Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
Certainbass "Svelte Bass" Kickstarter
- Thread starter Dradder
- Start date
- Status
I have not had any experience with Mr. Certain's basses, but I did email him once to get some help wiring up a Certainbass Variometer that I had bought secondhand at the TB Classifieds.
I found him to be helpful, courteous and even a little bit funny. Considering the fact he didn't stand to make a dime by helping me, I was suitably impressed.
After using his Variometer on a P bass, and enjoying the flexibility of tone, I decided to order a Custom Jazz Control Plate from him, complete with upgraded pots and variometer.
The item was first rate, priced right, sounded great, and I've had nothing but a good experience with both the products and with the man himself.
I just thought I would squeeze this in before the piling on gets any worse.
I found him to be helpful, courteous and even a little bit funny. Considering the fact he didn't stand to make a dime by helping me, I was suitably impressed.
After using his Variometer on a P bass, and enjoying the flexibility of tone, I decided to order a Custom Jazz Control Plate from him, complete with upgraded pots and variometer.
The item was first rate, priced right, sounded great, and I've had nothing but a good experience with both the products and with the man himself.
I just thought I would squeeze this in before the piling on gets any worse.
- Jun 30, 2010
- 49,615
- 222,140
- Disclosures
- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
I don't think that placing the controls above the strings is an improvement, the hand falls naturally to the conventional lower place.
Design is partly a matter of taste of course; to me this looks like it would be played by someone in The Jetsons.
you say that like it's a bad thing
I like the way the pickguard is raised at the front horn, that way your hand can get impaled on it if your fingers slip from having to reach the top mounted controls in a 'mid-set' panic... nothing saids quality like an arterial spray.. unless you are at a kiss concert 
Also, is it just me, or does the bass look slightly anorexic? It's too skinny in the middle.. stop using a finger in the bathroom svelte bass and eat a sandwich allready
Also, is it just me, or does the bass look slightly anorexic? It's too skinny in the middle.. stop using a finger in the bathroom svelte bass and eat a sandwich allready
Last edited:
He called me a little boy!
Yeah but it's because according to him you, like the rest of us on here are nobodies.. pretty sure his mom would agree, but she is too busy making his lunches for school.
No thanks.
Seriously, nothing about that was appealing to me, other than the fact that the guy reminds me so much of "the dude" in the big lebowsky.. Which is awesome.
Seriously, nothing about that was appealing to me, other than the fact that the guy reminds me so much of "the dude" in the big lebowsky.. Which is awesome.
Might explain Dave's attitude in that email.. maybe he didn't get his rug back? :/
The body shape is not bad but there are some porportional issues.
The headstock would be nice if it wasnt so stumpy like that.
Could certainly benefit from a gentle rout on the edges.
Pickguard just sorta sticking way out is just mind blowingly odd. Blood will be shed.
Overall it definitely doesnt seem like a concept but more of a tossed together project. Cant see how more than 15 minutes was spent devising this bass.
The headstock would be nice if it wasnt so stumpy like that.
Could certainly benefit from a gentle rout on the edges.
Pickguard just sorta sticking way out is just mind blowingly odd. Blood will be shed.
Overall it definitely doesnt seem like a concept but more of a tossed together project. Cant see how more than 15 minutes was spent devising this bass.
BurningSkies
CRAZY BALDHEAD
- Feb 20, 2005
- 27,956
- 20,350
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Dingwall Guitars
Almost seems quaint compared to when Matt Inman launched one about a week ago for 10K for a goofy card game.
Invalid Link Removed
That's a fairly apt comparison. And I think he'd be flattered by it.
Godin A4's and 5's have the sliders on the front, above the strings. I like the arrangement. You're right that its easy to see. That's the big strike for me against unmarked Jaguar style knobs. No visual reference.
It looks like it would be harder to go from 0% to 100% quickly too.
Yeah the lifted up portion of the pickguard is way to wacky. I like David's Fender style basses. He should stick with that. Roger Sadowsky, Mike Lull, and Lakland all do well with it.
Hi Guys and Gals, I’m the designer of the Svelte bass. I am very grateful for TalkBass, and I am honored that our new bass is the subject of such a dynamic thread, thank you. All of you gave up some valuable input for which I am appreciative and made adjustments to our kickstarter campaign.
What I’m going to do here is address each of your concerns in the order they were expressed. Some I already addressed by editing the project, others I will clarify and some I won’t comment just because they’re misinformed or unduly negative. Anyway, this is going to fun. Let’s get started.
BurningSkies: At what pledge rate to we use a finish? All of them. Only the two prototypes are unfinished, sorry for the confusion there. I revised the listing accordingly.
Templar: there is nothing in my copy that’s not true or “snake oil.” I use the term vintage as in vintage style. Our normal fare consists of Fenders from the 50’s, 60’s and early 70’s, and that’s what I mean by vintage styled. Someone else explained the Hendrix reference, and I edited the project to clarify that. The strings are installed properly. They are Sperzel locking tuners and require no wrap around the peg head. Not cutting the strings is just something I do as a matter of personal style. All other basses will come trimmed. What I am surprised no one noticed is that the E and A tuners have adapters on them, and the G and D don’t. The headstock started out as a 4 one side drilled to 9/16. Sperzels require 7/16 which is why adapters on the old holes and I drilled the new ones the correct 7/16.
cdef, Side jack is a cost free option.
Dradder, the corners are not sharp as to cause injury, but I think I will round them a bit. Good call.
Scourgeofgod. I adjusted prices downward as much as I could and added some models. Keep in mind that if this thing funds I have to make at least 30 basses plus all the rewards.
Chef, the design is not for everyone, but I’m not trying to sell basses to everyone. Not everyone likes a Rickenbacker or an EBO either, but enough do that they still sell. Thanks for the input.
Scourgeofgod, the knobs are less than an inch from my thumb, but that’s my playing style. Like I said, it’s not for everyone.
Dradder, most Kickstarters for basses and guitars are for seed money to have the instruments manufactured in Asia. So coming in under a grand is pretty do-able when using slave labor, but I’m not doing that; I can’t. It’s a personal ethic. Still, is it wise to pay, say, $950 for a bass that costs $200 to make? Add the shipping per unit from China, and the tax, and it could come in at between $300 and $400, but it’s still a $200 bass. And you’re not going to want it.
Templar, I edited the project text to explain that I meant contact points while playing the bass. I did say that once you’re tuned and your sound is set, then close your eyes, etc. It maybe hard to see because the blonde bass is light, but the edges are rounded in varying degrees around the body. And I don’t use a router for that, it’s done by hand. My curve router bits look too mechanical. You can see in the photo you posted the hand-carved recess that make the room for the knobs under the pickguard, and the pickguard doesn’t have to be raised. I stated in the ad copy that the pickguard is adjustable up and down. Down means flat against the body like a normal bass. Personally I don’t dig “ramps,” but there is the option of no rise at all. Someone else explained the Hendrix and Strat reference, and I edited the copy to add that some acoustic-electric guitars have controls on the upper bout, and that was also an inspiration. Jaguars and Jazzmasters have some controls on the upper bout, so it’s nothing knew, it’s just for those axes there was also another set of controls below with the upper being presets. And the reason why the Svelte is so better balanced is because of the body shape.
Templar, this bass was designed by a bassist who’s played professionally for 43 years.
JACink, the downstroke expression was talking about what Hendrix said. On the Svelte, you don’t have to move your hand at all, just your thumb. Plus they way they’re tucked away, they can hold presets because they’re not out getting bumped around. It’s easy to set them and forget that they’re even there. Sure, we don’t do a lot of adjustment, and those knobs are out of the way, do not interfere with any playing style. I love it. But to each, his own.
Dradder, I don’t play bass with a guitar pick. I’m also an acoustic bassist, pizzicato and arco. I don’t have anything against playing with a guitar pick (Carol Kaye), I would just never design a bass around playing with a guitar pick. To me it’s like hitting a bass drum with a regular drum stick.
To all you guys: get off the “name-dropping Jimi” stuff. It was simply a reference to the utility of having controls on the top. If you want to argue against Jimi Hendrix, be my guest.
Dradder, if you want no controls, no problem. The controls can also be mounted under the pickguard on the G side, too.
soupofthedave, my final product has much to be desired? What are you talking about? You haven’t seen the final product. The basses pictured are prototypes, not final products. Neither of the protos have a finish, that’s bare wood. All basses will have finishes. Read the project description.
Millsbass5ive, the body IS radiused, and I should post a photo showing that because it is a neat feature. The reason for the cost differential for the 4-string Model One and 5-string Model 5 is that the latter is a whole different animal. When we started doing 5’s I felt we need to do build a 5 differently than a 4 because there is more pull on the neck.. For example, our Model 5’s have graphite stabilizing bars. We also chamber the bodies to lighten them up. We also make the Model 5 as a 4-string. For $200 less than the 5. They all sell very well.
Joe Nerve, the Kickstarter provides funds for the project as well as the rewards. To do that at a discount means we wouldn’t have any money left to do the project. As I stated earlier, I edited the pricing and added two models for those of modest means. Thanks for wishing me well. If you want to take on my musicianship, bring it, please. Here’s what you’re up against: Name the Jazz standard I’m soloing over in this video. The way it goes is you pick a tune for me to play, and I pick a tune for you to play, then you pick a tune for you to play, and I pick a tune for me to play. When you challenge someone for their chair in a professional orchestra, that’s how it’s done. If you want to whack away on a beat trading back and forth, I’ll do that, too.
Scourgeofgod, why ask Joe to take me on, why don’t you?
SamanthaClay, I’m not designing for others; I’m designing for me. The hallmark of CertainBass has been I make what I like, and others like it. Not everyone is going to dig it, but I’m not going to compromise for marketing. Do you know how they make a McDonald’s Filet of Fish taste the same in Paris as in Tokyo? They make it suck, then it’s easy, and it’s a very popular item, but it still sucks. I’m not going to dummy down or compromise my quality in any way regardless of what the market seems to demand. You make the assumption that I play with a pick near the neck, where did you get that? It is incorrect. I use a variety of techniques none of which employ a guitar pick. If you watched the video on Kickstarter, you can see how I play. I would never design a bass around someone using a guitar pick. Thank you for your input.
awilkie, you need to look up my reviews rather than rely on your faint memory. No one here is going to impeach my integrity. I use the tape in the building process to protect the neckplate, and I neglected to remove it, that’s all. I’m not going to sweat it.
Bassviking, yes I did get banned for like a day. I’m not perfect, but sometimes a person has to tell another where to place their lips. I got acquainted with Rule #1 the hard way, and it has not happened again, won’t happen again. It’s a good rule, I just wish you all would follow it. I apologize if you were offended.
Two fingers, Dradder does not work for me, and I am not dradder. The admins can prove that to you. Incorrect assumption, sir. I do not know where you get the idea that I think that if you don’t like my design you’re stupid. I’ve stated repeatedly, it’s not for everyone, and I would never assume someone is stupid for any reason. We’re all musicians, so we all have a good level of intelligence or we wouldn’t be able to play very well if at all. I have reviews all over the internet. I don’t read them, but I hear they’re stellar. I really don’t care what they are because I know my ethics are higher than most, and I don’t have a thing to prove in that regard.
Portlandbass77, if you want to know why the kickstarter campaign, please try reading the kickstarter campaign. Not everyone is going to buy a bass, and I have things for musicians as well as non-musicians beyond our normal fare. I respect informed opinions. With all due respect, many of you seem to be predisposed to judgment without fully reading the text or watching the video. Portland, are you a luthier? If you can make basses, you should make basses. Any way I can help, let me know. Also your comment on $24,000 being too much, you know my cost structure? I doubt it. Read the campaign, and your questions are answered there to the point that had you read it, you would not be asking those questions now. If this thing funds, I have to make at least 30 basses, pay for CNC programming and funds for a publicist. Where in the kickstarter do I say I’m buying a CNC machine? Where do you get that? I never said that.
FretNoMore, the Jetsons was exactly what I was going for! Most nostalgic modern designs are often automotive Route 66 looking kind of stuff. I was going for space age, and I like the Jetsons (the theme song is a killer big band arrangement, too). Been doing the Flintstones long enough! Haha!
Bassology, I have no idea who you are. Sorry you weren’t satisfied, but I don’t make basses like that. You say “years ago” like how many years ago? What did you pay for it? I admit, my first basses weren’t the best, and I did sell scratch and dent basses at a discount. I give a lifetime warranty, no time limit. If you still have the bass, send it to me and I’ll make it right, even a full replacement if deemed necessary. As long as it’s really one of mine.
Bass Viking, I stand by those words today although I wouldn’t say them again because they can be construed as a violation of Rule #1. Anytime I ask people to post their bios, things get really quiet, pretty funny. In fact, I would like to see who I’m dealing with here, whether they’ve played gigs or toured or what or never left their bedroom. If you guys wouldn’t mind posting your bios, I’d like to see.
Hdracer, no way would I ever purport to make a bass in a week. Why would you buy a bass someone says they’ll make in a week?
M.R. Ogle, yeah, let’s hang. Where is Mt. Vernon anyway? I don’t drink alcohol, but we can go for some coffee or we can do lunch at one of the 12 different nationalities of restaurants in my neighborhood. On me. I live in the Tower Grove Grand and Arsenal neighborhood.
BeeTL, you need to read the kickstarter, and your questions would be answered.
Wvbass, OK this is getting old. There is a video on the kickstarter where I’m playing the Svelte bass. I also state I’ve been gigging with both prototypes.
RichSnyder, those photos were taken with my iPhone 4, and if it has a wide angle lens, I’d like to know how to use it. I also revised the pricing and added a couple of models. The least expensive Svelte is $1650 now. Nitro relic. And thank you for that input! You say 8.7 lbs isn’t that good? I explained that it’s with a hard rock maple body which is a very heavy wood, at least 3.5 lbs per board foot. And I feel that it is an achievement that I got the weight down to 8.7. Alder or ash will get us in between 6 and 7 lbs. Is that light enough for you? The average Fender bass is 9.5 lbs. I remember the Gibson Victory with a hard rock maple body, and it weighed around 12 lbs.
BeeTL the tuners including the adapters are explained above. They are bass tuners.
Electracoyote, thank you, couldn’t have said it better myself. I am allergic to BS. I’ve played all over the world, seen a lot of things, and for people who never leave their bedroom, well, I don’t need to know nor do I care what they think.
Joe, good for you. I did google you, and all I found was your one page website, your Facebook page, Linkedin. I did find the one minute forty second Youtube video, very nice, excellent. You’re a really good singer, but I would prefer the bass not be so buried in the mix. Maybe you’ve heard of Terrence Blanchard? Or being a New Yorker, Gary Bartz or Eddie Henderson? Gary was with Miles for 8 years, longer than any other saxophonist except ‘Trane himself. Eddie Henderson was with Mwandishi, and has played with Herbie Hancock off and on for over 50 years. These are the cats I've played with. Here’s a poor video with good audio of one of the many concerts I’ve done with Eddie. https://www.youtube.com/user/EddieHenderson4tet
Ewo, thank you. Again, if anyone wants to know what all I’m raising funds for, all you have to do is read the kickstarter campaign.
Sifi76, you won’t cut yourself on my bass. Because I’m not going to sell you one. If you don’t like the design, like I said, that’s cool; it’s not for everybody. I didn’t start this thread, and I’m not trying to sell you guys on anything. It's just if people are going to say things that aren't true, my customers respect me for the fact I will set the record straight.
Hey eldorider, I remember you. Glad to see it’s all working out well. Thank you.
In Summary: in all CertainBass TalkBass threads the common denominator is the detractors have never touched one of my basses, and the ones who have purchased basses from me love them and me. Here’s the fact: If you haven’t even touched one of my basses, my opinion is that your opinions about my basses are worthless to me or anyone else. Nothing personal, just my opinion. So much innuendo with no evidence; most of the detractors didn’t even read the project because they wouldn’t be asking the questions they’re asking and making incorrect assertions had they done so. I’m going to leave here now. Thank you very much for this thread. I am very grateful for TalkBass and this thread. Peace.
What I’m going to do here is address each of your concerns in the order they were expressed. Some I already addressed by editing the project, others I will clarify and some I won’t comment just because they’re misinformed or unduly negative. Anyway, this is going to fun. Let’s get started.
BurningSkies: At what pledge rate to we use a finish? All of them. Only the two prototypes are unfinished, sorry for the confusion there. I revised the listing accordingly.
Templar: there is nothing in my copy that’s not true or “snake oil.” I use the term vintage as in vintage style. Our normal fare consists of Fenders from the 50’s, 60’s and early 70’s, and that’s what I mean by vintage styled. Someone else explained the Hendrix reference, and I edited the project to clarify that. The strings are installed properly. They are Sperzel locking tuners and require no wrap around the peg head. Not cutting the strings is just something I do as a matter of personal style. All other basses will come trimmed. What I am surprised no one noticed is that the E and A tuners have adapters on them, and the G and D don’t. The headstock started out as a 4 one side drilled to 9/16. Sperzels require 7/16 which is why adapters on the old holes and I drilled the new ones the correct 7/16.
cdef, Side jack is a cost free option.
Dradder, the corners are not sharp as to cause injury, but I think I will round them a bit. Good call.
Scourgeofgod. I adjusted prices downward as much as I could and added some models. Keep in mind that if this thing funds I have to make at least 30 basses plus all the rewards.
Chef, the design is not for everyone, but I’m not trying to sell basses to everyone. Not everyone likes a Rickenbacker or an EBO either, but enough do that they still sell. Thanks for the input.
Scourgeofgod, the knobs are less than an inch from my thumb, but that’s my playing style. Like I said, it’s not for everyone.
Dradder, most Kickstarters for basses and guitars are for seed money to have the instruments manufactured in Asia. So coming in under a grand is pretty do-able when using slave labor, but I’m not doing that; I can’t. It’s a personal ethic. Still, is it wise to pay, say, $950 for a bass that costs $200 to make? Add the shipping per unit from China, and the tax, and it could come in at between $300 and $400, but it’s still a $200 bass. And you’re not going to want it.
Templar, I edited the project text to explain that I meant contact points while playing the bass. I did say that once you’re tuned and your sound is set, then close your eyes, etc. It maybe hard to see because the blonde bass is light, but the edges are rounded in varying degrees around the body. And I don’t use a router for that, it’s done by hand. My curve router bits look too mechanical. You can see in the photo you posted the hand-carved recess that make the room for the knobs under the pickguard, and the pickguard doesn’t have to be raised. I stated in the ad copy that the pickguard is adjustable up and down. Down means flat against the body like a normal bass. Personally I don’t dig “ramps,” but there is the option of no rise at all. Someone else explained the Hendrix and Strat reference, and I edited the copy to add that some acoustic-electric guitars have controls on the upper bout, and that was also an inspiration. Jaguars and Jazzmasters have some controls on the upper bout, so it’s nothing knew, it’s just for those axes there was also another set of controls below with the upper being presets. And the reason why the Svelte is so better balanced is because of the body shape.
Templar, this bass was designed by a bassist who’s played professionally for 43 years.
JACink, the downstroke expression was talking about what Hendrix said. On the Svelte, you don’t have to move your hand at all, just your thumb. Plus they way they’re tucked away, they can hold presets because they’re not out getting bumped around. It’s easy to set them and forget that they’re even there. Sure, we don’t do a lot of adjustment, and those knobs are out of the way, do not interfere with any playing style. I love it. But to each, his own.
Dradder, I don’t play bass with a guitar pick. I’m also an acoustic bassist, pizzicato and arco. I don’t have anything against playing with a guitar pick (Carol Kaye), I would just never design a bass around playing with a guitar pick. To me it’s like hitting a bass drum with a regular drum stick.
To all you guys: get off the “name-dropping Jimi” stuff. It was simply a reference to the utility of having controls on the top. If you want to argue against Jimi Hendrix, be my guest.
Dradder, if you want no controls, no problem. The controls can also be mounted under the pickguard on the G side, too.
soupofthedave, my final product has much to be desired? What are you talking about? You haven’t seen the final product. The basses pictured are prototypes, not final products. Neither of the protos have a finish, that’s bare wood. All basses will have finishes. Read the project description.
Millsbass5ive, the body IS radiused, and I should post a photo showing that because it is a neat feature. The reason for the cost differential for the 4-string Model One and 5-string Model 5 is that the latter is a whole different animal. When we started doing 5’s I felt we need to do build a 5 differently than a 4 because there is more pull on the neck.. For example, our Model 5’s have graphite stabilizing bars. We also chamber the bodies to lighten them up. We also make the Model 5 as a 4-string. For $200 less than the 5. They all sell very well.
Joe Nerve, the Kickstarter provides funds for the project as well as the rewards. To do that at a discount means we wouldn’t have any money left to do the project. As I stated earlier, I edited the pricing and added two models for those of modest means. Thanks for wishing me well. If you want to take on my musicianship, bring it, please. Here’s what you’re up against: Name the Jazz standard I’m soloing over in this video. The way it goes is you pick a tune for me to play, and I pick a tune for you to play, then you pick a tune for you to play, and I pick a tune for me to play. When you challenge someone for their chair in a professional orchestra, that’s how it’s done. If you want to whack away on a beat trading back and forth, I’ll do that, too.
Scourgeofgod, why ask Joe to take me on, why don’t you?
SamanthaClay, I’m not designing for others; I’m designing for me. The hallmark of CertainBass has been I make what I like, and others like it. Not everyone is going to dig it, but I’m not going to compromise for marketing. Do you know how they make a McDonald’s Filet of Fish taste the same in Paris as in Tokyo? They make it suck, then it’s easy, and it’s a very popular item, but it still sucks. I’m not going to dummy down or compromise my quality in any way regardless of what the market seems to demand. You make the assumption that I play with a pick near the neck, where did you get that? It is incorrect. I use a variety of techniques none of which employ a guitar pick. If you watched the video on Kickstarter, you can see how I play. I would never design a bass around someone using a guitar pick. Thank you for your input.
awilkie, you need to look up my reviews rather than rely on your faint memory. No one here is going to impeach my integrity. I use the tape in the building process to protect the neckplate, and I neglected to remove it, that’s all. I’m not going to sweat it.
Bassviking, yes I did get banned for like a day. I’m not perfect, but sometimes a person has to tell another where to place their lips. I got acquainted with Rule #1 the hard way, and it has not happened again, won’t happen again. It’s a good rule, I just wish you all would follow it. I apologize if you were offended.
Two fingers, Dradder does not work for me, and I am not dradder. The admins can prove that to you. Incorrect assumption, sir. I do not know where you get the idea that I think that if you don’t like my design you’re stupid. I’ve stated repeatedly, it’s not for everyone, and I would never assume someone is stupid for any reason. We’re all musicians, so we all have a good level of intelligence or we wouldn’t be able to play very well if at all. I have reviews all over the internet. I don’t read them, but I hear they’re stellar. I really don’t care what they are because I know my ethics are higher than most, and I don’t have a thing to prove in that regard.
Portlandbass77, if you want to know why the kickstarter campaign, please try reading the kickstarter campaign. Not everyone is going to buy a bass, and I have things for musicians as well as non-musicians beyond our normal fare. I respect informed opinions. With all due respect, many of you seem to be predisposed to judgment without fully reading the text or watching the video. Portland, are you a luthier? If you can make basses, you should make basses. Any way I can help, let me know. Also your comment on $24,000 being too much, you know my cost structure? I doubt it. Read the campaign, and your questions are answered there to the point that had you read it, you would not be asking those questions now. If this thing funds, I have to make at least 30 basses, pay for CNC programming and funds for a publicist. Where in the kickstarter do I say I’m buying a CNC machine? Where do you get that? I never said that.
FretNoMore, the Jetsons was exactly what I was going for! Most nostalgic modern designs are often automotive Route 66 looking kind of stuff. I was going for space age, and I like the Jetsons (the theme song is a killer big band arrangement, too). Been doing the Flintstones long enough! Haha!
Bassology, I have no idea who you are. Sorry you weren’t satisfied, but I don’t make basses like that. You say “years ago” like how many years ago? What did you pay for it? I admit, my first basses weren’t the best, and I did sell scratch and dent basses at a discount. I give a lifetime warranty, no time limit. If you still have the bass, send it to me and I’ll make it right, even a full replacement if deemed necessary. As long as it’s really one of mine.
Bass Viking, I stand by those words today although I wouldn’t say them again because they can be construed as a violation of Rule #1. Anytime I ask people to post their bios, things get really quiet, pretty funny. In fact, I would like to see who I’m dealing with here, whether they’ve played gigs or toured or what or never left their bedroom. If you guys wouldn’t mind posting your bios, I’d like to see.
Hdracer, no way would I ever purport to make a bass in a week. Why would you buy a bass someone says they’ll make in a week?
M.R. Ogle, yeah, let’s hang. Where is Mt. Vernon anyway? I don’t drink alcohol, but we can go for some coffee or we can do lunch at one of the 12 different nationalities of restaurants in my neighborhood. On me. I live in the Tower Grove Grand and Arsenal neighborhood.
BeeTL, you need to read the kickstarter, and your questions would be answered.
Wvbass, OK this is getting old. There is a video on the kickstarter where I’m playing the Svelte bass. I also state I’ve been gigging with both prototypes.
RichSnyder, those photos were taken with my iPhone 4, and if it has a wide angle lens, I’d like to know how to use it. I also revised the pricing and added a couple of models. The least expensive Svelte is $1650 now. Nitro relic. And thank you for that input! You say 8.7 lbs isn’t that good? I explained that it’s with a hard rock maple body which is a very heavy wood, at least 3.5 lbs per board foot. And I feel that it is an achievement that I got the weight down to 8.7. Alder or ash will get us in between 6 and 7 lbs. Is that light enough for you? The average Fender bass is 9.5 lbs. I remember the Gibson Victory with a hard rock maple body, and it weighed around 12 lbs.
BeeTL the tuners including the adapters are explained above. They are bass tuners.
Electracoyote, thank you, couldn’t have said it better myself. I am allergic to BS. I’ve played all over the world, seen a lot of things, and for people who never leave their bedroom, well, I don’t need to know nor do I care what they think.
Joe, good for you. I did google you, and all I found was your one page website, your Facebook page, Linkedin. I did find the one minute forty second Youtube video, very nice, excellent. You’re a really good singer, but I would prefer the bass not be so buried in the mix. Maybe you’ve heard of Terrence Blanchard? Or being a New Yorker, Gary Bartz or Eddie Henderson? Gary was with Miles for 8 years, longer than any other saxophonist except ‘Trane himself. Eddie Henderson was with Mwandishi, and has played with Herbie Hancock off and on for over 50 years. These are the cats I've played with. Here’s a poor video with good audio of one of the many concerts I’ve done with Eddie. https://www.youtube.com/user/EddieHenderson4tet
Ewo, thank you. Again, if anyone wants to know what all I’m raising funds for, all you have to do is read the kickstarter campaign.
Sifi76, you won’t cut yourself on my bass. Because I’m not going to sell you one. If you don’t like the design, like I said, that’s cool; it’s not for everybody. I didn’t start this thread, and I’m not trying to sell you guys on anything. It's just if people are going to say things that aren't true, my customers respect me for the fact I will set the record straight.
Hey eldorider, I remember you. Glad to see it’s all working out well. Thank you.
In Summary: in all CertainBass TalkBass threads the common denominator is the detractors have never touched one of my basses, and the ones who have purchased basses from me love them and me. Here’s the fact: If you haven’t even touched one of my basses, my opinion is that your opinions about my basses are worthless to me or anyone else. Nothing personal, just my opinion. So much innuendo with no evidence; most of the detractors didn’t even read the project because they wouldn’t be asking the questions they’re asking and making incorrect assertions had they done so. I’m going to leave here now. Thank you very much for this thread. I am very grateful for TalkBass and this thread. Peace.
Because I know I couldn't beat you, nor do I have any need or desire to, I'm not ashamed to admit it. Joe brought it up, I saw a video of Joe playing the other day and I think he's pretty good, I love a good showdown. No disrespect intended
PS if you got any beef with anything I said feel free to pm me, you can trust me not to air your grievances for everyone to see
Last edited:
Hey Scourge, I neglected to cover this in my remarks, and I do have some explaining to do. First:In this pic you can see both prototypes in their entirety. Both use modified fender style parts necks, one with the head stock cut in half, the other all the way off. And for the record they're both unfinished.
pro·to·type
ˈprōdəˌtīp/
noun
- 1.
a first, typical or preliminary model of something, especially a machine, from which other forms are developed or copied.
"the firm is testing a prototype of the weapon"
On the Svelte project it's about design. The headless one is very experimental. I modeled it out of salvaged 2x4's. That does not mean I'm offering basses made out of 2x4's. The prototypes aren't intended to sport my lutherie. They're intended to document the design. They're hack jobs. The importance is that they are "working prototypes" meaning they're playable. You guessed right, they have no finishes. The real basses will be made with one piece bodies of fancy woods and have finishes. Have you ever seen a purpleheart body? I'm doing that with a purpleheart neck and a padouk fingerboard. Flame maple. Not pine 2x4's. But by the way, it struck me that those 2x4's are 100 year old white pine. You can guys can debate the controls until you're blue in the face, if you haven't tried it, you cannot predict what it's going to be like. You can see the woods I'm going to use in the project description. On the headstock, I'm going to surprise everyone. Those necks weren't Fender, they're worse, but rest assured if I'm lopping of headstocks, I'm going to start out with pieces of crap necks until I have what I want, then all we have to do is copy that in excellent material. That's the plan Stan. T
True. It was a long post. However, 6 pages of critique of his project (which he did NOT post here to begin with), and diatribes against the man himself deserved (and got) some answers. I think he explained his project (and his position) in complete detail, to my satisfaction anyway.
Amazing how quickly things here ramp up and go overboard. Isn't TalkBass fun?
Amazing how quickly things here ramp up and go overboard. Isn't TalkBass fun?
- Status
