Here's a great bass for someone looking to bridge the gap between the conventional electric bass and the traditional EUB (electric upright bass). The Barker Bass features a standard 34" scale, but on uniquely designed instrument that sits upright on a tripod much like an Eminence or NSD electric upright. Luthier Lee Barker designed the Barker Bass originally in an effort to remedy wrist injuries he was developing on a horizontally played bass. The instrument that resulted from Lee's work is not just easy on the wrists: it also
looks and sounds terrific. The large chambered body of the Barker creates a remarkable sustain, probably the best I've ever heard on any bass.
Bass Guitar magazine reviewed the Barker very favorably a few years ago. Reviewer Bruce Jacobs was particularly impressed by the versatility of the Barker: "The Barker came across broad and juicy in a blues four-piece, and everything I played at a crosssoverjazz/R&B quintet gigófrom standards to Tower of Power funkówas a joy. To play harmonics on this bass is to experience a revelation; Jaco's 'Portrait of Tracy" sounded better than I've ever heard." Jacob's bottom line on the Barker: "The positive comments and questions I got from everyone who heard the bass were worth their weight in
PR points. You'll not only be heard, but actually noticed with this ax at your side, which is more than half the battle. Barker may be new to bass manufacture, but the Vertical Bass is nothing short of a sonic and instrument-design home run."
This is one of Lee Barker's early instruments, #40 to be exact. It features passive Duncan Basslines pickups, an unlined fretless ebony fingerboard, and a chambered alder body with cherry top. It is in superb condition. Comes with tripod stand and gigbag.
The Barker Fretless 4 currently lists for $3,895, with a street price of $2,995. I'm offering this one for $2,250 shipped via insured UPS ground, with a $50 discount if you pay by cashier's check or postal money order. Sorry, no trades - I'm looking to reduce the number of basses I own and trades won't get me there.
Price reduced - now $1,950 shipped w/ $50 discount for cashiers check or postal money order.
To read more about the Barker Bass, check out Lee Barker's
Barker Bass website or his
forum on TalkBass. For more pics of this particular Barker Bass, you can check out my
gallery.
