• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

My trio of Sukops

climb

climb

May 1, 2007
648
22
Baltimore, MD
#1
My 3 Sukops--one interesting fact is that they're all 34" scale, even the 6er. Another oddity is that I really disliked the singlecut Sukops when I first saw them, from an aesthetic perspective. Now, after owning a few, I prefer the singlecuts to the doublecuts. Sukops are amazing instruments, especially for the price on the used market. The tone and playability are astounding.

left to right:
singlecut alder / myrtle burl/bem w blocks/ 5 string fretted
doublecut mahogany / burl maple (i think) / ebony / 6 string fretted
singlecut walnut semihollow / spalt&flame maple / ebony / 4 string fretless

What do you think? Got a Sukop? Let's see it!
 
#9
I noticed Sukop is using a different bridge now--kind of looks like you have one on your fiver. Any improvement, or is it pretty much the same as the older Dingwall design?

Have you compared the fretless to a Zon? Are the semihollows substantially lighter? I've got my eye on a Sukop, but I really need to sell that Linc fretless. I might have to pull the trigger though. :hmm:
 
#10
I had a sweet Zon Sonus Special 5 fretless a few months back. It was a beautiful instrument, but for some reason I never felt really sold on the graphite neck. It did have really articulage, bright tone, but seemed a little generic. For some reason, I feel like Sukops are a more individual, organic instrument. I'm not sure if Zons are handcrafted to the same extent as Sukops, where the wood is really left in almost a natural state and really breathes. The Sukop semihollow I have is lighter than the Zon, but it's 4 string. In general, Sukops (especially with ash) tend to be on the lighter side.

As far as the bridge goes, my new 5er does have one--I can't honestly tell a tone difference especially in light of the different specs, but I thought the older bridges were great as well. They all have individual bridges for each string. Good luck on your quest.
 
#13
Nice basses, very wonderfully made, stunning craftsmanship. I don't own one, but I met Steve at the Angel Fire resort when we gigged the bar up there. Very nice guy, let me play one of his basses for a set or two, it practically played itself. Stupid low action, no buzzes. Steve is also a montser bassist, dude has some skills.

If I ever decide to go totally custom, I can't imagine finding a bass with more attention to detail, a truly world class instrument.

I personally don't like the single cut look, but that's just me. The one I played was single, but it was damn nice sounding and playing.
 
#20
BassBob185 said:
I'm still trying to 'appreciate' the look of the large upper horn. What does it do to the bass weight?
Click to expand...

Do you mean the singlecut or doublecut? In general, Sukops are pretty light. They're also thin back to front, with the entire body hand carved in a radius that matches the fingerboard. As far as looks--I know exactly what you mean. The singlecut looks really different on the body held at playing angle than it does on a stand. It takes the emphasis away from the bulge of the upper singlecut side and makes it seem somehow more tapered (more similar to a Fodera Emperor II with it on, even though not at all alike in a photo).
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back