no body to get in the way - so you can bring a lot of BG techniques over - no need for thumb position up high for example!!

However what I noticed was that the more I played it using DB techniques the more it sounded like DB and when using BG style it sounds like a big fretlesss BG.

So - to me this was a big encouragement to use proper DB technique more - as I was rewarded with more of the sound I wanted!

I have now bought a real DB - but I still play the NS CR5 and I think it gave me a good start - so when I came to DB I wasn't overwhelmed with change and I had a good idea of how far it was between notes - how to stand to reach all of the scale and could play a fair amount rather than starting from nothing!

**Francois Blais** · #7 12-13-2006, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

Francois, I notice you never mention the BSX Allegro. Is it just something you haven't tried yet, or do you not prefer it for some reason?

Never tried or see one in person.
I once emailed them about distribution in Canada, but never got any reply at all, so customer service is zero as far as I'm concerned.

jvtwin · #8 12-13-2006, 10:16 PM

[quote=Bruce Lindfield;3616842]I was in the same situation as you - really wanted to play DB , but also didn't want to be a complete beginner.

I bought an NSCR5 and have found it to be a good way to "transition" between BG and DB !

What is the "NSCR5"? Um.. never-mind. Looked it up. Beautiful EUB. I'm also reading that strings make a big difference in getting close to a true UB tone. Now I'm just hoping my current bass amp rigs will do Justice for EUB as they do for my EBG's I'm really looking forward to winter NAMM 07 to get my hands a choice selection. I really want to purchase by the end of Jan.

bongomania · #9 12-13-2006, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by francois

Never tried or see one in person.
I once emailed them about distribution in Canada, but never got any reply at all, so customer service is zero as far as I'm concerned.

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. So far Dino's been very responsive to all of my emails, and easy to talk with on the phone as well. But I guess we all drop the ball sometimes.

jvtwin · #10 02-15-2007, 04:25 PM

Just a quick update: Checked out as many EUB's as possible and I fell for the NSCR5. Even though it didn't have the classic look of the Allegro, I just fell in love with the duel tone capabilities of BG and upright sounds and ease of use. The micro dotted fret board helps a great deal for learning the positions of a 41 scale without being painfully obvious to the casual onlooker. With the active PU's and Piezo PU's combo, tone shaping is really wide for whatever I'm going to need. Thanks to all who chimed in a suggestion or two. Can't wait to take one home!