Double Bass Best modern five string maker

[Leif Dering]

Unfortunately, I tried the 7/8 Pollman at Steve's (whom I consider a friend). It is over built, tubby and would need a complete top off overhaul. Size does not always matter.

I recall last time I was at Steve's, he told me that there were a few basses he'd like to buy from the folks who consigned them so he could take them to get similar work done. Dunno how much of a ROI that would bring though. I should reach out to him sometime, he's great!

 

[crd]

Steve also has a New Standard 5 string, which, while a laminate, could be interesting:
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I'd love to hear that bass.

 

[MarshallAC50Stack]

1968 Poellmann 5 string - Steve Swan String Basses
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Going to be in LA in a few weeks. Hope this one is there.

The five string '63 Poellman I'm playing on is very similar and provided by Steve Swan. It doesn't have an especially big sound, but it's a beautifully balanced sound. It was a big transition (Steve was very patient), but I truly enjoy playing on the five string in orchestras and never seriously considered adding an extension to my four string.

 

[peteswanson91]

Looks like Upton bass just threw their hat in the game!
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[Don Kasper]

Looks like Upton bass just threw their hat in the game!
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It's a 5 string with a High C and a low C Extension.
Game, Set, and Match.

 

[crd]

Is anyone here playing that configuration? I have fantasies about adding an extension to my five string but am worried it will be overly cumbersome or top heavy.

 

[BassFalcon]

Looks like Upton bass just threw their hat in the game!
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They’ve been in the game, my Upton 5-string should ship this week. Jack started the setup process at the end of last week.

 

[LouisF]

Dream BIG boys:

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[jmpiwonka]

Dream BIG boys:

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man, those Rossi and Ceruti patterns are hot!!

 

[peteswanson91]

They’ve been in the game, my Upton 5-string should ship this week. Jack started the setup process at the end of last week.

I’m actually thinking about driving up to mystic if they have some in the shop to try

 

[BassFalcon]

I’m actually thinking about driving up to mystic if they have some in the shop to try

Well, Mine is up there right now for at least a few more days, you’re welcome to try it. Let me know how it is, lol. I know they also have a Prescott copy that’s a 5 right now, and of course the C to shining C one you posted.

 

[jmpiwonka]

I know the Uptons have a great reputation and probably sound great, that Italian copy they just did is nice. I just can’t get into their finishes or the way they carve their scrolls. I would buy one and play it but it would have to fall into my lap.

 

[PaulCannon]

My Hachez 5-string sounds pretty good. But to be honest I haven't tried so many 5-string instruments in that price range.

 

[crd]

My Hachez 5-string sounds pretty good. But to be honest I haven't tried so many 5-string instruments in that price range.

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Do you have any recordings of that beautiful bass I could check out? Whats the story with the dots on the fingerboard?

 

[PaulCannon]

Do you have any recordings of that beautiful bass I could check out? Whats the story with the dots on the fingerboard?

Yes, here starting at 2:50.

The dots are stickers. I play a lot of difficult music, and the dots have a mildly positive influence on my intonation.

 

[crd]

Yes, here starting at 2:50.

The dots are stickers. I play a lot of difficult music, and the dots have a mildly positive influence on my intonation.

Bravo -- thanks for sharing.

 

[LouisF]

Paul,

As impressed as I am by your playing, and the sound your Hatchez makes, I am even more impressed by the courage and commitment of your opening statement. Those of you reading this thread should not skip the first two minutes and fifty seconds.
Louis

 

[Calvin Marks]

My Hachez 5-string sounds pretty good. But to be honest I haven't tried so many 5-string instruments in that price range.

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Wow..that's a work of art

 

[martinez]

The Ross-Wharburton 5-string I played at Disney several years ago was based (no pun) on the Bohmann. It was a massive floor shaker and fairly easy to get around but it weighed a TON and would not want to schlep it on a daily basis. It's the dragon head in the gallery link:
https://www.rossdoublebass.com/gallery

I own that Ross-Warburton bass now. I've been playing it in mostly an orchestral context for several years and it has a big sound. It's physically quite heavy and right now the fingerboard curvature is a little on the flat side for a fiver. Basically, that means arco thumb position stuff above the octave on the A and D string can be tricky.

 

[martinez]

Is anyone here playing that configuration? I have fantasies about adding an extension to my five string but am worried it will be overly cumbersome or top heavy.

I have a friend who plays a bass in this configuration. He works primarily in chamber music where occasionally he has to steal a cello line. I really dislike the aesthetics of extensions, so I have been considering changing my fiver tuning to C-G-D-G-C. So tuned in 5ths on the bottom strings and in 4ths on the top strings.