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I just moved the Ischell over to the 'New Bass' and it sounds great. I have it in position 1 - just below and touching the G side bridge foot. It is really MBOL.
I have the KNA DB-1going to the other channel. It sounds great, also, but not quite so MBOL. It has more up-front 'punch' and great low-end. I may very well mix the two, and probably just use the Ischell for arco.
If I recover from my early afternoon laziness I may do a little video to demonstrate.
Happiness is having gear that works for you.
I have the KNA DB-1going to the other channel. It sounds great, also, but not quite so MBOL. It has more up-front 'punch' and great low-end. I may very well mix the two, and probably just use the Ischell for arco.
If I recover from my early afternoon laziness I may do a little video to demonstrate.
Happiness is having gear that works for you. 
@rickwolff I might agree this Eastman double bass sounds well, but I think it is made in China. No prejudice, but I would rather invest more than £4000 on a 19th century European double bass.
There are several shoppes in Europe that offer you dream choices for a reasonable price.
If I lived on the USA, I would definitely go for an Upton double bass if I were on a kind of budget.
Cheers!
There are several shoppes in Europe that offer you dream choices for a reasonable price.
If I lived on the USA, I would definitely go for an Upton double bass if I were on a kind of budget.
Cheers!
Hi Bruno,
Yes, indeed, this bass is made in China. I'm sure I would also enjoy a nice 19th-century European double bass also, but with this bass, I was looking for something inexpensive while still allowing me to have a fully carved bass rather than a plywood or a hybrid.
I don't know what a nice 19th-century bass would cost - I would guess most start about $10,000. The Upton, which you mention, has many fans but it also starts about $8000 for a flatback and $10,000 for a roundback.
This little bass cost me $900 damaged and another $1000 for an excellent luthier to put it in top shape. At 'only' $2000 invested, I don't fear taking this bass out on any of my gigs and it continues to be a real joy to play.
Yes, indeed, this bass is made in China. I'm sure I would also enjoy a nice 19th-century European double bass also, but with this bass, I was looking for something inexpensive while still allowing me to have a fully carved bass rather than a plywood or a hybrid.
I don't know what a nice 19th-century bass would cost - I would guess most start about $10,000. The Upton, which you mention, has many fans but it also starts about $8000 for a flatback and $10,000 for a roundback.
This little bass cost me $900 damaged and another $1000 for an excellent luthier to put it in top shape. At 'only' $2000 invested, I don't fear taking this bass out on any of my gigs and it continues to be a real joy to play.
That sounds like a good deal. I hear you. A fully carved bass would now be beyond my budget, but it is my dream, as well. I used to be a little prejudiced about plywood backs, even sides. There is a nice marketing video at Upton Utube channel explaining a little about the science behind it. It is a bit similar to what Bob Gallien (GK) has to say about speaker cabinets. They agree the back should be as hard as possible, in order to bounce back the sound, rather than absorbing it. Softer walls lose energy, waves go out of phase, and a lot more rocket science to be discovered
In other words, carved backs, if not thick or hard enough, could compromise the projection. Plus more prone to cracking from a hard life o gigs. I have had the opportunity to compare older hybrids with older fully carved basses, and it was mind blowing how a laminated back could sound well, even when compared so closely, with the advantage of being at the same time, lighter and more sturdy.
So, I have now what my budget allows , which is a post war East German hybrid, with a replaced maple neck, and a low action set up that I like for Jazz. It cost me £3500. Amazing projection, before I lowered the action to 4mm by D on G string ("heel position") which makes me plug the bass always.
Going back to Upton, it is a fully american bass, from tree to sound, made with a lot of American love and care, from the hands of that cool staff. I know I would be very happy with a hybrid with a deluxe top, for example the Upton Bass Bohemian Hybrid Double Bass $4,750. Made in the USA!
Of course, when my budget allows, I will go for a £10000 fully carved 19th century Italian Bass, my dream.
Good chatting with you. Keep playing, you sound really good on any bass. Cheers!
I doubt it unless he posted a picture of the one I sent him for repair. I found it online at a Music-go-round in Boston. It had fallen over and been damaged. I sent it up to Volker Nahrmann to repair and he did a great job.
Nice bass, Volker Nahrmann is a legend to me, as he published “The Music Of Oscar Pettiford” (80 Bass Solos) a invaluable set of transcriptions of Oscar’s solos. We bassists all owe him our gratitude for this remarkable opus.
Ric
Well, I might have found it on your thread. (Thanks).
Older European basses in Europe are more plentiful (naturally) and the prices do seem more reasonable than the good ones available over here (unless you get lucky).
Anyone know about the new Andres Martin model that Eastman is putting out?
There seem to be two versions: student and professional, but I can't find much info other than the videos etc; The Eastman website lists it as a 606 model: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Thanks
Louis
There seem to be two versions: student and professional, but I can't find much info other than the videos etc; The Eastman website lists it as a 606 model: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Thanks
Louis
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Eastman and Shen basses are really looking impressive these days.
The Eastman VB605 Jason Heath plays is a flamed maple beauty.
The Eastman VB605 Jason Heath plays is a flamed maple beauty.
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They do show his special edition model VB606SL but under ‘what I play’ they show the VB928.
Maybe he has both.
Lemur has it as a 606: Andrés Martín Signature Edition VB606SL – lemur music
I think the "6" might be the conservatory/student model and the "9" the upscale edition.
I think the "6" might be the conservatory/student model and the "9" the upscale edition.
