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Double Bass Most Authentic/Acoustic-Sounding EUB

#23
LaFaro01 said:
I have no "real experience" with NS Basses but checking them out a few times and in my memory they sounded more like "fretless bass guitars"...if you want to achieve an sound like an db with a piezo as Esteban Garcia mentioned before, it might work... but I would miss "some details" like the settling behaviour of a hollow body, the sustain development and so on... I think, that you have to build an instrument with key elements of a double bass like a bass bar to come close(r) to these "sound-details" .. For me, the moment of truth strikes (also) with this type of instruments when playing arco... and regarding this I never checked out an EUB closer to an "real DB" than the mentioned Semi....
but there might be some other EUB's in the world, I've never seen or heard, which work really fantastic...:)
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If you keep the action on an NS low and use the stock strings they are more fret less sounding, if you raise the action and change strings they can be more db like
 
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#24
I play an Upton Double Bass, a Yamaha SLB300, an NS NXT, and an NS WAV. I play straight into one my combo amps; I have PJBs and Traynors. None of the electrics sound quite like a double bass; it's hoopla and a sales pitch. I suppose if I really wanted to split hairs and contribute to your question, the Yamaha sounds "more like a double bass;" but I make that statement with not much conviction. What the Yamaha has that the NS doesn't, is the mimicking of the shoulders and neck heel of the double bass. So the playability is a bit more like playing a double bass. But even that only matters up past tuning position and into thumb position. As I spend 99% of the gig in first position anyway, that's not a big deal to me. The NS is much friendlier to travel with. I'm concerned, albeit so far unfounded, that the assembling and disassembling of the SLB may eventually lead to a mechanical failure of the bolts. The preamp of the SLB has a slight hiss - very slight and probably not noticeable to most people but I notice - so I don't use it, but that's OK because I like the sound straight up, I don't need the mic modeling. I'd say get what you can afford and enjoy playing. This is all my two cents and my opinion, of course.
 
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#26
Michael F Clef said:
I play an Upton Double Bass, a Yamaha SLB300, an NS NXT, and an NS WAV. I play straight into one my combo amps; I have PJBs and Traynors. None of the electrics sound quite like a double bass; it's hoopla and a sales pitch. I suppose if I really wanted to split hairs and contribute to your question, the Yamaha sounds "more like a double bass;" but I make that statement with not much conviction. What the Yamaha has that the NS doesn't, is the mimicking of the shoulders and neck heel of the double bass. So the playability is a bit more like playing a double bass. But even that only matters up past tuning position and into thumb position. As I spend 99% of the gig in first position anyway, that's not a big deal to me. The NS is much friendlier to travel with. I'm concerned, albeit so far unfounded, that the assembling and disassembling of the SLB may eventually lead to a mechanical failure of the bolts. The preamp of the SLB has a slight hiss - very slight and probably not noticeable to most people but I notice - so I don't use it, but that's OK because I like the sound straight up, I don't need the mic modeling. I'd say get what you can afford and enjoy playing. This is all my two cents and my opinion, of course.
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I've assembled and disassembled mine twice per week for about 3 years. Probably more if you add in rehearsals. No issues with the bolts.
 
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#27
sumeursault said:
They do sound good. Still wonder if the SB300 is a better bang for buck though.
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I’m a very big fan. They have 3 models + the newer fly one (detachable neck).

I suspect the hollow-bodied “classic” would beat an SLB300 pro. The new fly is hollow-bodied too and might also beat the SLB300 pro.

Saying that, I have a “jazz” (with fly, but not provided as an option anymore), 5 strings. It is very well built, lovely wood, with a solid sound - even for my low B string. Only a very seasoned ear would hear the difference.

It’s passive unlike a Yamaha or NS Design NXTa, so you’ll need a good preamp.

Some very small details show it is hand built vs machine-made, which has its pros and cons.

The owner, Mirko, is fantastic.

And my travel bag, albeit partially hand-stitched (pros and cons too) is very well made and sturdy - Mirko does flight cases too though.

Pros use all three main models:

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I think the jazz (and maybe the classic?) is clearly better value than the SLB300 (pro too?). And mirko can do minor customisations for you as it’s built to order (but it’s quite quick, 1-3 months + delivery depending on the season / business).
 
#29
Mr JJB said:
I think the jazz (and maybe the classic?) is clearly better value than the SLB300 (pro too?). And mirko can do minor customisations for you as it’s built to order (but it’s quite quick, 1-3 months + delivery depending on the season / business).
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Unfortunately we now have to factor in import tariffs to the cost as well...
 
#31
Mr JJB said:
I think the jazz (and maybe the classic?) is clearly better value than the SLB300 (pro too?). And mirko can do minor customisations for you as it’s built to order (but it’s quite quick, 1-3 months + delivery depending on the season / business).
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Interesting observation. So you have either owned, or played extensively the SLB300? I've been interested in the MK products, but have no first hand experience with any model, so couldn't make a comparison. Is your opinion based on cost, performance, or something else?
 
#32
True. But so do the imports of the Yamahas unless you are in Japan (as reflected in the jump in retail prices). So unless you are buying from a manufacturer based in your country, everyone is affected.
 
#33
BobKay said:
Interesting observation. So you have either owned, or played extensively the SLB300? I've been interested in the MK products, but have no first hand experience with any model, so couldn't make a comparison. Is your opinion based on cost, performance, or something else?
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I only had a go at a Yamaha shop display model, arco and pizzicato. So not “extensive”.

I explained my reasons for my view re: MK Basses earlier within that same post.
« It is very well built, lovely wood, with a solid sound - even for my low B string. Only a very seasoned ear would hear the difference.

It’s passive unlike a Yamaha or NS Design NXTa, so you’ll need a good preamp.

Some very small details show it is hand built vs machine-made, which has its pros and cons.

The owner, Mirko, is fantastic. »
 
#35
BobKay said:
OK. Your "clearly better value" conclusion is based on your satisfaction with what you bought. That's fair, but probably doesn't support such a sweeping generalization. Glad you enjoy your MK.
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Again, I said I compared both basses, albeit a smaller amount of time testing the Yamaha. Mine was about USD400 cheaper at the time I bought it (with bells and whistles (incl removable neck) and minor customisation) vs an SLB300.
That’s better value: I don’t know what other criteria you need?…
(Maybe I should have spelt out the price difference at the outset.)
 
#36
I like my Dupont Volante bass (shoutout to Mike Arnopol!). The attack delay sustain release is closest to an
amplified db and it breaks down into a golf club carrier. The price has doubled since I got mine and tariffs
probably increase it more but it's worth checking out.
 
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#37
I
lurk said:
I'm not sure if they count as an EUB, but those Kolstein busetto basses sound pretty great.
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I would agree with that since I play one.all the time. I purchased mine in 2018. Since that time they have redesigned them with a few new improvements.
Mine goes out with me on about 70% of all my performances, It gets lots of complements. There is one for sale here in the TB Double Bass Classifieds.
Whether or not you’ll be able to get a new one in the future from Kolstein’s is unclear.
IMG_0175.jpeg
 
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#38
There was a guy here just a few months ago that demoed an electric upright that sounded pretty good. It wasn’t a brand I was familiar with. Maybe someone here remembers that post. The biggest issue with electrics for me is the arco sound. I’ve heard nothing that sounds like an acoustic bowed bass, something I do a lot.
 
#39

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