I've been looking for a five-string bass for about a year now. As posted here (page 2 of the thread) --
Song Double Bass Fully Carved Chinese Bass -- I came across a Chinese company that makes quality instruments for several American firms under various names.
I took a chance and ordered the bass from the factory, which was a very pleasant and painless experience. The bass has been in LA about 3 months. Everything on it has been replaced: new nut, soundpost and bridge; new Rubner tuners; new ebony tailpiece; new Onyx rosewood endpin and new Permanents (except for the B, which has been ordered). Denisa Hannah (formerly of Stein on Vine) has done an extensive set-up.
The bass has a big, warm, loud tone. The top three strings are really great and the bottom two are opening up. I play the bass daily and, for a new bass, it's pretty responsive. It's an excellent "conservatory" level bass, and would work really well as a section bass, but for some reason, I'm just not connecting with this bass... but that's not to blame the bass.
The bass is on the level of the Jay Haide and Camille Chinese basses, and my hunch is that it would retail in the $8-10,000 range.
I'd like to get $6K for it (factory costs, plus shipping, plus parts & set-up) - and would entertain trades (including high end German bow). I'm happy to ship the bass, too.
Factory photos are included in the thread above and I will post new photos over the weekend.
Thanks for looking, and happy holidays.
Louis
PS: Same maker, violin 5-string model. Yamamoto Bass Shop, Tokyo:
http://www.yamamoto-bass.com/room2/m...005string.html
