• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Double Bass Kai Arvi 41"

Contranash

Contranash

Jun 28, 2011
133
84
Milwaukee, WI
#1
Hello All,

I'm on the hunt for a fine bass in the 20k range, and Arvi's name has come up time and time again. I've played a few of his instruments, and I've been more than satisfied with what I've found...except the string length. Now I know this might be a bit picky, but I'm not a terribly big guy, and 42" is just about the upper limit of what I can play on comfortably...but it still feels like a bit of a stretch. On his website, under specs, he mentions that he makes a 41" model as well, but all the instruments I've played of his have been 42.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience playing a 41" Arvi?
 
#3
I think, probably imperceptible.

All other things equal, a longer string length is generally better for tone, but all other things are never equal!

The main difference will be in how the bass feels to play; all other things being equal, the string tension will be very slightly lower. This may affect the way you approach playing the bass, but IMO if it's less of a struggle to play, the chances of you getting the best tone out of the instrument are higher.
 
#5
I recently played a 40.25" string length bass (suppose to be a Mirecourt) that was great. It was a fairly small bodied bass as well but very open and deep sounding. If not for the fact that I didn't have 20k on me at the time, it would be sitting in my studio.
I traded my 42" Shen 7/8ths for a 41.5 Shen 3/4 and it does seem easier to get around and it is more open sounding too.
 
#6
I'm not a tall guy, but I mostly don't find the string length on my Arvi (about 42") to be a major problem. My teachers have never mentioned the size of the instrument as a factor in my playing, either. If anything, I might actually tend to err by stretching my hands a little too much sometimes. I think your best bet is to focus on how the bass sounds and feels under your hands, and try your best to ignore metrics that are easier to compare. It's so easy to get caught up in measurements that are so black and white on paper, but in the end don't really contribute much to the music.

ps, Good Luck!
 
#7
I can't agree more, mgt. I played another Arvi today at the Gage shop and I was quite satisfied with the tone, evenness, response, and---surprisingly enough!--- feel and playability. Left hand was a little wider than usual, but nothing uncomfortable. I've played 4 Arvi's so far, and this seems to be the most promising yet. It's brand new, 2011, so I can feel how much it needs to open up, but that full, robust, dense sound is still there. Arvi #138 is definitely a contender for the bass hunt this summer, 42" string length and all!
 
#8
jack hill in NJ (he's a member here and also has a website) had a particularly nice arvi at his house for sale. if i remember correctly it was not a 42" string length. im not 100% sure, but i think it was 41.5 or 41. might be worth looking into. either way, it was a great bass
 
#11
I have seen and played a few Arvi's and my main concern is the finishing work. I think the underlying sanding could be better as well as the varnish. Volker Nahrmann at the Nahrmann Bass shop has a really nice Gagnon Roggeri, brand new with a low C extension that sounds amazing with a thundeous low end and a beautiful finish and a 41 1/2 inch measure. He also has several Pollmann basses as well as vintage instruments in the $20K range. I think you have a large choice at this price point and should not limit your selection to the Kai Arvi. The Nahrmann Bass Shop - Home
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back