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Double Bass Azola EUBs Megathread

#102
Suresh said:
...Ive tried NS CR's. I think they're great instruments,except that I cant get too low action(,below 5mm),Then the strings gets real floppy and really fretless BG sounding.
I read that the Azola has this tilt neck adjusting thing.
Does it make superlow action possible, without losing tone and string stiffness...
Click to expand...

The Azola tilt-neck system is just an alternative to an adjustable bridge - I don't think it will make a tremendous difference to the playability, once set. It just makes it more convenient to set in the first place. As for how low an action you can get, that will depend on the set-up more than anything (including the profile/camber of the fingerboard). Bear in mind that a very low action will promote the kind of growl that is associated with a fretless BG sound because it's the low action that causes it. The (usually) greater string height (and length) of a DB gives the greater emphasis on string tone and less on growl.

I much prefer the Azola basses to the NS ones - the Azolas are much more Double-Bass-like...while the NS basses feel more like vertical electric basses.

Andy
 
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#103
The tilting mechanism is similar to what's used on some electric basses. It's easy to adjust, stable and a very handy feature. The neck pocket is cut very precisely, so there's no slop like with the mid-'70s Fenders.
 
#105
I have an Azola lightning bug. It sounds and plays great, and I've heard from many fellow musicians that it's the closest sound to a real UB of any EUB they've heard. It's convenient to travel with, and doesn't feedback even cranked through my WT800 amp. I haven't tried any of the fancier models, but if the lightning bug is any indication I bet they sound great also.
 
#106
Recently purchased an Azola Lightning Bug EUB, and I have to say that the workmanship and sound off the EUB is absolutely amazing I also play UB and although many upright players take the stance that an EUB and UB sound is completely different, I have to say of all the EUB's i've played that the Azola is damn close! Looking forward to some feed-back free gigs!!
 
#107
Funny thing we're talking about these. I just came here to make a comment on stringing this bass, which is a great EUB, and here are more guys enjoying this nice little bass. Ever since I've had it, I have strung it like Steve showed me - go into the tailpiece in reverse and bring the string up and over the edge, onto bridge, etc. I've been trying different sets of strings to find a more satisfactory tension and response, and have come upon possibly a better method of setup. Go straight into the tailpiece from below, with however many felt spacers you need, and proceed up onto the bridge. I did this with my present strings, Spiro Solos, and the tension really settled down and the bass feels and sounds more open, more growl, everything. The only problem, which may be temporary, is the strings seems to be stretching more, especially the G. But I've been traveling via plane with the bass in a bag up above and have undone the setup and inserted foam rubber to protect it more. A little more hassle on the arrival end, but no oversize charges and gate checking only on the puddle-jumpers. What strings/setup are you guys using?

Ike
 
#110
I've had this since '97, a quality build and great customer support.

Steve found a nice piece of mahogany for me.

BugBass.jpg
 
#111
Nice Bug!
I have an original Bug now strung with Helicore Arcos.
Very happy with the feel, sound, playability.
Still using the Baggs Para-Acoustic DI for preamping into my SVT preamp.

Now..the question.
I'd really like to have a tripod stand that supports through
the endpin bracket instead of the stand that was included.
Anyone here have any ideas?
Jill said they hadn't made one in-house yet.

Thanks to all!
 
#112
Spiccato said:
Now..the question.
I'd really like to have a tripod stand that supports through
the endpin bracket instead of the stand that was included.
Anyone here have any ideas?
Jill said they hadn't made one in-house yet.
Click to expand...

When I talked with Jill about this several years ago, she said that keeping the bass on a fixed stand took away from the player's connection with the instrument. I agree.

OTOH, I played a Clevinger briefly before getting my Original Bug and it had both the stand and endpin option...handy for doubling gigs.
 
#114
benaddi said:
Does anybody know where the Azolas are because i emailed Jill over a week ago and have recieved no response and everytime i try to call I get the voice mail
Click to expand...

Jill is usually very good at responding, so perhaps they're out of town (San Diego, CA) for Xmas/New Year. I'd give them a few days and try again. Sometimes they check in here, so they might even see this post.

Andy
 
#117
Hi,
The Azola in this PJB vid is the Gypsy, not the Lightning Bug, correct?
Sounds great to me! Add the portability factor, and the price and it seems pretty hard to beat. And as I'm a bass guitarist, and not really an upright player, plus I'm a little dude, it looks like a good way to get my feet wet (plus I need to be able to use it in loud bands AND record DI with it . . .)



Anybody have any sound clips of the Gypsy in action? Would love to hear one in a produced recording, any genre . .
 
#118
Jill at Azola was nice enough to send me some soundclips (and a very personal and informative email--man, I haven't seen customer service like that in a while, and I haven't even bought anything from them yet!)
So I thought I'd share. There are different wood/string configurations represented here.
 
#119
pbass2 said:
Jill at Azola was nice enough to send me some soundclips (and a very personal and informative email--man, I haven't seen customer service like that in a while, and I haven't even bought anything from them yet!)
So I thought I'd share. There are different wood/string configurations represented here.
Click to expand...

+1

Jill provides top-notch customer service, whether you buy a bass from them, used, or in some cases - when you buy a competitor's bass. She worked with me intermittently for 2 years - helping me to pick the right Azola bass, and helping me to de-bug an issue with another bass - and now in a few months and I'll have my new Ultracoustic Bug Bass!
Really top-notch!
 

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