• 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 MK EUB Megathread

#43
Can anyone comment on playing a 4-string Classic passive? It's the bass described on this page:
Mod.Classic - Contrabbassi Elettrici MK

particolare2classic.jpg
 
#44
I have been shedding with the Yamahiko and the Lifeline with my MK Studio fly.

I like the lifeline the best. It sounds rounder compered to Yamahiko. Yamahiko sounds kind of stiff to me.
Love to hear what you guys think about it.





 
#45
I am still considering an Mk bass but am a bit nervous with all discussion of the gear used between the bass and the amp. I am hoping to keep it simple. I now use and Acoustic Image direct from my 7/8th bass in small venues. Sometimes I use the Ai as a stage monitor when going through the house. Other times I use my Fishman pre-amp then go to the system. How much more complicated would I have to get to produce as good a DB sound? Would like to keep it simple. And, you guys are the ones who know.....thanks
 
#47
Francois Blais said:
What's the reason behind getting an EUB, if I may ask?
Click to expand...
Good question.....At the age of 84 I am thinking of making things easier, I love playing upright thus my main instrument is the 7/8ths Upton. I seem to be going to practice with various bands several times a week and wanted something easier to lug around. Didn't much like the Stienberger basses, between the sound and feel just didn't work for me. Had and Eminence for a few years and that was a good trae off. Always felt it was too fragile. But, sorry I sold it now. Got a Chech-ease from David Gage two years ago and that has pretty much fit the bill for ease of transport. So thinking of expanding to the Mk. From what I hear and see it seems a good step. My passion is jazz but mostly work American, folk and cover bands. Not much jazz where I live.
 
#49
And the solid body instruments are often more heavy than one thinks.

My Clevinger keyhole EUB (converted to a 5-string) is not pleasant to have it on the shoulder and also a bit heavy for one hand after 100 m.
The Stagg EUB is a bit better but the bag is weak on the bottom so better carry it horizontally. It also needs a lot of modifications and I would be only grab one with a rosewood fingerboard.
The reduced room volume make EUBs easier to handle, but the weight is not that much different.

My rather heavy 4/4 5-string is nicer as long as I can push it around on wheels and avoid stairs. But I’m about two decades younger than you.

For the preamp question: it depends a bit on the pickup used. To get closer to a sound of a acoustic DB a Tone Dexter (trained by your acoustic DB with the same type of pickup as your EUB) might be best or an effect unit that can load impulse responses loaded with a DB impulse response.
An impedance buffer in front of both might help but it might work without with only minor tradeoffs.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Peregrinator
#50
N. Kentucky Bass said:
Can anyone comment on playing a 4-string Classic passive? It's the bass described on this page:
Mod.Classic - Contrabbassi Elettrici MK

particolare2classic.jpg
Click to expand...
Hi. I only have the jazz fly (the fly option is now discontinued) 5 string so not the one you mention but I can say it is very well built (although not machine-made like a Yamaha, eg the holes bored for the strings are not 100% smooth), with strong yet resonant wood.

Even more impressive since I have the 5 string version: all strings sound strong, even the low B.

And the owner of the workshop, Mirko, is absolutely brilliant in all respects. He is super responsive, gives you build options, and he broadly sticks to his production and delivery timeline, even during a busy period. A consummate professional.

The shoulders are slightly too deep for me, but it’s probably because I originally learned on a fairly shallow DB.

Plugged in, with a proper amp, only a seasoned ear would hear the difference vs an acoustic DB. Even with the mini Vox earphone practice amp, it sounds pleasant.

However, I recommend you pay extra for the ebony fingerboard (if not already included in the classic). Pearwood does the job but ebony just gives me that extra feel of solidity when I play, both arco and pizzicato.

Pro musicians from continental Europe use all three models (studio (up?), jazz and classic):

Facebook

www.facebook.com www.facebook.com

For the price, those DBs (+ the outstanding service) are very well worth it.

I bought the jazz because I wanted a fairly silent instrument to practice at night, together with the flexibility of a removable neck (the fly option, now not option anymore but a standalone model). If I didn’t have those requirements, I’d have almost certainly bought a classic.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: ztan and N. Kentucky Bass
#51
Francois Blais said:
If the Czech-Ease fits the bill, I'd stay with that, but it's just me.
Furthermore it certainly looks more like a DB than a MK, and has probably more acoustic character in its tone, given the bigger acoustic body.
But then again, that's just me! :)
Click to expand...
Good advice for sure but I am guilty of always lookin at other stuff. The Czech-Ease is pretty amazing even in an acoustic environment. Nice strong boxy sound. I use Perpetuals on E, A, D and an Olive on G. I run it through an Acoustic Image head and Gensler cab and it is great. I have seen a couple of jazz MK's but am way to nervous to buy over the internet without a hands on try.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Francois Blais
#52
Peregrinator said:
Good advice for sure but I am guilty of always lookin at other stuff. The Czech-Ease is pretty amazing even in an acoustic environment. Nice strong boxy sound. I use Perpetuals on E, A, D and an Olive on G. I run it through an Acoustic Image head and Gensler cab and it is great. I have seen a couple of jazz MK's but am way to nervous to buy over the internet without a hands on try.
Click to expand...
Your desire to try before you buy is fair, and you only have the word of strangers on the Internet to trust here, for a purchase likely to be North of USD 5000 thanks to the Trump tariffs.

Assuming you haven’t bought an EUB yet, what makes you think about MK basses over other makes?

Have you also checked out the various videos on the MK bass website?
 
#53
Mr JJB said:
Your desire to try before you buy is fair, and you only have the word of strangers on the Internet to trust here, for a purchase likely to be North of USD 5000 thanks to the Trump tariffs.

Assuming you haven’t bought an EUB yet, what makes you think about MK basses over other makes?

Have you also checked out the various videos on the MK bass website?
Click to expand...
Mr JJB, I thank you for your post and, should say here all the posts in this thread. The shared experience and suggestions go a long way to comfort one when making a decision such as this. I have had a chance recently to play the Yamaha 200 quite a bit. Other than my earlier experience with the NS and the Eminence it came the closest to the feel I was looking for. I have listened to all the videos Mirko has posted and will later put the audios from this thread through my studio speaker. However, for me there is something in a craft made instrument that really appeals. I have found a used Jazz and am going to purchase it. Will report on it. Again, a huge thanks to everyone on this thread!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mr JJB and utzb
#54
Peregrinator said:
Mr JJB, I thank you for your post and, should say here all the posts in this thread. The shared experience and suggestions go a long way to comfort one when making a decision such as this. I have had a chance recently to play the Yamaha 200 quite a bit. Other than my earlier experience with the NS and the Eminence it came the closest to the feel I was looking for. I have listened to all the videos Mirko has posted and will later put the audios from this thread through my studio speaker. However, for me there is something in a craft made instrument that really appeals. I have found a used Jazz and am going to purchase it. Will report on it. Again, a huge thanks to everyone on this thread!
Click to expand...
Assuming it’s in a good state of repair (and a good price of course), that sounds like a reasonable choice. IF the fingerboard is pearwood and not ebony, don’t freak out if you see discolouration: I believe it was done on all pearwood fingerboards (unless explicitly requested otherwise) to make it look like ebony. The quality isn’t affected. Best wishes with your new instruments!
 
#56
Peregrinator said:
Thanks again, a four hour drive to meet, check it out and head back up to the blueberry fields.i
Click to expand...
If not considered already, remember to:
- test the pickup (bring your own amp and cable if you can, to be on the safe side if there are none at the seller’s place).
- bring your bow (if relevant to you) and rosin, to test both arco and pizzicato.
- test the bag / case.
- check if the shoulders can still be dismantled easily.
Good luck!
 
#57
The Jazz is home and I am really liking it. Had my luthier and good friend reshape the finger board so I could match the action of my upright, took off the Helicores and traded them for a set of E P lites. Will read this thread again as I cannot remember if anybody has ever put an Olive G on one. So far so good. Playing it through y Acoustic Image.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ollbass
#58
Am more than happy with my MK Jazz! Had my luthier reshape the fingerboard and bridge. Previous owner had had some work done but I was unable to get the 5-8 spread on the strings. Not a problem now. Traded the Helicores for a set of Evah lites. They aren't new and I am not so happy with the G. Going to try something different. Thus the question for folks out there: for the G, Spiro, Zyex or Olive? Love to hear any ideas or experience.
 
#59
Peregrinator said:
Am more than happy with my MK Jazz! Had my luthier reshape the fingerboard and bridge. Previous owner had had some work done but I was unable to get the 5-8 spread on the strings. Not a problem now. Traded the Helicores for a set of Evah lites. They aren't new and I am not so happy with the G. Going to try something different. Thus the question for folks out there: for the G, Spiro, Zyex or Olive? Love to hear any ideas or experience.
Click to expand...
Zyex light or medium G and D. I use a weich Spiro A and mittel Spiro E. I use the light Zyex. For real. People love them or hate them. The first 2 weeks of break in are pretty banjo-like, but all of a sudden...BAM. They sound very gut-like when broken in. The top bassist in Houston swears by them.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Peregrinator
#60
Just joining in here. I'm really enjoying my MK StudioP. It's surprised me how close to an amplified acoustic I can make it sound.

I'll be using it at a gig for the first time this weekend (because I have to use public transport), and out of curiosity I wondered how my normal Underwood pick up would sound compared to the built in piezo. I'm familiar with shaping its tone, and comfortable that I can dial it in on pretty much any stage ... so I did a quick and dirty AB test. I think the results are pretty impressive. There's a subtle difference in character, but not huge - easily levelled out using EQ anyway. I never expected that an EUB would so easily give me a faithful reproduction of amplified acoustic tone, especially for rootsy music and slap ... but here it is.

On Saturday I'll start out with the Underwood, so I know I'm in my comfort zone. But I'll be interested to hear the built-in piezo in comparison - I'm pretty sure it'll give me totally usable live tone.

 
  • Like
Reactions: ollbass, LaFaro01 and marcox

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back