What 34" or 35" upright electrics are out there?

MrWalker · #1 08-07-2009, 01:21 AM

I'm coming from cello back in the day (not the double bass) and picked up the bass guitar in my youth. I'm not an upright player, although I do love the ergonomics of playing uprightish.... I have an Ergo cello and an Ergo 4-string EUB, but the latter is simply too heavy on my hands for various reasons. I love my Ergo Cello, though! I have too many bass guitars, but I'm interested in getting an "upright" 34"/35" though, and wonder what's out there of such instruments, and which might be worth the plunge.

I'm not looking for something that should sound or work as an upright bass. I'm simply looking for a comfortable upright bass instrument with a shorter scale, that sounds great. If it sounds like an upright, that is an added bonus (that should kill the upright vs fake bass purism discussion that always seems to pop up whenever someone brings the Dean Pace or other short-scale basses up for discussion).

I know the Conklin MEU is out there (which I really drool for, but given the price point and lack of second hand ones, seems more like a wet dream), the Zeta Crossover (which is too crossed over for my taste), the Dean Pace, and I think I've seen a BSX model, too (also kinda pricey). What other offerings are out there?

I'm also thinking that I could get a Dean Pace to test the playability of such an instrument before picking up the more expenssive alternatives, but maybe it wouldn't be a real test... if the fingerboard is too flat, it might not be worthwhile. What's your opinion on that?

Any opinions, recommendations, thoughts, etc?

I live in the outskirts of the common sense, and getting to test out these instruments is difficult (not to say impossible, for most of them). That's why I ask your opinion and help, so please show some patience

Jazz Ad · #2 08-07-2009, 01:32 AM

Kydd basses come in 34" an 35" flavors.

zeytoun · #3 08-07-2009, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrWalker

(that should kill the upright vs fake bass purism discussion that always seems to pop up whenever someone brings the Dean Pace or other short-scale basses up for discussion).

Are you looking for ability to bow? If not, what about just playing a fretless BG with a different position. When I play BG, I sling it over my left shoulder and hold it upright. Feels more natural to me.

MrWalker · #4 08-07-2009, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeytoun

Are you looking for ability to bow? If not, what about just playing a fretless BG with a different position. When I play BG, I sling it over my left shoulder and hold it upright. Feels more natural to me.

Yes, bowing with my cello bow would be a plus.

A good suggestion, and I have tried it, too. I even mutilated a cheap fretless bass once (cut off the top horn to make it sit better against the chest) to make it more comfortable playing upright, but the neck still felt wrong to me. That's probably my cello heritage, when I play "uprightish" I miss the slightly rounder neck profile and the radiused fingerboard, whereas when I play electric bass I don't mind the flatter BG radius.

The Conklin MEU is a lovely instrument that intrigues me very much. Too bad it only exists with a 4000+ price tag and in a limited number, not to mention that I think their owners are far too possessive about them! *lol*

MrWalker · #5 08-07-2009, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazz Ad

Kydd basses come in 34" an 35" flavors.

Hello there, Jazz Ad!

How's it going?

Ah, yes, the Kydds! I forgot about them. *googling*

**Francois Blais** · #6 08-07-2009, 08:31 AM

Azola Bambino
Azola Gypsy
You may also want to browse this site: http://ebass.nl/site2/
It has the most comprehensive EUB listing I know!

Barry Clark · #7 08-07-2009, 04:16 PM

Sort of its own creature... but there is a the Dean Pace bass as well.

Marcus Johnson · #8 08-07-2009, 06:06 PM

The Dean Pace is not bowable, unless you always want four notes....the fingerboard is flat.

MrWalker, it may be out of your price range, but I can heartily recommend the NS Designs BassCello as an option. I've owned one for awhile now, and I really enjoy playing it. It has a wide array of sounds available, and it bows beautifully. It has an ingenious strap system which eliminates the need for an endpin, although it can be mounted on a stand as well. It's a beautiful instrument, very well made.

I bought mine to use for touring (for when rental double basses aren't available), but I've found myself using it for a lot of stuff locally as well. Once I made friends with it, it became a favorite axe. I really dig it. Here's a pic...

MrWalker · #9 08-08-2009, 07:35 AM

Thanks for your advices! Please keep them coming!

I guess the flatter radius on the Dean Pace means it will not really be a good "test bed" for my investigation. To me, the whole difference between just cutting off a horn and turning a bass guitar upright, and getting an instrument like this, would be the radius to the fingerboard. Without it, it's pretty much lost, I think. So I guess I should avoid the Dean and go for something else....

The NS BassCello is a tad expenssive, although it's a lot more available than the Conklin. So I guess it would be easier to strike a decent deal on an NS than on a Conklin.

Thanks all!

MD · #10 08-09-2009, 09:31 PM

It may not be what you're looking for, but take a look at the Takamine B10/TB10.
http://www.takamine.com/?fa=detail&mid=1818&sid=172
http://www.luthiersaccessgroup.com/TakamineB10.html

Jason Hollar · #11 08-09-2009, 11:42 PM

I've got my eye on that NS cello as well...

I spoke with Dino @ BSX a few months ago and he said he's not making many shorter scale eubs these days due to lack of demand -- but you might want to look in to his products just the same.

I do see a few "big Kydds" listed in the classifieds from time to time.

TheSuzie · #12 08-10-2009, 01:11 AM

I recently discussed this sort of thing with my old double bass luthier, John Styklunas, back in Boston. He has done many different styles of EUB over the years depending on the needs of his customers. At the time we were discussing instruments with string measures of 34 to 36 inches and in my case 5 strings. For now I have decided to stick to a more standard size instrument and picked up an Ergo bass to get by until my life and finances are more stable.

When looking at the price of that Steinberger and similar instruments, I can't help thinking that you may be able to do better having a unique instrument built to match your specific needs. It may even be cheaper depending on the specific design.

Peace,
S

buddyro57 · #13 08-10-2009, 10:23 AM

I see from your Avatar that you own a Clement bass, I am eagerly awating shipment on my "Anne" - can't wait!

I have played a Dean and a Kydd, the Kydd is infinitely better, the Dean sounded like a cheap electric bass- really awful. The sad thing is that many high school jazz bands purchase them, hoping that they will get an upright-type of sound- I am sure that they are bitterly disappointed.
I see the short scale Kydd selling used for around 1000. from time to time. I think this would be a pretty good option. I was impressed with the way it sounded- of course, not like a double bass, but it has a musical sound that blended well with the ensemble.
All best
Jon

MrWalker · #14 08-11-2009, 05:44 AM

Thanks for your advice, guys!
@MD: The Takamine is absolutely an interesting instrument. Not quite what I had in mind, but still fascinating. I will have to do some research on the radius of the neck, though.

@Jason: The BSX Flip looks very good. Similar to the Azolas, in a way. I found one available in a Norwegian city, I may actually be able to get that one tested out. Thanks for the tip!

@TS: A very good point indeed!

@buddy: This is an Anne, too! Awesome bass

Maybe I should discuss this with Tom...???

Maybe I could get him to build me one with a radiused fingerboard...

The two ones I've seen available here "locally" is a Dean Pace and the BSX Flip. Maybe I could get to test them out (would either require the salesmen to ship them, or I would have to go for a road trip).

Keep your advices flowing

MD · #15 08-11-2009, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrWalker

Thanks for your advice, guys!
@MD: The Takamine is absolutely an interesting instrument. Not quite what I had in mind, but still fascinating. I will have to do some research on the radius of the neck, though.

tjclem · #16 08-11-2009, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrWalker

Thanks for your advice, guys!
@MD: The Takamine is absolutely an interesting instrument. Not quite what I had in mind, but still fascinating. I will have to do some research on the radius of the neck, though.

@Jason: The BSX Flip looks very good. Similar to the Azolas, in a way. I found one available in a Norwegian city, I may actually be able to get that one tested out. Thanks for the tip!

@TS: A very good point indeed!

@buddy: This is an Anne, too! Awesome bass

Maybe I should discuss this with Tom...???

Maybe I could get him to build me one with a radiused fingerboard...

The two ones I've seen available here "locally" is a Dean Pace and the BSX Flip. Maybe I could get to test them out (would either require the salesmen to ship them, or I would have to go for a road trip).

Keep your advices flowing

Jeaujeau · #17 10-15-2009, 10:48 PM

MrWalker,

Sorry, I won't be any help with the question you posed. But perhaps you might help me out?

I'm looking to buy an electric cello and I noticed that you have an ergo cello that you say you like very much. I'm talking with Jesse Blue about having one made and I'm a bit concerned after someone told me that with the cymbal stand mounted as it is it's very hard to set it up to play seated. Have you had problems like this?

Also, how does it play when compared to an acoustic cello? I don't expect it to sound the same nor to have bouts, etc., but is the basic feel of the neck and the radius of the fingerboard comparable to an acoustic?

Thanks,

Jeaujeau