Well, he started with a Framus, and all the following basses he had were based on the same style, and were built by independant luthiers.
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Double Bass Does anyone here like the EUB as its own instrument?
- Thread starter rockabillykid
- Start date
I rigged up a Zorko(old version of Baby Bass) with an Underwood that actually sounded pretty decent but I couldn't get comfortable with the shape. I tried an older Clevinger and was willed an Eminence from a late friend but none of them, even with the various add-on pieces, are comfortable for me to play. I must need the bulk.
I thought he built his bass? I watched an amazing performance from the 70s on YouTube with Colours and he said he made his bass. That he took a standard double bass neck and modified it with electric bass pickups.
Francois is right, but the sound does not primarily come from the instrument itself but from the effects he uses.
Basically a modulated short delay (kind of chorus, and probably more than one) and reverb.
In an interview he said that he wants to be able to still hear some character of the double bass, so no overdrive, or harder distortion for him.
I can't deny he made it of his own hands, but I think this should be understood as he had somebody make it for him.
I've seen him in concert during the fall of 1976 and he had a six strings EUB then.
Never seen that bass elsewhere. (or maybe a single picture laltely)
By the end of the 90's I sent him a letter, to which I got an answer a few months later.
He told me he didn't like that bass, so it's no surprise it disappeared.
I like my Knutson Messenger EUB I bought it when I first forayed into DB to get the feel of a DB. It doesn’t really do the sound of a DB but I like it for all the gigs and rehearsals that require stairs. It’s great to travel with also. Hooked to a preamp and headphones, I can play in the we morning hours and keep my DB fingerings fresh daily.
The best sound I get from it is thru my AI Coda combo then micing that at low volume with an SM57 direct to the board. The low volume keeps the sustain low and gives it a good DB sound. Then it can be cranked up and run thru the PA. Otherwise at loud volume, it is what it is: an electric bass with big thick strings and no feedback.
The best sound I get from it is thru my AI Coda combo then micing that at low volume with an SM57 direct to the board. The low volume keeps the sustain low and gives it a good DB sound. Then it can be cranked up and run thru the PA. Otherwise at loud volume, it is what it is: an electric bass with big thick strings and no feedback.
That’s so awesome you got to correspond with him. There’s something very special about actual paper letters and the time it takes to write and send them off.
I would definitely buy a Weber signature model if it was available.
I am a proponent of the EUB as its own thing. It can sound a bit like fretless BG if you got Spiros or similar on it (which is the default sound), but the variety of DB strings you could put on it takes it to worlds the BG can't go. And the DB techniques do sound different than BG techniques, even if the core timbre of the instrument is similar.
I like he hybrid sound and feel of the UB804 as I also like to be able to use effects plus the fact that I can utilize many of the techniques I worked so hard on from the upright. It has been a challenge to recapture my former skill level after laying off those skills for nearly 20 years but worth the efforts.
I do wish other bass players and musicians were more accepting of the EUB as a viable alternative, use your ears not your eyes.
I do wish other bass players and musicians were more accepting of the EUB as a viable alternative, use your ears not your eyes.
My homebrew EUB gets rotated with the 5 string at church depending on the style of the music. My hybrid is curently awaiting neck repair so out of contention. The EUB was not built for bowing, flatish fingerboard. Keeps the hands used to 3/4 size UB tho.
After playing some acoustic bass (badly) in high school, I became a straight electric player for the next 25 years or so. I was playing with a too-good-for-the-likes-of me big jazz band when I lashed out and bought a BSX EUB. After spending some time building confidence with it, I took it to a big band rehearsal. After the first tune the MD, a tiny fiery Scotsman, sized me up and down and declared “That’s the closest thing to an actual musical instrument that you’ve brought here.” The BSX (crappy photos below) was a decent instrument with blendable EM and piezo pickups, but once I got my first acoustic upright I recognized that it was just a gateway drug. I’ve played several EUBs since, but have yet to find a purpose for one in my own work, where an acoustic or a fretless EBG wouldn’t serve.
I am quite happy with my EUB - an Eminence. I went through alot of iterations to get it to sound and feel as close to my DB as possible. Spiro solos, Realist Lifeline pickup, somewhat high action. I double in a regularly gigging band that plays a wide variety of music - maybe 1/3 upright and the rest electric bass. On a tight stage, it would be hard to switch quickly between DB and EB, but with the Eminence on a stand its very quick. Also when playing with drums and two guitars, the sound of the Eminence is close enough. The only time I use a DB is with my other music project - a trio with a nylon string guitarist.
When I think of EUB I think of Eberhard Weber. He is my favorite EUB player by far. Also I think of David Friesen, Tony Levin and Les Claypool.
David Friesen is a master as well.
I've seen him in concert around 1985 with Paul Horn.
Kind of New Age music.
He had an Oregon Bass then.
He recorded at least one an album (Amber Skies) along with Chick Corea, Joe Henderson, Paul Motian, Paul Horn, Airto Moreira playing solely on that instrument.
I like the fact he didn't use any electronic stuff like EW did.
I've seen him in concert around 1985 with Paul Horn.
Kind of New Age music.
He had an Oregon Bass then.
He recorded at least one an album (Amber Skies) along with Chick Corea, Joe Henderson, Paul Motian, Paul Horn, Airto Moreira playing solely on that instrument.
I like the fact he didn't use any electronic stuff like EW did.
I use a NS Design NXT5
I was hoping it would sound like a DB and offer the convenience for transporting.
These basses have their own unique voice and I really enjoy them.
I have long admired Eberhard Weber as well but I am trying to achieve a more traditional sound in the projects that I use it.
Won’t duplicate my DB but it has a great sound for me.
Many loyal DB players have commented on the amazing Fretless sound you can
I was hoping it would sound like a DB and offer the convenience for transporting.
These basses have their own unique voice and I really enjoy them.
I have long admired Eberhard Weber as well but I am trying to achieve a more traditional sound in the projects that I use it.
Won’t duplicate my DB but it has a great sound for me.
Many loyal DB players have commented on the amazing Fretless sound you can
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I've owned a few. I played an Ampeg Baby Bass for a few years in a salsa group. It just had THE sound. I think Tony Banda played an Azola on a lot of Latin jazz with Poncho Sanchez. I really liked that tone. And Tony Levin is doing some cool stuff on an NS. I've owned all three of those over the years, and when I played them, I tried to approach them like a different instrument. I know that there are some EUBs that are going for a more traditional upright tone and feel, but I was always able to transport my acoustic, so I never really looked into them.
I have had an old Clevinger for 8 or 10 years and think it sounds fantastic and I have gigged it at places I did not or could not take my upright.
it is not as comfortable to play and I never bonded with the piece that goes in the side. But for what it is I like it a lot!
it is not as comfortable to play and I never bonded with the piece that goes in the side. But for what it is I like it a lot!
I play the NS NXT. It is a crossover sound, which to me, is closer on the spectrum to a double bass than it is to a fretless bass guitar. A double bass with a pickup, that is.
It's nice not having to move a piece of furniture every time I want to go to a jam session. Having dialed in my pre amp and EQ, strings, technique and amplification, I really prefer my NXT as a unique sounding jazz bass instrument. Judging from the jams I am getting invited to, some good jazz players like the sound as well.
It's nice not having to move a piece of furniture every time I want to go to a jam session. Having dialed in my pre amp and EQ, strings, technique and amplification, I really prefer my NXT as a unique sounding jazz bass instrument. Judging from the jams I am getting invited to, some good jazz players like the sound as well.
