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New toy in the house (Warning: Plenty of pics)

Alvaro Martín Gómez A.

Alvaro Martín Gómez A.

TalkBass' resident Bongo + cowbell player
Nov 10, 2000
6,935
155
59
Bucaramanga, Colombia, South A
#1
Hi everybody.

Well, this is another "presentation in society". I never thought of buying an instrument like this, but some months ago a guy offered me an acoustic bass guitar made by a local luthier (the same that made my first fretless bass). This bass is around five years old, but it's hardly been played. The case still has a glue smell. After playing it for a while, I really liked it and thought it would be a nice addition to my arsenal. BTW, it's the biggest ABG I've played. One thing I like a lot is the fact that it has no neck dive in spite of the fact that the upper strap pin is installed on top of the body instead of the headstock.

At the current exchange rate, I paid 350 USD for it. When this guy offered it to me in January, I told him: "Sorry, I have other expenses and can't spend that money on this instrument right now". He replied: "No problem. I want this bass to be in good hands. You can pay it any way you want". I offered him to split the 350 USD in six monthly fees (no interest) and he agreed. Also asked me if it was OK with me to receive the instrument after the third payment and I agreed.

Just gave him the third payment and so, for 350 USD paid in six months I received a practically new acoustic 5-string bass guitar, a strap, a molded case and a gig bag. Please allow me to introduce you to my new baby:

NewABG011.gif


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NewABG009.gif

(Don't know what preamp is this. Any input about it is appreciated)

NewABG050.gif


NewABG049.gif


NewABG056.gif


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It's my first ABG ever and still have lots of things to learn about it. The first one: This instrument has regular bass strings installed. Is there a special kind of strings for ABGs? I'm going to play it this weekend and post a video to YouTube to let you know how it sounds.

So, is there an ABG owners club on TalkBass? :cool: :)
 
#3
Truly beautiful bass. I love it, looks sweet! :cool:

Yes there are special bronze strings, some don't like them(me included) and use regular strings, there won't be any problem with this, some like flats or tapewounds.

The is a club, the acoustic bass fetish club.
 
#5
millsbass5 said:
What brand is that?Am I reading it correct?H-O-N-D-A.Honda?Like the Honda cars/bikes?Hey,why not?Yamaha's done it.
Also,how big is that body?Better yet,how tall are you?That looks huge.Don't get me wrong,not goofy huge.But pretty damn big.Bet it has some nice lows.Also,like the Minn. Vikings soundhole,too.
Click to expand...

Exactly. "Honda". Me and many others have criticized this guy for using such brand instead of using his last name, as many luthiers do. According to him, a name like "Honda" sells more instruments than "Navarro" (his last name).

I'm 5' 10.5". And yes, this is a big instrument. Never seen one like this before.
 
#7
Alvaro Martín Gómez A.;7371008 said:
It's my first ABG ever and still have lots of things to learn about it. The first one: This instrument has regular bass strings installed. Is there a special kind of strings for ABGs? I'm going to play it this weekend and post a video to YouTube to let you know how it sounds.

So, is there an ABG owners club on TalkBass? :cool: :)
Click to expand...

I am not sure what you mean by "regular bass strings", but my assumption is that the bronze style strings belong on an ABG.

There is an ABG club.
 
#9
Navarro??Perfect!!Most people,IMHO,(well,musicians,anyway)would associate the brand name "Navarro" with guitars(Dave Navarro,get it?) as opposed to Honda.That INSTANTLY reminds me of something Japanese.And,over the years you know what kind of bad rap MIJ axes have gotten over the years.Let's form a mutiny and take over his company.Navarro it is!!
 
#12
Very nice bass Alvaro. Play it in good health!

I've heard of Parateck EQs, but can't say anything else.

If you want an "acoustic guitar that is a bass" feel (rather than a double bass type sound), TI Acousticores are very nice.
 
#16
I swapped out the (failing) Phosphor Bronze ABG strings on my Michael Kelly 5-String fretless, for some tapewounds as suggested by someone here about a year ago. And I did NOT like the sound.

I went to new Phosphor Bronze strings (I think they were D'Addarios), and have never looked back.

To me, the ABGs should sound like acoustic instruments, meant to be played in an "unplugged" environment (though, of course, typically everyone is plugged in), and the Bronze or P-Bronze strings are the best selection.
.
IMHO, of course.
 
#17
Nice score my friend !

I`ve also wanted an ABG for sometime now mainly for outdoors playing. Happens from time to time that we share a barbecue with my bandmates and I`m the only one who can`t play :)

BTW, if you`re considering flatwounds I can send you a set of D`addario flats that I`m not currently using. They`re almost new.

Congrats
 
#20
Nice. IME bronze acoustic bass strings sound nasal and mid-forward, accentuating every nuance of my sloppy technique, LOL. However, they provide the best unplugged volume. I use them because I want the unplugged volume and can't play with a pick to save my life. If tone is your priority, however, flats or tapewounds will do nicely, with a pick if you want to keep up with guitars unplugged.
 

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