Double Bass Engelhardt-Link ES1 (jeers/cheers?)

[PostBop]

Hello,

Allow me to begin with explaining I have looked through a tremendous pile of newbie threads, and while I found an excellent source of information, I haven't found an exclusive review of this bass or a thread that really gets into how well a bass it is or isn't.

I have another thread regarding general info on buying new bass, but I'd like to make this one particularly about the Engelhardt-Link ES1.

Please tell me your thoughts on this bass. I will most likely make this purchase based on the fact my local luthier can order me one and set it up. Having this in town makes me feel comfortable knowing he can get accustomed to the instrument and set it up/maintain as needed over the years. But, is this a bass that can make it to the "over the years" category?

Another concern is that my local guy, while he does excellent work, he is a bluegrass player and I a jazz. Are the ES1's known for a particular genre of music, or does it really make no difference?

I'd really like to get into the meat of this bass if you are willing. I'm choosing this one over the swingmaster because I don't like the look of blonde basses. Is the price difference on account of the color?

Thanks for input you can give, I have found no soundclips, and surprisingly very little info on this bass.

 

[punkozuna]

It's a decent choice for a first bass. New bass players put a ton of thought into their first bass trying to get the perfect one. I know I did. It's an impossible task - until you get some experience playing you won't know what's important to you.

Get whichever of the usually recommended basses appeals to you and that you can afford - Engle, Strunal, Shen, Upton laminate, Christopher, Eastman etc. Save some money for good strings and a setup.

 

[ztpbassman]

I bought one use a few years back because my old Juzek was just too fragile and didn't stand up well in the wear and tear of getting pushed into the back of the van, dragged up the back stairs through the kitchen, playing in a tent in the rain- the life of a New York Club date musician. After much consulting and reading and playing, I picked an Engelhardt because the price was right and it also had the history of Kay basses behind it, and no matter what anyone says, it's hard to argue with Bill Black, Slam Stewart, or Willie Dixon.

I replaced the end piece and had the fingerboard shaped. I had adjusters put on the bridge and the sound post fitted. I bought better strings ( I am currently pretty happy with Labella 7710 metal strings which I liked better the the Spiro Weichs I had on there before.) I even had David Gage put some position marker dots put on the ebony board and an Upton pickup put on.

Result: a really nice bass that I can take anywhere and play the combination of standards, jazz, gypsy jazz, and classic Rock n' Roll I make a living playing. Is it a great bass? No. But as we say in Brooklyn: "It ain't chopped liver either."
Everyone who plays it digs it, and I don't have to worry about every little ding and bump. It's a workhorse and sounds great. I would have preferred an Eb neck to the D neck it has, but that's quibbling. If I were bowing alot I might go elsewhere, but for straight ahead jazz and the like, it's a dependable workhorse that plays and sounds great. You may need several visits to the luthier to get it just right. And you should also know how to use the adjusters to compensate for humidity changes if you live someplace like NY. It's a good bass for the money and I preferred it over all the other plys and even some hybrids when I was shopping around in that price range. Big round sound. For my needs, it's a no-brainer.