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Double Bass Kolstein Travel Bass

peterpalmieri

peterpalmieri

Supporting Member
Apr 19, 2005
7,887
5,602
Babylon, NY
#1
I mentioned it last week in another thread but I just picked up a Kolstein travel bass. I don't do fly out gigs just wanted something that was convenient to cart around. The gigs I am playing these days are mostly in small restaurants where space is at a premium.

Over the years I've owned a NS CRM4 and CRM5, was never satisfied with those basses. I've had the opportunity to play an eminence on a few occasions and it was ok, but never really cut the mustard and made me feel like I was playing a real DB.

This Kolstein bass is really great, the ergonomics are nice the small shoulders are a non issue for holding the bass to play pizz and even seated arco is manageable. Although I only practice with the bow and don't use it on gigs. I wish I could say it provides 100% of what a full sized (3/4) carved bass does tonally but it doesn't, it surely comes pretty close and I am very happy to be playing this bass.

Amplified in the quartet it really sounds great and the lack of low end from a big bass is not so apparent. Pulled some quick sound bites doing some sight reading with a vocalist last week and I'm very happy with the results, even with some intonation issues on the smaller scale bass.

I will not be selling my fully carved bass and when the occasion allows I will use it for gigs but I think the new bass will make most of my gigs and rehearsals where I need an amplified DB.
 
#2
I just played my teachers Kolstein again this weekend and he hooked it up to the amp. Pretty amazing the lows you can get from it for being so thin. I'm thinking about buying it from him as a serious practice instrument (tired of the Silent Bass).
 
#5
After playing this new bass for a week or so, going back to a full size bass is strange it feels huge. I can see that being a bit of an issue going back and forth regularly. Nothing 30 minutes of warming up won't fix though.

I am just starting to get a good feel for the bass. Not 100% happy with the Kolstein strings, a bit to much growl on the lower strings. Nice and clear on the D& G but not enough bottom end. I threw on a Eudoxa E and A and much less growl and a nice low end thud but actually to much they may be choking the bass a bit too. I am very happy with Belcantos on my full size bass and will most likely order a set for the travel bass.
 
#8
It doesn't seem to be an issue for me. Mostly I am playing the bass sitting down and that obviously eliminates the issue. But even standing up I've adjusted my position a bit. Moving in a bit and having the rear edge of the upper bout in my gut. It moves the strings closer to my body but I've adjusted well. Just finding the right balance where the bass lays without your hands on it, creating a tripod with your feet and the end pin (as I've been taught). The bass is also in a more vertical position rather then being tilted back as you would in a full size bass (3/4).

I'd guess if I was bowing while standing it may take more of an adjustment period. With that being said Barries original design had an extension that screwed into the bout but players didn't find it necessary and he eliminated it from the new design. The new design is deeper then the original, so if you played the older model it might have felt different.

Moving the bass closer to my body seems to create less fatigue my left hand instead of being 16" from my ear is now around 12", same for the right hand. One of my bad habits has always been that my right hand rides up and my arm weight suffers over the course of long practicing or a gig. Being that the bass is shorter and closer to my body this has pretty much disappeared.

It's taking time adjusting my technique to create the sound I want out of the bass, since there is not that full low end I also am adjusting my amp a bit and of course the smaller string length I have to work on my intonation even more. With all those things in play the bass spinning is a non event.

The last thing I'd add is while sitting with a full size bass the back would either lay on my inner thigh if my foot is on a rung of the stool (being lazy) or balance freely if both feet are on the floor. With this smaller bass I have a bit more of my knee behind it with a foot on the rung of the stool, it still balances freely with both feet on the floor. Since I am not as concerned with acoustic projection of the smaller bass I don't worry so much about muting the sound of the instrument by having the back leaning on my leg.
 
#10
My issue now is that with the standard Kolstein strings and the shorter length the strings sound a bit floppy. The Eudoxa E and A seem to have a bit to much tension, I need to find a happy medium, while I know I really like Belcantos I am concerned they will be a bit loose given the shorter length. I do see Obligatos and Spirocores are available in 1/2 size and one of those may be the ticket.

Hoping for a bit of advice.
 
#12
I am really enjoying the bass. Haven't used my full size bass for rehearsals or gigs since I got it. I changed the E and A over to eudoxa and they've settled in nicely.

Playing all amplified gigs, jazz, pop, American song book type stuff and everyone sees and hears it as just a smaller DB.

I have a few audio files from rehearsals I'd be willing to email if you pm you email to me.

Pete
 
#17
Instead of starting a new thread I thought I'd revive this. I am getting to the point where I need to consider a string change. Should I look at 1/2 size strings or stick with 3/4?

Any thoughts of strings that have worked for others? 1/2 size limits the playing field significantly. But haven't seemed to have an issue with normal 3/4.
 
#19
Here is my take on it.

This is a double bass in every way. If you are considering it against a EUB there is no question it is the real deal. It does not have a huge acoustic tone so if you are looking to play without an amp at a gig or in an orchestra setting it doesn't work well.

If you are however considering it vs a tradition full size (3/4) bass that is a different story.

Let me know if I can answer any questions.
 
#20
Hi I am new to the forum, I just picked up a 1971 Samuel Kolstein 3/4 upright solid carved top bass. It is a 1 owner bass with the original receipt from the Kolstein shop back in June of 71'. It has a DELUXE gig bag that looks new and a German bow that shows age-use. The bass is spotless with NO repairs, breaks, cracks. An amazing bass. I play a 59' Fender P bass and am in my prime at 65 years old. I am trying to figure out the model as the Kolstein label inside just says Feb-1971 with a signature. I also have the original receipt from the Kolstein shop that is dated June 71' and stamped paid in full. I am just trying to get some feedback on this era bass as all the ones I see for sale have model#s or model names and are much newer. Thanks in advance for your input, regards Gordy Lupo Gordy's Music
 

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