I have been to the Mountain

Phalex · #1 10-04-2006, 12:37 PM

I was recently in Oregon, and made a side trip to Redmond to have a look-see at a Barker bass or two. I'd seen them online and found them to be intriguing, and as luck would have it I found myself in the vicinity. Having been interested in the Barker, but having no practical upright experiance I had to go see for myself. I thought I may as well share my experiance with others who may find the Barker to be intriguing as well.

I had the opportunity to play Lee's very own 4 string B1, a 4 string B2, and a 5 string fretless B1. I found the fretted basses to be both wonderful and terrifying to play. I've played nothing but a transverse bass guitar for 27 years or so, and the transition wasn't as difficult as I had feared it might have been. I did find the position to be a bit awkward at first, but given sufficient time, I think I could grow to be comfortable with it.

The B1 has a wonderful warm bassy tone. It really doesn't sound like any other brand of bass I have ever heard before. It's just BIG. I guess that is the best description I can come up with. BIG. One very interesting thing I noticed was the sustain. This bass just rings for days! The action was nice and low, and it still had sustain unlike anything I have ever heard.

The B2 is physically similar to the B1 in almost every aspect except that it has a P bass pickup configuration. It has a completely different flavor than the B1. The single pick up has a bright, punchy tone to it. I love the sound of a bass with a good metallic bite and this one has it! The B1 has a bit of an acoustic vibe to it, but the B2 is all electric. It is a great sounding bass, with a voice that is unique, especially when compared to it's own unique brethren.

I was completely in awe of both the B1 and the B2, (My own lack of proficiancy due to the upright orientation of the instrument not withstanding.) until I tried the fretless B1!!

The fretless version of the B1 was without a doubt my favorite of the bunch! For some odd reason I found it easier to play than either of the fretted versions. I think it must just be an upright thing. It has the best of all concievable worlds. The tone is warm and growly. It truly sounds like an upright. It has great "Mwah" and a sublimely comfortable neck.

As soon as I can find a buyer for one of my kidneys, a fretless B1 will be on order!! Kudos, Lee for making such a wonderful instrument, and many thanks for all of your hospitality.

Lee Barker · #2 10-04-2006, 05:19 PM

Thanks for your kind words, Phalex. Next time bring your drummer and guitar player and we'll rock the building.
It was a pleasure meeting you and your family. How'd the pictures come out? I vacuumed the floor and everything. I hope that shows.

Kindly,

Lee

Phalex · #3 10-05-2006, 07:33 AM

The pleasure was all mine Lee. The floor was spectacular! Much better than my own. It rained here all the while it was so nice there, and as luck would have it, I really do need to replace my roof! E-Bay rejected my kidney auction, so it looks like my order is on hold for a while.

Keep it low.

Lee Barker · #4 10-05-2006, 09:30 AM

Somehow I understand all those priorities well. I know for a fact that a Barker Bass will simply not prevent water from entering an otherwise substandard roof. In that regard I feel some sense of failure, and will work diligently in the future to modify our current design or create a new one which will have more roofness to it. How, by the way, do you feel about blue tarps?
And as for eBay's narrow policies, well, I scarce can comment.
Meantime, the red carpet's always out for anyone, regardless of how many kidneys are on board, who wants to tour the facility and get locked into a room with a bunch of aggressive, jealous, coy and charming Barker Basses.