EUB--splitting the difference, so to speak

[pbass2]

I'm a pro bass guitarist and occasional hack DB player (I don't own one but if there's one in the room, let me at it and I am really drawn to the EUB. I sometimes get asked by clients "do you play upright?", which I say, "no" to and also (but less frequently) "can you try a fretless part on this?"---and I currently don't have a fretless. I was actually asked the other day if I had a baby bass! For context, this is all in pop/alternative/electronic/world styles that I'm working in.
So I'm really thinking about an Azola Gypsy and my thinking is I can straddle the DB/fretless BG/baby bass worlds with this thing and at the same time do my own thang with it(and given the scale, get up and running fairly quickly--I know a DB teacher who can help me with technique). If I had the dough, I'd get an acoustic DB, AND a fretless BG, and I'm in love wih the sound of the Baby Bass so one of those too . . .. alas, my budget is what it is.
So, just curious if anybody else has come to the EUB with this mindset--sort of as a hybrid instrument to cover a few bases, and how it worked out for you.

[akmusicfreak]

If your interested in a EUB take some time and read the Ergo thread here.

I just ordered one, should have it in a month. From what I can determine from watching posts the Ergo is probably the best US hand built EUB for under a $1000. The Ergo's can also be made up to 8 string models, I'm getting the 4 string.

I'm not putting down the Azola at all I've read nothing but good about them. I'm just not willing to spend $2000 on something that resembles the DB sound. I was able to finally hear an Eminince EUB in person by a DB player I know who just got one and for $3000+ ... I wasn't impressed it still sounded like an EUB.

A DB is a DB and nothings going to sound exactly the same.
The only reason I'm getting an EUB is to have something different in my bass collection, as well as something I can practice late at night without ticking off my neighbors.

These are just my opinions so Azola and Eminince fans don't take offense they are really nice instruments, but still not a DB.


Good luck in your search, and best wishes.

[bongomania]

Just as a side note, throw something like this into the mix:
Peter Tsiorba's "Botticelli" acoustic bass
32" to 36" scale, and has its own unique sound that is definitely not like a fretless BG but also is easier to get around than a full size DB.
Not an EUB, yet, but pickups can be added.

[pbass2]

Thanks. That's my main reason too---to add another flavor, or rather, several flavors to my arsenal. I don't have an upright, nor a fretless, and my thinking is with an eub I'm getting into those territories but in it's own unique way. I also love the idea of being able to record DI with the thing and space is an issue for me too, as is portability.
I don't expect it to sound exactly like an acoustic DB--I'm well aware of that. I have heard good things about the Ergo and will consider one.
Actually just tonight Jill at Azola very kindly sent me soundclips of the Gypsy and man, it sounds great!

[twangchief]

I'm an EBG player on the search for an EUB also. The problem is that most video or audio samples you find of an EUB are ones that don't portray the bass being played in the most 'upright-like' environment possible. I've heard fine players but with experimental music or just some small, short little examples.

The market for EUBs is uneven also. In the electric world, you have a selection of quality, inexpensive instruments that can get you from beginner to semi-serious player that can consider paying around $1500 for a used or new, quality upright (plywood).

I know that an EUB will never sound like an DB, but please show me some good quality examples of one being played in an upright setting by a professional player.

[RBrownBass]

Originally Posted by twangchief

I'm an EBG player on the search for an EUB also. The problem is that most video or audio samples you find of an EUB are ones that don't portray the bass being played in the most 'upright-like' environment possible. I've heard fine players but with experimental music or just some small, short little examples.

The market for EUBs is uneven also. In the electric world, you have a selection of quality, inexpensive instruments that can get you from beginner to semi-serious player that can consider paying around $1500 for a used or new, quality upright (plywood).

I know that an EUB will never sound like an DB, but please show me some good quality examples of one being played in an upright setting by a professional player.

There are a few examples of an electric upright being played in an upright setting that come to mind (Ederhard Weber, Chris Minh Doky, any number of salsa or other Latin music). But if I knew I was looking to dump the EUB at some point in the future for an AUB, I'd just start with an AUB. If your budget is $1500, you'll spend at least half of that for any EUB that shares the scale length (give or take 0.5") and fingerboard curve, and we're talking Palatino or something on that level. Save the money and get what you want.

[akmusicfreak]

Originally Posted by twangchief

I'm an EBG player on the search for an EUB also. The problem is that most video or audio samples you find of an EUB are ones that don't portray the bass being played in the most 'upright-like' environment possible. I've heard fine players but with experimental music or just some small, short little examples.

The market for EUBs is uneven also. In the electric world, you have a selection of quality, inexpensive instruments that can get you from beginner to semi-serious player that can consider paying around $1500 for a used or new, quality upright (plywood).

I know that an EUB will never sound like an DB, but please show me some good quality examples of one being played in an upright setting by a professional player.

Good luck trying to find good sound samples on the net for EUB.
You might find some tracks were it's in a mix with alot of other instruments.

Just something I want to say to anybody interested in an EUB...
If you don't have a Double Bass (acoustic upright bass) already and are planning to spend a $1000+ for an EUB, don't. If you spending close to a $1000 you can have a real Englheart DB. And a DB is so much nicer than a EUB.

EUB's can be nice as well but you'll appreciate the sound of a DB so much more.

[hdiddy]

Me personally, I'd prob go with an NS Basscello and be done with it. DB technique is quite different than EB technique. The time investment to just get basic intonation right is not worth it unless you are serious about learning DB. If you're just going to dabble - don't bother.

[Jason Hollar]

I agree with hdiddy. It does take a considerable investment in energy & concept to play upright (in tune!).

I think the NS BassCello is a good choice -- not only for its 34" scale but also because it has EMG magnetic pickups in addition to the piezos.

I owned a really nice BSX Allegro Acoustic and couldn't get used to the piezo-only sound even with all the nice gear I owned (preamps, amps, etc.)

[Gary Lynch]

Originally Posted by pbass2

I'm a pro bass guitarist and occasional hack DB player (I don't own one but if there's one in the room, let me at it and I am really drawn to the EUB. I sometimes get asked by clients "do you play upright?", which I say, "no" to and also (but less frequently) "can you try a fretless part on this?"---and I currently don't have a fretless. I was actually asked the other day if I had a baby bass! For context, this is all in pop/alternative/electronic/world styles that I'm working in.
So I'm really thinking about an Azola Gypsy and my thinking is I can straddle the DB/fretless BG/baby bass worlds with this thing and at the same time do my own thang with it(and given the scale, get up and running fairly quickly--I know a DB teacher who can help me with technique). If I had the dough, I'd get an acoustic DB, AND a fretless BG, and I'm in love wih the sound of the Baby Bass so one of those too . . .. alas, my budget is what it is.
So, just curious if anybody else has come to the EUB with this mindset--sort of as a hybrid instrument to cover a few bases, and how it worked out for you.

I'm right in there with your thinking. I played a DB with a bluegrass and country band back in the early and mid 1970's. It was a real chore to haul that around. So I got into slab basses. A few years back I also took up the ABG. Some think the ABG is worthless but I have one of the high end Breedlove's, a fretless, they do not make it anymore because the retail was $1350 and wholesale round $1K. But anyway, I get unreal tone from mine using an off board preamp and a GK MBS-III.

Which leads me to what you first opened up with.........I just ordered a EUB to bridge the gap between a slab and more of a woody fretless sound. I do not plan playing my EUB anything like traditional DB but a more unorthodox out of the box approach. They are easy to pack around and I use a stool to sit on ( easy for an older dude). I do not find them to assimilate a DB in my mind so I do not try to approach them that way ( but one certainly could).

I have only barrowed a few and await my new one to be delivered. By the way, I play all fretless now. I know it may sound odd but I have no use for frets any longer. The freedom and tone I achieve with fretless basses is where my mindset is located.

The EUB and the ABG such as the Tacoma and other new boutique units you see jazz players using now, have really opened up a new area for slab players that want to explore new horizons.

This is just one mans version............

[ToneRanger]

After 30+ years playing BG (fretted and fretless), I added an EUB to the collection. I love the big phat sound and the growl from the long strings in the blues & jazz I'm playing, but a couple of years on, I'm still struggling with fluency and intonation, and still revert to BG for the more complex parts of the set.
After I'd had the EUB for a while, I sold my fretless as I assumed the EUB would fill its role, but that was a mistake - they're quite different creatures.
Have you considered something like the Takamine b10? It's still guitar scale, but has an endpin for upright playing - a nice instrument and as long as you're not looking for authentic URB sounds, you'll find it's got lots of useful tones.