*SOLD* Swanson Bass: The "Gullwing"

[LouisF]

I find myself with a plethora a basses and more on the way!

In addition to my main bass (Italian, 1985, by Jorge Vasquez de Anda), I have the Gary Karr-model Upton bass now (Upton Bass Club and a 7/8ths Italian-style orchestra bass that my friend Roberto Giormenti is bringing up from Argentina (http://www.auday-giormenti.com.ar/modeloavanzadoe.htm).

Nick Roubas promises he will finish the world’s longest bass restoration project (duh... 3-string restoration photos) in June.

This leaves the Swanson bass I got from Wayne Holmes last summer:
Swanson Basses/ Wayne Holmes

Something has to go (or the Significant Other will kill me!). And the Swanson, regrettably, is it:

This is definitely an odd-duck of a bass, but it sounds great, especially in the mid and lower registers. It does need some set-up work (higher register is a bit choked). It is strung Permanents now, and I had planned to take it in to:

a) add a Stenholm Extension;
b) change the endpin to an angled Stahlhammer (not Laborie) endpin (http://www.vivaceviolin.com/pp/Acces.../Bass/857.html) for easier bowing;
c) and change the tailpiece (Thomastik) (which I think is part of the high register issue)

The bass needs to be cared for like any old carved instrument, but I’ve played it in opera pits and regularly in one of my community orchestras (great Beethoven bass!). This bass is not for everyone, but for the right player it's a steal.

I’m asking $4,000 for the bass with the (uninstalled) extension, end-pin, tailpiece, low C extended Permanent and an extra large Bobelock case thrown in. $3,500 for the bass alone. Shipping is extra, but unless you’ve dealt with these basses, I wouldn’t recommend buying it without trying it out first or at least talking to me about it in some detail.

Thanks,

Louis

[beingbecoming]

is it fully carved or hybrid?

thanks

[LouisF]

It's complicated. The best answer is in the thread I listed above:

"Would you call these carved or hybrid basses? or something even in between?" His answer" "Yes!"

On mine the top is definitely carved, and I think the back is, but maybe the sides aren't. Bob Swanson basically repaired basses for the Pittsburgh Symphony and he made this basses for symphony players to use as second instruments. They were made with whatever wood was around, and to what shape struck Swanson's fancy at the moment. The only exception are the necks - which he imported from Germany and are excellent. Wayne Holmes felt that Swanson basically built the instruments from the neck down.

Having said all that, everyone will tell you that these are $3-4K basses that sound like basses ten times more expensive. They're idiosyncratic, but terrific. If two of the other three basses hadn't been custom made for me they might have been easily up for sale instead.

I really hate to give this bass up, but if it (or one of the other basses) doesn't go, the girlfriend will... Hmmm....

Hmmm....

Louis

[LeslieD]

Your girlfriend is going to hate me, but... Girlfriends come and go, but you'll NEVER have another Swanson bass. Other than what I've read on TB, I really know nothing about these basses and have never seen one in person or played one. Yet for some reason, I just can't stop looking at these basses (yours especially). I have the feeling that your particular bass will ultimately have a very interesting journey ahead, complete with a larger-than-life story (okay, maybe not on the scale of The Red Violin--but interesting none-the-less). I probably shouldn't project anthropomorphic qualities on your bass. Sorry about that! Good luck w/ the sale of this instrument.

[LouisF]

Leslie,

Thanks. I agree - about the bass and the transitory nature of relationships... I've had more than my share of both, good and bad.
This is very special bass, and I think we do anthropomorphize these instruments (it's certainly what the Suskind play I just did was about).

We'll see how it goes if somebody is interested. I'm already having second thoughts.

Louis

[conte2music]

I'm a fellow Swanson owner, Louis... From time to time I consider selling mine as well....but then I talk myself back from the ledge

As you know, there are very few of these available. It's doubtful that you'll find anything that will sonically compete with this bass for 4K (Is that really all these awesome basses are worth?). Best wishes.

[LouisF]

Lordy, I know. Love stinks - and I mean the bass, not the gf!!

Thanks for the support. We'll see.

Louis

[beingbecoming]

It's too bad you are all the way in LA and I'm all the way in NY I have a first time home buyers credit coming my way and this looks like something I'd love to blow it on

[beingbecoming]

By the way.. just curious.. is it ship-able?

[LouisF]

Not easily, but it was shipped to me by Wayne Holmes from TN.

Doable... but carefully.

Louis

[LouisF]

The bass is going out on trial now. I'll keep you all posted.

Thanks

Louis

[conte2music]

Best wishes on your sale, Louis!

[LouisF]

We'll see -- haven't quite made peace with it... but thanks, everyone, for the input.

Louis

[Richard Simon]

How'd the Swanson trial go?

Am here in LA, so I'd love to have a go at the bass meself.
Would use it primarily for jazz - unless its upper-register issues prove insurmountable.

Thanks,
-richard

[LouisF]

It's probably just getting to its destination after shipping and packing (no easy task on this bass). I'll keep you - and the others - posted. I did have the pleasure of being able to stand out in front of the bass and listen to a jazz/blues bassist play it - the bass really fills the room.

Louis

[LouisF]

The bass has (after a very complicated couple of weeks) been sold and is in good hands in St Louis.

Louis

[LeslieD]

And so its journey and story continues. I can't wait to see the movie (and listen to the soundtrack!).

[LouisF]

You have no idea!
LF