*SOLD* Fully Carved New Standard CLEVELAND w/narrower shoulders, hatpegs

**Jeremy Allen** · #1 12-20-2010, 02:22 PM

SOLD

I bought this bass from Arnold in June. It's a fully carved version of his New Standard "Cleveland" model, with some modifications: the shoulders are narrower than is typical, giving better access to thumb position; the finish is a dark "aged-looking" kind; and it has hatpeg tuners.

The bass is loud, strong, full, even-sounding, and easy to play. Recording engineers tell me it is "the best bass they have ever recorded," which irks me because I've brought much more expensive basses before these guys in the past. It is now nicely played-in and sounds old.

This would be $9500 new; I paid $8500 because Arnold said there were some inconsistencies in the finish (I can't really tell what he means). I'll sell it, broken in and with a Full Circle PU, for $8000.

I would consider partial trades involving very nice German bows or high-quality low-end double basses. Sound clips soon!

Jason Sypher · #2 12-21-2010, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy Allen

Home ownership is robbing me of my basses. Now I have a $7100 foundation repair to do, so...

I bought this bass from Arnold in June. It's a fully carved version of his New Standard "Cleveland" model, with some modifications: the shoulders are narrower than is typical, giving better access to thumb position; the finish is a dark "aged-looking" kind; and it has hatpeg tuners.

The bass is loud, strong, full, even-sounding, and easy to play. Recording engineers tell me it is "the best bass they have ever recorded," which irks me because I've brought much more expensive basses before these guys in the past. It is now nicely played-in and sounds old.

This would be $9500 new; I paid $8500 because Arnold said there were some inconsistencies in the finish (I can't really tell what he means). I'll sell it, broken in and with a Full Circle PU, for $8000.

I would consider partial trades involving very nice German bows or high-quality low-end double basses. Sound clips soon!

Tempting. I'm planning a trip to Chicago and the Cincinnati in the next two weeks. Where are you located?

**Jeremy Allen** · #3 12-21-2010, 09:52 AM

Hi Jason,

I'm in Bloomington, IN, which is an hour south of Indianapolis and two-plus hours west of Cincinnati. It's not exactly in between Chicago and Cincinnati, but it's not that out-of-the-way either. I'll be headed to the Bass Cellar on Thursday, so I can tell you if they have anything in this price range that compares...

This bass would suit you well--extremely easy to play/get around on in TP, but still with a big fat @$$. With plain guts, it is the ideal bass and makes all the heads turn. I have no interest in selling it.

Herbie 80's · #4 12-21-2010, 11:17 AM

I'm definitely going to have to look into these models when I further my DB search.

**Jeremy Allen** · #5 01-09-2011, 02:08 PM

"Just-recorded-another-record-with-this-and-it-sounds-amazing" BUMP

Gilbert F · #6 01-12-2011, 01:15 PM

what's up with the sound clips?

**Jeremy Allen** · #7 01-12-2011, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilbert F

what's up with the sound clips?

Just waiting to see if anybody actually wanted to hear them! I'll put up some links tonight.

Eric Hochberg · #8 01-12-2011, 02:10 PM

Jeremy, is the upper bout smaller than the typical Cleveland? What is the measurement?

Bass Barrister · #9 01-12-2011, 02:26 PM

Jeremy, how did you get Mr. Schnitzer to make you one of those fully carved Clevelands? They are quite rare. I actually played this one at Mark Sonksen's shop when looking for my first bass a few years back:

http://www.sonksenstrings.com/instruments/0596.html

That was an amazing bass back then, as was the hybrid version I played at his shop in late 2008. They are a little large for me, but someone is going to get a great bass.

**Jeremy Allen** · #10 01-12-2011, 02:39 PM

The upper bout is indeed smaller than a typical Cleveland; I'll bring a tape measure to the office tomorrow and measure it. It really is ideal; I had a regular plywood Cleveland, and although I didn't feel that it was too large I do find the shoulders on this one to be very comfortable.

Arnold must have built this one on spec, because he just had it at his shop, brand new, when I was in there shopping for basses. I was expecting to go home with one of his old Juzeks or perhaps a fully-carved La Scala which he also had on hand, but nothing (including the La Scala, IMO) was in the same league as this one. Once I played it for a few months, it really opened up and now it's an excellent bass.

When I was there, I also played one of his handmade basses; it was right up there with the best basses I've ever played, and that includes all of the crazy old stuff I've taken for a spin at various shops. I started losing my head and trying to figure out what combination of home equity loans and donated organs would enable me to own it, but then Arnold walked in and said "Oh yeah, that's so-and-so's bass, it's just in here for an adjustment." Kind of a relief, actually.

Steve Clark · #11 01-12-2011, 03:24 PM

Very nice. I like my Shen Willow but that is very tempting. I'd have to move the Shen though. VERY tempting.

**Jeremy Allen** · #12 01-12-2011, 10:46 PM

OK, here are a few things to give you an idea of how the bass sounds. These should open with a player, but they may just download (it's been hit-or-miss in Chrome).

Studio/Spirocore #1
(duo w/singer)

Studio/Spirocore #2 (long--full track)
(piano trio)

Studio/Evah Pirazzi
(afro-jazz w/strings?)

Live/unamped/Spirocore
(piano trio, 34 Skidoo)

Live/unamped/plain gut
(piano duo, Xmas)

Jake deVilliers · #13 01-13-2011, 12:54 AM

Sounds friggin' great Jemmy! Nice playing.

Jason Sypher · #14 01-13-2011, 05:29 AM

Oh, you just know this is a killer bass...

Uncletoad · #15 01-13-2011, 09:32 AM

Oh man.....I'd love to get out of my ply into that....

Need more gigs....

Great playing btw. All those tracks are top notch.

**Jeremy Allen** · #16 01-13-2011, 09:48 AM

I'm glad you guys dig the playing. Thanks! I like to think I can learn something from each bass I've owned, and this one has taught me some different things.

Toad, I WILL take trades, and I like your Cleveland ply more than any of the other ones I've played...Just sayin'...

Much as I love this bass, three dudes in Carhart overalls are excavating the south wall as we speak.

Eric Hochberg · #17 01-13-2011, 10:00 AM

Measured the upper bout yet? Sounds great, too.

**Jeremy Allen** · #18 01-13-2011, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Hochberg

Measured the upper bout yet? Sounds great, too.

Yes: looks like the upper bout is 21" wide, and the upper ribs are 8.5" deep.

Jason Sypher · #19 01-13-2011, 02:57 PM

Go for it Toad...think of what a stable of wood you'd have in the shed!

Jason Sypher · #20 01-13-2011, 02:58 PM

You might just ask if any of those Carharts are bass players...they're making more money than us and could probably afford it....