Engelhardt ES-1 for Jazz?

[curbucci]

I am posting this on this side of the fence in hoping to get the input of Engelhardt owners out there.
Are there any Engelhardt ES-1 owners out there that have had any experience on using this model for Jazz, Pizz with a proper setup? I have not had been able to find one to try out. I know of the slim necks on these already. How are these for some arco? With a proper setup is this model still out of the league of a Shen SB80?

[zeytoun]

There are a couple of threads about the Engelhardts in the sticky, and via search (the swingmaster is just the blond version of the supreme, btw).

I would keep in mind that if one went with the Eng, then setting aside an additional few hundred for some setup improvements would be the best way to get the most out of it. Whereas the Shen SB80 from Upton is already custom setup for you at the same price. And for just a wee bit more than an Engelhardt plus setup, you could get the Shen SB100 from Upton.

Really, the best would be to get someone who plays the way you want to learn how to play (like a teacher, or mentor) give you some advice, and ideally go play some basses for comparison.

Btw, if you really like the Engelhardt, check out Lemur music. They sell the swingmaster, with a full setup, and the strings of your choice.

(on the neck thinness: I have an Engelhardt neck on my frankenbass, and I don't mind the thinness. I play with a Rabbath-style pivoting fingering method, and it works for me. But others hate the thin neck, as you know. It can be tempting to grip the neck rockabilly-style - which will give you cramps if you're using regular tension strings.)

[ERIC A]

I have used the ES-1 for jazz gigs and had very positive response from purely Jazz Musicians (using it in conjunction with my GK 150). It is not the perfect bass for the genre, but it works. I sold mine because I wanted a bass with a fatter neck. But if it wasn't for that, I would still have it.