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Double Bass EUB that feels close to a real upright

N

NTdot

Guest
Jul 30, 2014
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#1
Looking for suggestions as to what might be a good EUB option for me.

Many years ago I had a 7/8th size upright that I played, got busy with other stuff but would like to get back into it, unfortunately noise in my condo is an issue so I figure an EUB is the way to go.

I am more interested in form factor than tone (thou obviously both would be great). I would like something that feels as close to a real upright as possible, i.e. a NS design wouldn't be for me. Also I am in Canada so my options may be a little limited as we seem to have fewer options up here, for instance I haven't been able to find a Canadian Alter Ego distributor online.

Lot's of info on here and other places, but thought I would get some opinions, I would also be interested in hearing from anyone in Canada who has picked up an EUB and your experience / where you got it from etc.

Thanks!
 
#3
NTdot said:
I am more interested in form factor than tone (thou obviously both would be great). I would like something that feels as close to a real upright as possible
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Volante Bass, Yamaha Silent, etc.

I looked for a similar request and did not find anything. I ordered the production of a EU-bass for the luther. The idea was to use the neck (with a headstock, tuners and fingerboard), tailpiece, endpin and bridge from a real double bass, but use a solid body. luther made it for me using parts from the Czech bass. It was a very convenient tool for rehearsals at home. He felt like a double bass and at the same time he sounded quiet. But it turned out to be bad for everything else. He did not have a double bass tone and sounded like a wood-board. He also did not have such a feedback that a double bass has. At the same time it was big and heavy. He also did not allow rehearsals in my home, because through the spire he transmitted vibrations to the floor and walls. He is not a "home-bass"!

I also used BSX and Triumph EUB for several years. All of them are not similar to a double bass and did not seem comfortable for me at home.

I agree with the opinion that the EUB is harmful if it is used for rehearsals instead of a double bass.

I realized for myself that the only advantage of EUB in its small size and weight. I bought Ergo and I'm happy with it. It almost does not transmit vibrations to the floor and walls. This is something that allows me to play at home and not disturb my family. I can easily take it with me on a journey. Its sound is not very similar to a double bass. But... Nothing can replace a large acoustic bass.
 
#6
Another vote for the Yamaha SLB 200.Feels good and sounds good and I have found the tone controls to be very sensitive and useful to get the sound I like.The volume control is also a big part of the sound on these EUB's.I play in a jazz standards quartet and usually DI into our Bose PA and rarely play through my amp except at home.
I am also in Canada(Ontario) and found my first EUB(Stagg) and the Yamaha on Kijiji although it took some searching and time.They are also available through some music stores including Long and McQuade.They are expensive(overpriced according to many people) but I was lucky and found a used one.Happy hunting.
 
#7
Fantastic, thanks for the feedback everyone. The Yamaha seems like it might be a good option as I can try before I buy, Long and McQuade do seem to stock them.

I checked out the MK basses, look good and sound good but not sure I'd find one here and ordering sight unseen is a bit of a scary proposition. Lot's to think about!
 
#8
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I ordered my MK sight unseen, but i love it
 
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#11
I work with an Eminence 4 string EUB. It's pretty functional as a musical instrument. The T shaped endpin is annoying at first, but I got used to it. It still needs to be setup for you as a bassist but once done, it works very well. It's made of plywood, has an acoustic chamber, a bass bar and a sound post and uses a Realist pickup. Basic arco work with it is doable, but uninspiring. It feels different that a typical plywood upright, but again you get used to it, and focus on making music. In an amplified band setting it works very well. It's small, portable and light. Test one out. The purchase prices used to be quite cheaper 8 years ago!

I've heard good things about the Yamaha Silent basses, but have never played one.
 
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#13
madbanjoman said:
I ordered my MK sight unseen, but i love it
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Did you get the standard or ebony fingerboard? Also do you find the tuner placement to be awkward? What made you decide on the Studio vs. the other models? Thanks so much for the feedback, really appreciate it... and this goes for everyone, didn't realize there were so many options for EUBs... this turning into quite the research project!
 
#14
NTdot said:
Did you get the standard or ebony fingerboard? Also do you find the tuner placement to be awkward? What made you decide on the Studio vs. the other models? Thanks so much for the feedback, really appreciate it... and this goes for everyone, didn't realize there were so many options for EUBs... this turning into quite the research project!
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I got the standard. The tuner placement is little awkward to tune but nice for loading into the car. My stagg somehow got a tuner damaged probably from loading it in and out of the car. I went with the Studio mainly for price. The bag it comes with is really nice and I take and use the stand. It nice not having to lean it or lay it down.
 
#16
If you email MK, he usually sends a price list in euros. Mine with shipping was around $1,800 USD. So it vary depending on the exchange rate. He takes about a month to build it and it takes a week or to for shipping. He packs the bass very well and sends pics of your bass before shipping. My bass is unique as I have a right handed strung bass with left handed wings. I noticed this detail had gone missed in the pics and he quickly built new wings and sent new pics.
 
#17
madbanjoman said:
If you email MK, he usually sends a price list in euros. Mine with shipping was around $1,800 USD. So it vary depending on the exchange rate. He takes about a month to build it and it takes a week or to for shipping. He packs the bass very well and sends pics of your bass before shipping. My bass is unique as I have a right handed strung bass with left handed wings. I noticed this detail had gone missed in the pics and he quickly built new wings and sent new pics.
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That is much more reasonable than I expected. Now I want one!
 
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#18
Up and Away said:
What is the cost of the Studio including bag,stand and shipping?
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madbanjoman said:
If you email MK, he usually sends a price list in euros. Mine with shipping was...
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Yes I would recommend emailing MK, I sent them a number of questions including asking for quotes on all their models, heard back within 2 days. The prices I was quoted ranged from ~1700 to ~2700 EUR with shipping. I am seriously considering ordering 1 of their models as even with the forever crappy Canadian dollar exchange rate the price of these is much more reasonable than say a new Yamaha SLB 200, which with tax would run me around $5.5k Canadian, which is getting into the rather uncomfortable price range for me.
 
#19
I was lucky when I got my Yamaha SLB200,I found it in a Hock Shop ad on Kijiji and grabbed it fast at $1600(Canadian).It was in mint condition and came with a cheap but usable bow.That was about a year and a half ago and I have played it almost every day since then and used it on many gigs.You might get a similar deal somewhere(ebay?) but the MK looks and sounds good for the price.The drawback is that you can't try it before you order it.Happy hunting!
Maybe a "wanted" ad in the classifieds on here?
 

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