Double Bass 2022 thoughts on RM-100/Thompson basses?

[salmon256]

Hello all!

I looked up on the forums thoughts on the RM-100 or other Thompson related products from String Emporium and most of the posts are from 2009 and the most recent one I found on here was I think 2015. I would love to hear your thoughts on this Contra as of today and how you enjoy it if you still own one or got one recently. I heard Steve had some supplying issues I haven't contacted him yet, I'm planning on buying from him this summer or next winter after giving a rental period a tried by a local trustworthy shop.

How y'all liking it? Any complaints or thoughts? Experiences?

Have a great day all!

 

[mattj1stc]

I'll be interested to see how this thread goes. I know that String Emporium and their Thompson basses have been generally well regarded here on TB - so much so, that at some point, there was some thought that the reviews were too good to be true (and possibly fake).

I haven't purchased a Thompson from String Emporium, but I did consider them when I was looking for a new bass at the end of last year (I was trying to buy something before getting hit with supply chain inflation). The main reason that I didn't choose them was that their website info wasn't current and not every model was in stock when I called (this may have changed though).

I chose to go with a Gollihur Ed mostly based on my positive past experience with them and shared my thoughts on it - NDB – Gollihiur Ed, not set up for Rockabilly | TalkBass.com. 90 days or so in, I remain pleasantly surprised - either these basses are underrated, or I got lucky and received a really good one (I'm an "n of 1", so I can't really comment beyond my own experience). That said, I'm sure that Thompsons are also a good option as are several others out there. I'm curious to see which way you will go.

 

[salmon256]

I'll be interested to see how this thread goes. I know that String Emporium and their Thompson basses have been generally well regarded here on TB - so much so, that at some point, there was some thought that the reviews were too good to be true (and possibly fake).

I haven't purchased a Thompson from String Emporium, but I did consider them when I was looking for a new bass at the end of last year (I was trying to buy something before getting hit with supply chain inflation). The main reason that I didn't choose them was that their website info wasn't current and not every model was in stock when I called (this may have changed though).

I chose to go with a Gollihur Ed mostly based on my positive past experience with them and shared my thoughts on it - NDB – Gollihiur Ed, not set up for Rockabilly | TalkBass.com. 90 days or so in, I remain pleasantly surprised - either these basses are underrated, or I got lucky and received a really good one (I'm an "n of 1", so I can't really comment beyond my own experience). That said, I'm sure that Thompsons are also a good option as are several others out there. I'm curious to see which way you will go.

Hey thanks for the reply. Yeah I am excited to see some new info, I've been stuck on what to choose, I still want to get a rental period down this summer, been busy with college but I am hoping to make an investment when the time comes. I'm looking at everything right now and Shen and Gollihur look great! I'm just looking to be a hobbyist as of now! I'll keep you posted for my choice, whatever I rent or buy it will be the first thing on here for NBD ! I also been worry, the website hasn't been updated, the latest update from someone was in 2019 on a bass subreddit saying Steve had some supply issues which I totally understand. Things may of change I still look forward to talking with him either way. Thanks again, gonna give that model a look!

 

[mattj1stc]

Hey thanks for the reply. Yeah I am excited to see some new info, I've been stuck on what to choose, I still want to get a rental period down this summer, been busy with college but I am hoping to make an investment when the time comes. I'm looking at everything right now and Shen and Gollihur look great! I'm just looking to be a hobbyist as of now! I'll keep you posted for my choice, whatever I rent or buy it will be the first thing on here for NBD ! I also been worry, the website hasn't been updated, the latest update from someone was in 2019 on a bass subreddit saying Steve had some supply issues which I totally understand. Things may of change I still look forward to talking with him either way. Thanks again, gonna give that model a look!

I think that everyone who competes in this space (nicer Chinese basses in the value proposition price range) has faced some supply chain issues. Regarding String Emporium, it seems like the best thing to do is call Steve directly and get the latest info.

I agree that the Shens are also very nice. Where I live in Dallas, there is a local dealer who has a lot of their nicer models, but not their laminates. This made them really expensive relative to other options, especially since the strings, pickup, bridge, etc. were all extra, and there is also significant sales tax here in Texas; so while I enjoyed demoing them, they were not an option.

In the end, I thought about my choice for about a year before taking action, and even then, it took a bit of an inflation scare to get me to act. I'm happy with my choice. I know that there are other good options too. Good luck on your search.

 

[K. Powell]

I live in the high desert in Cali and drove to Steve's store in Mesa/Phoenix to buy a R100 in 2014/15. It was a good ply bass with decent tuners and well made. I traded it for a larger Chinese bass after a couple of years and would buy another R100 if I had a need. His package deal for the bass and case was great. I buy strings and rosin from time to time. Picked up Red Diamond gut g & d in 2021 through the website. Steve was cool to work with in person and the mail order stuff was shipped on time. The website really does need a make over though, a phone call is a good idea. Good luck!

 

[lurk]

I have had students bring these in and the ones I've played have been a great bang for the buck. If you can swing it, the hybrid is worth the extra.

 

[Stewie]

I bought a barely played 2014 RM-100 a couple of years ago. It is well made and sounds great. One of the guitarists in my band also does bluegrass and said it is louder than his BG bass players bass. He wants me to join up, but I’m nervous about learning a whole new style. I use a Krivo pickup through an amp for blues roots stuff

 

[salmon256]

Hey guys, thanks for all the reponses. When I'm ready to buy I'm def going to go with RM or Gollihur. I would love to go hybrid for sure, I may go with Gollihur since shipping wise it's closer to me but I'm not 100% sure yet. Thanks for all the help!

 

[Slaphound]

A brand new bass is very nice and there are some good choices out there. I have a Shen and I'm very happy with it. Another option for you is to locate a local (or as close as you can find) luthier. I don't think Bill Merchant is doing basses any more but at one time he could have gotten you a nice used bass with his talent insuring you a very, very good bass. Others may do the same where they get involved with re-sales of basses that they come across. Usually something that may need a bit of TLC but something that they can really turn into a monster of a bass. Good luck finding your bass.