• 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.

Birdsong Club Pt 2

#1,021
Fathand said:
Hey Birdsong owners - give me some honestly biased opinions on the short bass. I haven't logged here for a couple of years (I think, looks like I got an Old School trophy straight away :whistle:) and have veered away from the bass world more towards guitar and short scale basses. I have an Ibanez SRC6 which I like, but I think I could upgrade.. I did some googling, found the Birdsong site which I'd forgotten and alas - I'm back here again.

I really dig the sound of the short bass in the videos Scott made with them, but Youtube being what it is could someone give me a verification how well the sound comes through in those? Because if they really sound that nice I think I'll have to send some mail to Texas.. I was surprised how defined they sound, with the PU being in the neck position and all. No mud, and I like the simplicity of them.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

I don't have a Shortbass, but I have/had multiple Birdsongs with that pickup in the neck. I think the sound in the Youtube clips is fairly accurate, I don't have any "definition" issues with the neck pickup on Birdsong instruments at all. They're warm but defined, and "sound like the wood". Give Scott a call, he'll answer your questions honestly, including what his axes AREN'T...very honest guy.
 
#1,022
I think a lot of it is going to depend on budget. Birdsongs can run up to $2000 (and above) but I think all the owners will agree that the price is well worth it. Scott's short bass (which I have never played) is basically half the cost, with less options than a Birdsong in terms of pickup choices and body styles. My understanding is the short bass is a very good bass, and could serve as a great intro into what Birdsong has to offer.

I would also keep an eye out in the classified section, as you could save some money if a Birdsong pops up and you will not have to wait for the build.

Overall though, Birdsongs are incredible basses, and there is a reason that so many of us have flocked to this particular brand.

Also, don't hesitate to give Scott a call. He is a great guy to talk to and at the very least could give you a good run down of what he has to offer.
 
#1,023
Fathand said:
I really dig the sound of the short bass in the videos Scott made with them, but Youtube being what it is could someone give me a verification how well the sound comes through in those? Because if they really sound that nice I think I'll have to send some mail to Texas.
Click to expand...

The fretless Shortbass in this video is the very one Scott built for me, and I'd say the only difference in tone I can detect is that Scott is a much better player than I am. I've had it about a year, and enjoy it more than I did when I first received it. I think you'll like the neck shape as much as you like the tone. Scott likes phone calls, and it's a treat to talk to a true wizard.

 
#1,024
macmanlou said:
The fretless Shortbass in this video is the very one Scott built for me, and I'd say the only difference in tone I can detect is that Scott is a much better player than I am. I've had it about a year, and enjoy it more than I did when I first received it. I think you'll like the neck shape as much as you like the tone. Scott likes phone calls, and it's a treat to talk to a true wizard.

Click to expand...

Do I understand correctly that this bass can almost do J-like burp with that single pickup being in the neck position? That was my impression from that video...

Also, what kind of tone control does it have? It doesn't sound like a regular tone control, and I suspect that not only the values, but also the schematics is different.
 
#1,025
Temcat said:
Do I understand correctly that this bass can almost do J-like burp with that single pickup being in the neck position? That was my impression from that video...

Also, what kind of tone control does it have? It doesn't sound like a regular tone control, and I suspect that not only the values, but also the schematics is different.
Click to expand...

Scott pretty much runs the gamut of available tone in the video. I don't what kind of magic is going on in that passive tone circuit, but I like it a lot. Give Scott a call (anytime) if you're interested. He much prefers talking to answering emails, and he doesn't text. 512-395-5126
 
#1,026
Hey all! I need to order a Muckelroy fretless by Dec. 15th. Unfortunately, the only way I can get it is to sell my prized Hy 5. If anyone is interested - Please send me a PM. I had custom curly walnut knobs made for the bass. I will take pics and get a post together this week. Here is a post from the original owner:

SOLD - Birdsong HY5 scroll bass | TalkBass.com

HY5.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: canuckshort
#1,030
I have 3 right now. The V, "Bernie", and the first Cortobass that I got in 2009.

I have two more on order, a Zebrawood Sadhana and the Sparrow. I've had a few more over the years...the first Six String with a scroll like your 5, an Embrace or two, and a C-Bass I sold when I got "Bernie" with the double p's. I'm jonesing for another fretless, so I think a Fusion will be next!
20150110_204921_zps285ee3e5.jpg
bastard%20and%20408%202_zpscq2bczma.jpg


[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: 77stingray
#1,037
First off, the appearance is simple elegance IMHO.

The fit and playability are fantastic. It came with Chromes 50-105. The Chromes have a LOT of "ping" for a flat wound. They sound more like a round-wound without the finger noise than a traditional flat.

It sustains for days. The action is low with no buzzing. So far I can't find a single problem with frets or neck (and I've tried). The neck feels wonderful. It's a very comfortable feel. It seems treated/oiled, but raw, lovely look and feel.

Basically the pup amplifies, it doesn't seem to add it's own "tonal color." What I hear unplugged is what I'm getting once amplified.

Tone past 5, it begins to get aggressive. At 70% and above I'd say it has an aggressive growl. Kinda like an in your face Ric tone. I personally keep the volume backed off a hair and the tone backed off to about 50% most of the time. But if that aggressive growl is desired , up it goes.



(I'm sure the walnut body accentuates the high end of the Chromes)
 
  • Like
Reactions: RichardPjazz and macmanlou
#1,038
wagdog said:
Would you Shortbass owners care to elaborate on them? Birdsongs are a bit too pricey for me but a Shortbass is likely doable.
Click to expand...

I agree with Rod B.'s comments. I've had a walnut fretless Shortbass for a year now and love it. It plays "like butter". Here's a couple of videos from the builder, Scott Beckwith himself. (Tip - if you have more questions, call - don't email or text - Scott directly at 512-395-5126 "anytime").



Fretless vs. Fretted

S[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#1,040
I will get a picture of my shortbass posted this weekend, i got the spanish cedar with maple fretboard. What an amazing bass, beautiful fit & finish and a much broader tonal range than i expected from a one pickup bass! The neck is actually chunky yet it plays with ease! The action is even lower than my gibson with no buzz at all. I was going to order a corto 2, but the day i called scott my offer was accepted on a big house on 4 acres of land, needless to say i was tapped out on cash, property here in taxxachusetts is sky high, $333,000.00 for this house and that was a steal! Long story short, i scraped the bottom of the barrel to come up with a grand for the short bass. Im so glad i did, the shortbass is worth every dime! I do plan on buying another birdsong next year when im in a better place money wise!
 
  • Like
Reactions: macmanlou

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back