Ok, so there doesn't appear to be much info out there on this baby, so I figured I'd throw this out.
Short version at Stage 1- I have high hopes, and this appears to be a decent way to go if you're looking for an inexpensive EUB that can actually be used like a true double bass. By that, I mean I think I can bow this thing, and the pizzicato "feel" is somewhat authentic.
Background of the situation: My 12yo daughter is in need of a practice bass. She has played in elementary orchestra for 4 years and is quite good (and my expectations are pretty high). She was also tapped to play in the elementary jazz band for both years that she was eligible. I need something that will work with a bow, and that will retain a decent feel of an upright for both hands, so that she can continue to build her skills. She has a real DB to use at school, but needs something for home use. I want to go EUB because space is at a premium, and overall cost is lower (and its $500 per year to rent one...).
Ulterior motive- I play in a big band (18 piece, lots of swing, some jazz, some other) and I'd love to have the option of having something with which to practice and perform, as it's been hinted that they'd like me to use an upright for some tunes.
My background- bass player for a few years now (off and on for the last 25 years). I have limited experience with upright (all 25 years ago, save the last 4 years of helping my daughter). I play mostly Fender Jazz basses (a 4 and two 5s, one strung EADGC). I currently play in a small jazz group (rhythm and 2-3 horns) and in a full big band, but have played rock, country, and show tunes in various bands and pit ensembles. For what it's worth, I'm a Physics teacher by day.
Stage 1 of the story-
After some research and seeing one of these in the jazz band at the school where I teach, I saw an open box on Musician's Friend. $560, and it supposedly had a small blemish. The bass arrived today. Immediately, I noticed it didn't have any manual (though the soft case and metal body brackets were there). It also had obviously had the G-string replaced (different silk and ferrule). Upon plugging it in, I also heard an internal rattle that does come through the pickups. It also had a little spot where the A and D strings wound rattle (around the 5th "fret" area). I did find the small blemish, which was a scratch on the back.
I decided to exchange it for a new one, and Musicians Friend is taking good care of me on that.
I will say that I did play it for about an hour or two, and I can tell you the following things-
Feel- it feels like an upright. String feel, fingerboard radius, neck thickness, bridge position, all that- it feels like a 3/4 size upright.
Sound (plucked)- sound is decent. Played it through a small practice amp (peavey Minx 110), and it sounds like an electric fretless. That said, I haven't heard any electric upright that has the "thump" of a true upright. With some fine tuning and obviously a different cabinet/amp combo, I could get it close for plucking.
Sound (bowed)- yes, that's right, bowed. Doesn't have quite the resonance of a real upright, but man, the sound itself is nice. Similar overtone series, nice round timbre, it's there.
Quality- the jury is definitely still out on this, but I do have a few concerns- the tuners look borderline, the electronics are usable but in need of... something, and the stock strings are, meh.
I'll update more as I get farther in to things, but it looks like it has some promise...
Short version at Stage 1- I have high hopes, and this appears to be a decent way to go if you're looking for an inexpensive EUB that can actually be used like a true double bass. By that, I mean I think I can bow this thing, and the pizzicato "feel" is somewhat authentic.
Background of the situation: My 12yo daughter is in need of a practice bass. She has played in elementary orchestra for 4 years and is quite good (and my expectations are pretty high). She was also tapped to play in the elementary jazz band for both years that she was eligible. I need something that will work with a bow, and that will retain a decent feel of an upright for both hands, so that she can continue to build her skills. She has a real DB to use at school, but needs something for home use. I want to go EUB because space is at a premium, and overall cost is lower (and its $500 per year to rent one...).
Ulterior motive- I play in a big band (18 piece, lots of swing, some jazz, some other) and I'd love to have the option of having something with which to practice and perform, as it's been hinted that they'd like me to use an upright for some tunes.
My background- bass player for a few years now (off and on for the last 25 years). I have limited experience with upright (all 25 years ago, save the last 4 years of helping my daughter). I play mostly Fender Jazz basses (a 4 and two 5s, one strung EADGC). I currently play in a small jazz group (rhythm and 2-3 horns) and in a full big band, but have played rock, country, and show tunes in various bands and pit ensembles. For what it's worth, I'm a Physics teacher by day.
Stage 1 of the story-
After some research and seeing one of these in the jazz band at the school where I teach, I saw an open box on Musician's Friend. $560, and it supposedly had a small blemish. The bass arrived today. Immediately, I noticed it didn't have any manual (though the soft case and metal body brackets were there). It also had obviously had the G-string replaced (different silk and ferrule). Upon plugging it in, I also heard an internal rattle that does come through the pickups. It also had a little spot where the A and D strings wound rattle (around the 5th "fret" area). I did find the small blemish, which was a scratch on the back.
I decided to exchange it for a new one, and Musicians Friend is taking good care of me on that.
I will say that I did play it for about an hour or two, and I can tell you the following things-
Feel- it feels like an upright. String feel, fingerboard radius, neck thickness, bridge position, all that- it feels like a 3/4 size upright.
Sound (plucked)- sound is decent. Played it through a small practice amp (peavey Minx 110), and it sounds like an electric fretless. That said, I haven't heard any electric upright that has the "thump" of a true upright. With some fine tuning and obviously a different cabinet/amp combo, I could get it close for plucking.
Sound (bowed)- yes, that's right, bowed. Doesn't have quite the resonance of a real upright, but man, the sound itself is nice. Similar overtone series, nice round timbre, it's there.
Quality- the jury is definitely still out on this, but I do have a few concerns- the tuners look borderline, the electronics are usable but in need of... something, and the stock strings are, meh.
I'll update more as I get farther in to things, but it looks like it has some promise...
