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Eich Bassboard(s)
- Thread starter Zbysek
- Start date
The US distributor for Eich is Schroeder, but the Bassboard are not listed on the website. However, a few Talkbass members including @fauxtoe have told me that if I call, I can order one. I realize you are not in the US...my point is the Bassboard does not appear to be widely advertised or distributed here in the US.
Here's a thread and see post #17: Feel like a Rock Star now!!!!!
These are not very popular, even here in Germany. My guess would be the main reasons are that they are quite expensive - and that they are big and heavy. The M version which is 80x80cm weighs in at 18kg and costs €550. You'll need to bring an amp to drive it, too.
So when you go to your ampless IEM gig, you're basically carrying the same amount of stuff, only that you swapped your cabinet for a floor unit that weighs about the same. Unless very special circumstances call for that, I'd rather bring one of my barefaced cabinets with me. Those weigh about half of that and will also provide enough vibration to be felt.
It sure is a niche product for those that play without an amp, but don't play stages with subs underneath - yet can afford to spend more than half a grand on a comfort feature.
So when you go to your ampless IEM gig, you're basically carrying the same amount of stuff, only that you swapped your cabinet for a floor unit that weighs about the same. Unless very special circumstances call for that, I'd rather bring one of my barefaced cabinets with me. Those weigh about half of that and will also provide enough vibration to be felt.
It sure is a niche product for those that play without an amp, but don't play stages with subs underneath - yet can afford to spend more than half a grand on a comfort feature.
I can imagine bringing one for a quiet stage gig...but I already have BackBeat...
I remember reading a post by a player that uses both the BB and a platform. I don't recall exactly where I read it though.
Definitely a niche product, but by no means new. I spec'd an Aura drum throne shaker for my drummer in the early 2000s when she was using Roland V-Drums. Tactile transducers were being used by the music industry long before then.
At that time Aura offered a package that included one or two transducers, a clamp to mount the transducer(s) to the drum throne, and also a 50W amp. Buttkickers were all the rage at this time, and were claimed to be the best of the best. Of course they were also super expensive. The Buttkicker transducer cost more than our entire Aura package. We bought the single transducer Aura package. I though it was pretty pathetic, but the drummer expressed appreciation.
We often played in very intimate setting were the volume was extremely low. Also we often played on concrete surfaces that did not vibrate.
From the reviews I have seen, the Eich Bassboard has wide frequency response and is very dynamic. I agree it's heavy, cumbersome, and expensive, but no more than a nice bass cab. It's also an eloquently put together package. Compare to the Buttkicker platform which has a big lump you can trip over.
For someone who wants the top of the line tactile transducer experience, I think the Bassboard is the way to go.
I believe that is new. I'll do a price comparison if I eventually decide to buy one.
Thanks.
I don't think it's that expensive. Actually, it's roughly half the price of KT platforms from Porter and Davies. And it's cheaper than some small quality cabs, as you correctly pointed out.
Even though I am always weight-sensitive with bass gear, I don't consider the "S" version to be heavy (at 13kg). YMMV
I had not heard of the KT Platform. Looks well thought out, just like the Bassboard.
As far as the price. These are not items that we see routinely in music stores so the cost of shipping has to be factored in. If I get one, it will be the large and probably subject to the relatively high volumetric shipping rates here in the US. I don't know what the price is for a large Bassboard. They are advertised for 569 British Pounds which converts to $733USD today. The small comes out to $566USD today.
When I say the Bassboard is "expensive," I mean it's more than most people are willing to spend. I believe when people do a cost/benefit analysis of tactile transducers they are considered relatively expensive for what they do. I.E. people don't expect a little vibration to cost this much. Plus keep in mind you need to provide an amp to drive the Bassboard, so the total investment is not insignificant.
Bassboard Specs
- power handling: 600 Watt/ 8 Ohm
- headphone output: 3,5mm Stereo Jack
- headphone impedance: 16-120 ohms x2
- dimensions: (w x h x d):
- Bass Board S: 80 x 10 x 55 cm, 31,5“ x 3,9” x 21,6“
- Bass Board M: 80 x 10 x 80 cm, 31,5“ x 3,9“ x 31,5“
- Bass Board L: 120 x 10 x 80 cm, 47,2“ x 3,9“ x 31,5“
- Bass Board S: 13,2 kg, 27,6 lbs
- Bass Board M: 18,0 kg, 39,7 lbs
- Bass Board L: 21,5 kg, 47,4 lbs
Total cost direct from Eich versus total cost from the US distributor. Because of high US shipping rates, it could potentially be cheaper to order from Germany.
You may be able to purchase from Thomann at a lower price. Medium is coming in under $500 right now.
Eich Amplification BassBoard M – Thomann United States
Actually, I was surprised how cheap this niche technology is… In my thinking, it substitutes a big cab for a pric of small cab...
The fact that Eich board needs regular bass amp is an advantage, IMO. (Almost) every bass player already has (at least) one. No need to buy another "engine"-like with Porter and Davies.
Btw: I have heard that it's not "a little vibration"...friend of mine said he was amost going to throw up when he tried Bassboard with full volume..
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I am considering buying one...that's why I started this thread. The reason why I haven't pulled the trigger is that I already have BackBeat...
@fauxtoe did a good comparison that I am sure you have seen, but others may not have; so I will post a link here: Feel like a Rock Star now!!!!!
The mobility of the BackBeat is definitely an advantage, but I don't generally run around on stage that much, and the hassle of having to wear it sort of turns me off. So, my personal preference would be a large Bassboard...or maybe a few if I wanted to feel like a rock star
.I am actually tempted to buy a Bassboard, but I have been retired from playing for awhile and it seems silly to get one just to noodle around in my basement. Putting the money towards an upright bass would probably be a better idea.
Yes, I have
I hear ya
or maybe a few if I wanted to feel like a rock star
Another reason why I am hesitating is that most of my gigs are with EUB in a semi-acoustic band (with cajon instead of drums). I am worried that stage vibrations caused by Bassboard might interfere with either cajon or my EUB (through the stand it is placed on)...
It's easy to move with one hand. The M version would not be.
Actually, I was surprised how cheap this niche technology is… In my thinking, it substitutes a big cab for a pric of small cab...
The fact that Eich board needs regular bass amp is an advantage, IMO. (Almost) every bass player already has (at least) one. No need to buy another "engine"-like with Porter and Davies.
Btw: I have heard that it's not "a little vibration"...friend of mine said he was amost going to throw up when he tried Bassboard with full volume..
A little vibration it definitely is NOT! It can handle a lot of power and you won't come close to using what you have available before it goes into eyeball rattling brown note mode.
@fauxtoe did a good comparison that I am sure you have seen, but others may not have; so I will post a link here: Feel like a Rock Star now!!!!!
The mobility of the BackBeat is definitely an advantage, but I don't generally run around on stage that much, and the hassle of having to wear it sort of turns me off. So, my personal preference would be a large Bassboard...or maybe a few if I wanted to feel like a rock star
I am actually tempted to buy a Bassboard, but I have been retired from playing for awhile and it seems silly to get one just to noodle around in my basement. Putting the money towards an upright bass would probably be a better idea.
If you play using IEM's or headphones even just for practice then I recommend it even more, but just not the large version. The S is more than enough. However, do keep in mind that the board is not silent if you're trying to keep quiet after hours.
