New Acoustic Bass guitar the Shortbass One! Small, LOUD!

scotch · #1 03-20-2013, 09:44 AM

Approx. 24" scale. NO amplification in this clip! Can your abg do that?

Proprietary synthetic strings. Ridiculous volume & the tone is promising! I'll post a review when I get one in my hands. The owner of Aquila Strings in Italy is developing these for the market. No word on pricing or availability yet (sorry), but I should have a prototype to review shortly. (I've become friends with the maker after using his strings on my U-Bass. I have no financial interest in the company or affiliation- I'm just putting this amazing teaser out there to frustrate you all!

)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=xC2tEIFBS5U

This is the 24" (60cm) model. Longer scales and other features are in development. I'm so excited to try this thing!!!!

IronSpatula · #2 03-20-2013, 12:00 PM

Wow! I suspect the room's acoustic properties were involved, but still, that's mighty impressive. I'm looking forward to updates on this.

I don't have an ABG but I do have an acoustic that can do that. But its scale length is 42"...

scotch · #3 03-20-2013, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IronSpatula

Wow! I suspect the room's acoustic properties were involved, but still, that's mighty impressive. I'm looking forward to updates on this.

I don't have an ABG but I do have an acoustic that can do that. But its scale length is 42"...

I'm fortunate to have an upright as well! Cannot wait to get this side to side with my upright, Epiphone El Capitan (pretty loud for an ABG) and acoustic U-Bass.

Lokire · #4 03-20-2013, 12:26 PM

Color me interested!

TheEmptyCell · #5 03-20-2013, 01:27 PM

Not to diss my Ubass, but if the Shortbass can hold up to even an acoustic guitar or two, it's going to dominate the market for acoustic bass instruments. Assuming it's relatively affordable.

MakoMan · #6 03-20-2013, 02:54 PM

If that clip is not enhanced this could be the acoustic bass everyone has been dreaming about.

iovar · #7 03-20-2013, 03:41 PM

Well, if the mic is with the camera, then the ukeleles are mostly pointed away, while the bass has its soundhole pointed towards it (more or less). Depending on the mic type, this could make a world of difference.

There is also this clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0i0zXa8uxo
where there is a comparison to an ABG, and the shortbass seems to be quite a bit louder, but the clip is too short and roughly made to get a clear estimate of relative volume. Also the ABG has steels(or nickels can't tell) on it which is sub optimal for acoustic volume.

It'd be interesting to have some comparison of this shortbass and a well known for its loudness ABG, using the same relative positioning to the mic and having a clear view of the players right hand, in order to get an idea of the dynamics used.

MakoMan · #8 03-20-2013, 03:50 PM

Hmmm.... in the second video it really didn't seem to sound that much louder than the acoustic and it looked like the acoustic was being played more softly than the smaller basses. Also the camera was practically in the soundhole, so it's kinda hard from that to tell what it will really sound like.
In any case I'm sure it will be a great product. I'll have to hear one in person though.

scotch · #9 03-20-2013, 04:26 PM

I'll have a video comparing the Shortbass to a U-Bass, an El Capitan ABG (quite loud for an ABG) and my 3/4 Double Bass. As objective as possible- probably me sitting on a stool switching the instruments in one take.

Will no more when I take delivery of the Shortbass!

G · #10 03-21-2013, 08:04 AM

Website? Or too soon?

DwaynieAD · #11 03-21-2013, 08:09 AM

definitely a ton of room echo in that vid

Orangeclawhamme · #12 03-21-2013, 08:26 AM

IronSpatula · #13 03-21-2013, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotch

I'm fortunate to have an upright as well! Cannot wait to get this side to side with my upright, Epiphone El Capitan (pretty loud for an ABG) and acoustic U-Bass.

I think even a pretty measly upright will still blow that thing away, especially in low-end projection. But as much as I love DB it's just not portable enough for what I do! For "acoustic" situations I've been considering switching to cello, or possibly U-bass and a small amp. This "shortbass" might be a viable option as well, provided it comes out within the next few months. Can't wait to see/hear your comparison!

SBassman · #14 03-21-2013, 04:06 PM

Subscribing. And I will be contributing as soon as possible, because I have one in hand.

More as soon as I can.

SBassman · #15 03-22-2013, 05:16 AM

Some specs on the Shortbass-one Basic model:
- Piezo pickup
- 23.6 inch scale
- Truss rod
- Top is cedar, sides and back are sapele
- Strings are the new Reds
- Padded gig bag
- 2 strap pins - one at the bottom, one at the heel

Joe Nerve · #16 03-22-2013, 05:28 AM

Subscribed.

SBassman · #17 03-22-2013, 08:05 AM

Here's a first recording with the Shortbass.

Only listen to the clip if you promise to not make fun of
my playing.

My recording setup is terrible, and I
actually can't hear myself when I'm recording.

Ok, here is a first test.
It was recorded Direct. No effects, DIs, or EQ altering.

mgcasella · #18 03-22-2013, 08:12 AM

Impressive! Definitely has a lot of volume and presence, which is amazing considering its size

SBassman · #19 03-22-2013, 08:23 AM

I, too, am impressed. Considering how I recorded it - with junk equipment, with no preamp, I think the bass tone is extremely solid. Somebody who knows what they're doing

with recording will knock it out of the park with this bass.

MakoMan · #20 03-22-2013, 08:38 AM

Good to hear. I know you've tried out a few other small acoustics, so your opinion counts for a lot!