I have been intrigued and attracted to his designs and hear they are exceptional basses. Any owner feedback on these?
I have two similar Brases - fretted and fretless 5's. They are the most amazing basses I have ever played and with Bass Alone in town I have played almost every high-end bass you can think of! When I started my KL addiction I was SERIOUSLY considering a MTD like Norm Stocktons but after lots of comparison I felt that the Brase was a more versatile bass. I play almost exclusivly fingerstyle but the slap sound is unbelievable- every bit as good as the MTD but more even. Probably the next best thing is the ergonomics of the bass - the neck is wide and thin, which suits my hands and style better than the MTD neck - not by a lot, but noticably. In addition the balance of the bassis almost perfect and the bracing on the neck makes the bass REALLY alive. BTW, I have a hipshot d-tuner on both and the low A rings very clearly. As a woodworker I really appreciate quality work and the only basses that I have seen that are as perfect in woodworking as the Ken Lawrences are Fodera. Ken just takes the time to make it perfect. In addition to the Brases I have a Lakland 55-94 and a F-Bass BN-5 - both see MUCH less playing time than the Brases. If you have specific questions, please let me know. Dan K.
thanks for the feedback- i am looking to add then to the list of luthiers i work with- have spoken to him and we are trying to work something out- he sounds like greta guy and all the feedback i have heard is 100% pro- just looking for s much info as possible and to learn as much as i can- thanks again- peace, Adrian
i had one too. a "Sonority" model. Neck through. Amazing, refined, sweet sound. Un-attached horn, not like a Brase. Exceptional woodworking (my father is a woodworker, and I appreciate fine craftsmanship). Unfortunately, after a job layoff, I had to sell it. If I could think of one gripe, it is that it was a bit on the heavy side, and after a 4 or 5-hour gig, my shoulder and neck were beat. Other than that, can't think of anything but good things to say about Ken's basses and his work as a luthier.
I have a Unity it is just great...I really doubt you will ever hear anything bad said about KL basses. Dan, are Brases NeckThru?
i had a lawrence fretless 6 that absolutely ruled. one of those basses that just had THE vibe. you could tell the ken really puts his soul into these basses.
Actually, they are a set-neck and are glued in. Ken feels that that technique gives the best of the neck-through and bolt-on. I don't know about that, but I DO KNOW that I have never found a bass I like as well as the Brase - even with friends making comments about the "Easy-pour handles." Dan K.
I had a Ken Lawrence 6 string fretless "Bumble Bee" bass, which I was forced to sell. Wish I still had it. Unbelievable bass.
