Shen Willow 3/4

Mike Carr · #1 12-24-2011, 02:24 AM

Shen Willow 3/4 carved bass. Bought brand new here in Shanghai March 2011. Has been played nightly on my hotel gig ever since, so is opening up very nicely!
Bass and I will be in Los Angeles for about 4 weeks begining early/mid January 2012. Only $3000/obo for a nice, near new Shen carved bass, priced low for quick sale as I will not be in the States very long. You won't find a Shen priced this low anywhere in as good condition. More photos can be emailed to anyone interested. Pickups not included.

Richard Simon · #2 12-25-2011, 11:51 PM

Mike,
Looking forward to seeing you back in the US.
When/where can (you and) the bass be seen?
Is this the Shen SB200, or other model?
Why, may I ask, are you selling?

Mike Carr · #3 12-26-2011, 03:45 AM

Hi Richard (for those who may not know Richard is one of the baddest mo's in LA!)

When I left Hong Kong in early March I sold a very similar Shen Willow and my Azola EUB (the Czech-Ease I used to play had been long sold before) that I had been playing there so I could buy a new plywood bass that sports a removable neck. When it got to me it sustained damage in transit that made it unplayable and even impossible for Shen here in China to repair. No replacement removable neck bass would be avaliable for a long time and I was all set to begin the gig here in just days. So some hasty arraingments were made and after all of that and a whole lot of stress I was able to apply the total price I paid for the RN bass to a brand new Shen. So I got the bass that is now for sale and have been using it here with good results ever since. The bass has been in the climate controled enviorment of the hotel ever since, save for a few trips to Shen's shop here for adjustments and taken out to a few after-hours jams. Yes, it's the full carved, flatback SB-200 Willow 3/4 bass. If I were to keep it or if it does not sell I'd want to get one of our expert luthiers in LA to dress the board a bit and install a set of bridge adjusters, but even now Shen's guys and I have got it sounding and playing pretty good.
It's a nice bass but I want to go back to having something a bit more travel worthy and easier to deal with on public transportation, I'd rather not have to worry so much about taking a carved bass on the subway and in taxis.

Mike Carr · #4 12-26-2011, 01:08 PM

More photos!

Mike Carr · #5 12-29-2011, 08:51 PM

This bass and I arrive in Los Angeles Jan. 11. Here's a chance to get a nice Shen, played in yet near new at a low price!

Marcus Johnson · #6 12-29-2011, 09:07 PM

Geez. Nice bass for the price.

CDweller · #7 12-31-2011, 08:04 AM

The Shen Willow is an amazing bass, and I'm glad I bought one. I am studying electric with Jeff Berlin, and he liked the tone of the Willow so much that he had his pianist/bassist Richard Drexler use my Shen exclusively on his just recorded new album.

http://api.viglink.com/api/click?for...13253440986091

Richard Simon · #8 12-31-2011, 12:50 PM

Mike,

Any chance of taking her on a test drive when you're here - on a local gig in Santa Monica - to hear her under typical working conditions?

-ricardo

PS: First NYE off in 17 years. Wonder if I can stay awake past 10 pm...

Mike Carr · #9 12-31-2011, 08:17 PM

Sure Richard, I could bring it to your gig in Santa Monica if you want a test drive. Would be great to hear you live too, it's been many years for me.

Mike Carr · #10 01-03-2012, 04:37 AM

Bumped into the new year!

Mike Carr · #11 01-06-2012, 12:14 PM

Fits just perfect in a flightcase bump. The bass will be so fresh from China that when you pick it up to play it it will say "Ni hao!" After you play it you will tell it "Wo ai ne!"

B String · #12 01-08-2012, 12:30 AM

Mike

I have a student who could really use a bass. He's home from college on vacation till the middle or end of next week. (I think) Maybe we could take a look at it. It would be a good excuse to see you.

Nice to hear you've been playing a good amount.

Mike Carr · #13 01-08-2012, 02:03 AM

Hi Bruce,

My flight from China gets in late Tuesday so the earliest I could show the bass would be Wed. late afternoon/early evening. Would that work? Also, there is someone else in LA who has a student who's showing strong interest, and someone in FL. who I've been in touch with who has also expressed strong interest in buying the bass for one of his students and looks like he's ready to do a deal, in as much as he's agreed to my full asking price and willing to cover the shipping to where he's at once the bass and I make LA. So in fairness to them I want to give them first priority. But if the situation changes I'll let you know because the bass is offically still for sale until a deal is done. I'll hope to get a chance to see you nevertheless!

Mike Carr · #14 01-08-2012, 11:49 AM

Just an easy bump to let you all know that this bass is still for sale and I welcome interest from any and all persons who might want it. There is some real interest in it, but no deals closed yet. Bass arrives LA in just a few days, Tuesday so now's a good a time as any to throw your hat into the ring!

Richard Simon · #15 01-08-2012, 12:40 PM

Mike,
Smooth sailing to you and your spruce and maple companion.
Jealous of the other potential suitors...
Still hoping the bass is available for a Wednesday-evening dance - maybe one set on my Santa Monica gig, at your convenience between 7 and 10 pm.
Bon voyage!
-ricardo

Mike Carr · #16 01-08-2012, 01:23 PM

Thanks Richard! I'll try to drop by, either with it or maybe without it!

B String · #17 01-08-2012, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Carr

Hi Bruce,

My flight from China gets in late Tuesday so the earliest I could show the bass would be Wed. late afternoon/early evening. Would that work? Also, there is someone else in LA who has a student who's showing strong interest, and someone in FL. who I've been in touch with who has also expressed strong interest in buying the bass for one of his students and looks like he's ready to do a deal, in as much as he's agreed to my full asking price and willing to cover the shipping to where he's at once the bass and I make LA. So in fairness to them I want to give them first priority. But if the situation changes I'll let you know because the bass is offically still for sale until a deal is done. I'll hope to get a chance to see you nevertheless!

Mike

This might be great. I'm out of town till Tues night. Perhaps we can get all social the later part of the week or the beginning of next week. It will be great to see you.

Mike Carr · #18 01-09-2012, 12:05 AM

Cool Bruce. I'll ring you!

B String · #19 01-09-2012, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Carr

Cool Bruce. I'll ring you!

Same numbers. Travel safe.

Mike Carr · #20 01-10-2012, 10:31 PM

Both the bass and I are now in LA. The bass made the long trip in fine shape.