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NBD: Custom Stambaugh 30" 5-string

#27
JonathanPDX said:
My new bass, built by Chris Stambaugh, arrived today. I asked for a lot of unusual features and he delivered 100%. It's definitely one-of-a-kind and I'm thrilled with how it turned out.

Specs
30" scale, 24 frets
Tuned EADGC (with a D-tuner to put the lowest string to D)
Aero pickups
Ghost piezo saddles
Pope Flexcore Preamp
Bartolini buffer on the piezo

Controls
Volume (push/pull active/passive control)
Blend
Stacked treble/bass
Stacked low mid/high mid
Top two switches are 3-way toggles for each pickup, allowing it to run in series, parallel, or single coil.
Passive tone knob
Piezo volume knob
3-way switch for magnetic / magnetic+piezo / piezo-only output

First Impressions
The 30" scale feels fantastic. Having both arthritis and tendon damage I just can't stretch my left hand like I used to. It's so much easier to grab chords and make big stretches, I think it will be a lot easier on my hands.

There are so many possible tones to pull out of this instrument I don't even know where to begin. Running the magnetic pickups with some low end boost and a slight tone roll-off sounds fat and thumpy, though the bass has a natural upper mid tone that wants to cut and bite. However, the piezo buffer keeps it from becoming overly shrill or unmusical.

It's going to take a lot of time to figure out how to best utilize the controls and what settings are best for different situations. There's a lot of subtle depth, especially in the pickup toggles. I can't even guess what my go-to starting settings will be, there's just too much to explore!

As for the looks, the photos speak for themselves. This thing is just gorgeous. There's incredible detail at every level, from the figuring in the flamed maple within the neck inlay to the classy binding around the headstock. I asked for a bass that would turn heads and get attention. I think this will do just that.

Chris is a great guy, easy to work with, and after building two basses for me (14 years apart) I'd absolutely call him again if I ever need another instrument made. He's a true artist.

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Incredible!!! Congratulations!!!
 
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#31
JonathanPDX said:
My new bass, built by Chris Stambaugh, arrived today. I asked for a lot of unusual features and he delivered 100%. It's definitely one-of-a-kind and I'm thrilled with how it turned out.

Specs
30" scale, 24 frets
Tuned EADGC (with a D-tuner to put the lowest string to D)
Aero pickups
Ghost piezo saddles
Pope Flexcore Preamp
Bartolini buffer on the piezo

Controls
Volume (push/pull active/passive control)
Blend
Stacked treble/bass
Stacked low mid/high mid
Top two switches are 3-way toggles for each pickup, allowing it to run in series, parallel, or single coil.
Passive tone knob
Piezo volume knob
3-way switch for magnetic / magnetic+piezo / piezo-only output

First Impressions
The 30" scale feels fantastic. Having both arthritis and tendon damage I just can't stretch my left hand like I used to. It's so much easier to grab chords and make big stretches, I think it will be a lot easier on my hands.

There are so many possible tones to pull out of this instrument I don't even know where to begin. Running the magnetic pickups with some low end boost and a slight tone roll-off sounds fat and thumpy, though the bass has a natural upper mid tone that wants to cut and bite. However, the piezo buffer keeps it from becoming overly shrill or unmusical.

It's going to take a lot of time to figure out how to best utilize the controls and what settings are best for different situations. There's a lot of subtle depth, especially in the pickup toggles. I can't even guess what my go-to starting settings will be, there's just too much to explore!

As for the looks, the photos speak for themselves. This thing is just gorgeous. There's incredible detail at every level, from the figuring in the flamed maple within the neck inlay to the classy binding around the headstock. I asked for a bass that would turn heads and get attention. I think this will do just that.

Chris is a great guy, easy to work with, and after building two basses for me (14 years apart) I'd absolutely call him again if I ever need another instrument made. He's a true artist.

View attachment 4788130 View attachment 4788131 View attachment 4788132 View attachment 4788133 View attachment 4788134 View attachment 4788135
Click to expand...
Boy Howdy, that's a Beaut! Enjoy it in good health.
 
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#32
I am a luthier and really appreciate the work involved to create this type bass. I've done it and know what it takes. The priority is, of course, sound and function. After that, it's all aesthetics.

I have contemplated this many times in the past. An instrument is pure art. You have the art of woodworking and other trades (mechanics, electronics etc). You have the tasteful art of aesthetics (combining all into a visually artful form). You have the end sound and function you want to create which is an art in itself. But then you have the player and the music created through the instrument that continues to be art.

I don't mean to ramble but this is, and will continue to show, many layers of art and expression. Congrats to all.

Heal well and be sure to send clips once you tame this beast.
 
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