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Double Bass Eastman vb65 vs Eastman vb155

J

Joanes

Dec 2, 2018
11
2
#1
oney. The fact is that Eastman is the only brand that distributes in Spain.
The store that distributes Eastman does not have the double basses in the store, I have to ask them to bring it to test it, so I cannot test all the models calmly. I'm hesitating between the Eastman vb65 (solid spruce top and laminated back and ribs) and the vb155 (fully carved top and back and laminated ribs).
Can anyone who has played both give me their opinion?! I am looking for a stable and sturdy double bass since I play in all kinds of places and varied styles (%95 pizzicato) Thank you very much in advance!
 
#2
Hello,
Sorry, I accidentally cut the text!
I am thinking of buying a Chinese hybrid double bass, since I have read very good opinions about its value for money. The fact is that Eastman is the only brand that has a distributor in Spain.
The store that distributes Eastman does not have the double basses in the store, I have to ask them to bring it to test it, so I cannot test all the models calmly. I'm hesitating between the Eastman vb65 (solid spruce top and laminated back and ribs) and the vb155 (fully carved top and back and laminated ribs). Can anyone who has played both give me their opinion?! I am looking for a sturdy double bass since I play in all kinds of places and varied styles (%95 pizzicato) Thank you very much in advance!
 
#3
I have an Eastman VB105, which is a carved top and back and laminated ribs. It sounded better than the VB95 which has a carved top, laminated back and ribs when I played them back to back. I would recommend playing them both and then decide which one you like the sound of better.
 
#5
The Eastman VB105 feels very stable and doesn't feel delicate. I have an old, fully carved bass that feels very stable as well, but I don't like taking it to certain gigs, like outdoor locations, so I got the Eastman hybrid. It is very solidly made and sounds good and I'm very happy with it.
 
#7
A carved round back or a modern carved flatback should be stable enough for anything. I am curious about the concept of carved top and back with quality ply ribs - Upton and others have experimented with this concept a bit and I think it's compelling. I don't have any specific experience with Eastman but I gather that their reputation is good enough.
 
#8
I played several other hybrid basses, a Shen and a Calin Wultur that were in my price range and I liked the sound of EastmanVB105 better. If a fully carved bass is in your budget, i would recommend that, but there are some great sounding new hybrids.
Larry Grenadier has an Eastman hybrid that sounds great. But then again, it is probably more about the player and less about the bass.
 
Last edited:
#9
damonsmith said:
New basses are generally pretty stable. Eastman has a good rep. Get the fully carved bass.
Click to expand...
Yes, but I advise people treat new basses like the newborns they are. The wood still may be a bit green and it may adjust for a year or two. Maintain humidity in the dry months and take it to the pediatrician for annual checkups. Yea, buy the carved one.
 

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