Double Bass Kolstein Travel Bass

[Sam Sherry]

So a question for the intelligencia

@Francois Blais . . . Francois Blais to the Strings Desk please . . .

... after changing over to my older set of Weichs, the G string still feels like it’s got a tremendous amount of tension. Very uncomfortable to play in half position. The D string is half as bad. The A & E are ok.

IME the biggest factor in 'half-position' tension is a properly-cut nut. How's yours?

I guess I could try a lighter gauge Spiro on the G, but what’s left ... a Solo? I could try swapping out the G & D with some Obligatos I still have, but last time I tried them, they felt like they were rollin’....

FWIW, here is The Big String Tension Chart. It's going to be helpful for comparing brands and gauges but it does not show data for solo-tuned-down. As you see, Spiro Weich G pulls 60.6 lbs, Spiro Mittel G pulls 67.2 lbs and Spiro Solo A tuned to A pulls 70.5 lbs.

I have purposely avoided the string rabbit-hole. They all play out of tune on my bass.

 

[Jason Hollar]

Thanks Sam - I wonder if the nut was originally cut for larger, synthetic strings.

 

[shwashwa]

Thanks Sam - I wonder if the nut was originally cut for larger, synthetic strings.

Shouldn't matter, they might be wider but they wouldn't be any higher or lower

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

IME the biggest factor in 'half-position' tension is a properly-cut nut. How's yours?

Agree 100%.

I have purposely avoided the string rabbit-hole. They all play out of tune on my bass.

Amen to that!

 

[Jason Hollar]

If the sound post was too tight - could that cause the G to feel like it has way more tension?

Just swapped over to an Obli G - there’s a little improvement but the G still feels very tight compared with the others.

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

What is the height of each string? It might be useful to compare it to the height of the strings on your regular bass, which presumably your body is accustomed to.

 

[Jason Hollar]

I have the height up a bit on the Busetto to try and get a little more acoustic punch. However it’s like a tight G all over and not very pleasant half position.

I just scored a checkup at Shanks Friday ... I’ll report back any news.

 

[Jason Hollar]

So here’s the Busetto from straight on and a slight angle. I think there’s a little room for improvement on the nut a fingerboard Under half & 1st. Pos.

 

[Jason Hollar]

Here’s a double shot of my Upton. The nut and fingerboard seem much more flush and it plays like butta. Note the fingerboard edges appear rounded and much less wide than the Busetto ... so much more comfortable for my hand.

 

[Jason Hollar]

AHMS. Got a proper nut job and attitude adjustment. That and some fingerboard planing & edge remediation. Plays great - the older Weichs feel and sound perfect - saved from the dreaded “new string rabbit hole” - this time anyway.

 

[shwashwa]

evidence of how sometimes wearing a mask encourages face touching

 

[Eric Hochberg]

So I'm borrowing a Kolstein Travel Bass from one of our esteemed members on TB while I'm in his city for a while. My only experience with one before was sitting in on a gig, which wasn't too successful as I couldn't keep it from twisting when seated on a stool. Now that I've been working with it a little, I have to say I'm really digging it!

Now I understand @flatback 's love for his Spada from a size perspective although I realize his Spada is not as compact as the Kolstein. It's got good acoustic sound and feels ok to play in a regular chair (although a bit too low for me) or really good standing. The arco sound is kind of choked (maybe a post adjustment?) but pizz speaks well. Feels like a real bass. Only downside for me is the Db neck, but not a deal breaker. With the removable neck, seems like a great option.

 

[flatback]

Yeah I liked the Kolstein, but the Spada is a different instrument....much less a travel bass and more a fully realized bass in a smaller body (6in ribs and carved for maximum resonance and projection). I know I sound like a used car salesman about it but I do Love the bass. Right now I have an Anima G and Perps DAE and it sounds fantastic and is so easy to play. I have been doing some gigs lately on big open California restaurant decks, that seem somehow to attract bass players who all have the same reaction. WOW.
I guess you are playing Chris's bass? What strings does he have on there?

 

[Eric Hochberg]

I guess you are playing Chris's bass? What strings does he have on there?

Spiro Solo in 5ths. I tuned down the A, left the D and put on Zyex Light A and E.

 

[flatback]

Andrea Spada and @Kristian both are into 5ths tuning and play very well..Kristian I think takes advantage of a shorter string length to make 5ths tuning really intuitive and accessible in a way that inspires different flights. These smaller basses can both fool the ear into sounding much bigger (to a pretty convincing point with the right strings and setup) and also get you technically into much different sonic territory if just for the ergonomic advantage.If you are an improvisor, the ease of movement just flat out encourages you to play with a more daring rhythmic, harmonic and melodic ear.

 

[Kristian]

Andrea Spada and @Kristian both are into 5ths tuning and play very well..Kristian I think takes advantage of a shorter string length to make 5ths tuning really intuitive and accessible in a way that inspires different flights. These smaller basses can both fool the ear into sounding much bigger (to a pretty convincing point with the right strings and setup) and also get you technically into much different sonic territory if just for the ergonomic advantage.If you are an improvisor, the ease of movement just flat out encourages you to play with a more daring rhythmic, harmonic and melodic ear.

Yeah, I’m using a 90cm string length but it’s mostly because my high e string sounds better at that length. My Spada bass is not ready yet but people are giving me compliments for my sound on my little Turkish bass. I bring my bass to jam sessions all the time and it cuts through a lot better than the normal sized basses.
Can’t wait to get my Spada though, that will take it to another level I’m sure!

 

[Chris Symer]

S
The arco sound is kind of choked (maybe a post adjustment?) but pizz speaks well. Feels like a real bass.

Hey Eric, feel free to knock the post around if you want to. I mess with it myself for various reasons and won’t be bent out of shape if it is moved..... glad you are enjoying playing it!

 

[Eric Hochberg]

Beyond my abilities, Chris, but thanks, and thanks again!

 

[smoke&wine]

Hi!Does anyone have a soft case for the Kolstein Busetto Travel for sale?

 

[smoke&wine]

I would also like to inform you that I have opened a Facebook group about the Kolstein busetto travel. (KOLSTEIN BUSETTO TRAVEL FANS)