NBD!!! Introducing the 'Shmuke' bass by Ken Bebensee.

[pingvuiini]

After a long custom build, today I took delivery of my latest ukulele bass by Ken Bebensee. The name derives from taking an existing full size bass body Ken designed for a guy named Henry Shmakov, shrinking it down to uke size and combining the two names to become the 'Shmuke'.

Scale length: 23.25 inches
Woods: wenge, purple heart and maple laminated core; mahogany and maple body wings; ebony body top; ebony fingerboard, nut, knobs, bridge and pickup covers.
Tuners: Hipshot Ultralights with D-Tuner
Electronics: Bartolini soapbars and preamp with active/passive switching
Strings: Pyramid custom 23" scale tapewounds

Unlike my previous custom uke bass by Ken, the Baruke, the Shmuke was made from the start to handle steel strings and magnetic pickups. Whereas the Baruke was initially made for silicone rubber strings (during a time when 23" scale steel strings were not being manufactured) and then extensively modified to accommodate steel strings later on.

The bass has been delivered to my work so I am unable to give it a spin at the moment, but right away I like how thin and lightweight it is. When I get home I will perform my usual initiation ritual whenever I get a new bass: play Exit...Stage Left in its entirety. I can't wait!

 

[MonetBass]

Very nice!

 

[Murch]

That is absolutely gorgeous!!!

 

[bassist4dalord]

Very unique! So is this tuned standard EADG like a 34" 4-string?

 

[spade2you]

Where on earth did you find left handed strings?

 

[Swerve]

I recognize that moss. You must be in the PNW. Bass is absolutely stunning.

 

[faulknersj]

Whoa!!!

 

[Gervais Cote]

I'm a bass freak but even though I wasn’t, my comments would be the same :
This is an absolute masterpiece ! Stunning !
Congrats and enjoy.

 

[JRA]

can't believe what i'm seeing --- WOW! that ax is so cool looking --- i guess you win the lottery, too, huh!? can't tell you how impressive that is! congratulations on your new instrument!

 

[Wesley R]

Cool

 

[Polfuste]

Gorgeous is the word. Awesome the other word. Congrats !

 

[Fretless55]

So nice to see seriously and well made basses made with this oft dismissed scale length.

I love it!

 

[Barticus]

You have excellent taste in instruments… this one and your last one are both super cool. By the way, you were the inspiration for, my currently on order, One1400 AT212 Slim+ combo

beautiful bass man!!!

 

[Eric Ryan]

Suddenly I wish I was a leftie...that is sweet!

 

[prndltech]

Now that’s not something you see everyday…

absolutely beautiful and super cool

 

[Nolan Tremblay]

Very cool! That body design is my favourite of Ken’s. That top wood works very well with the overall theme.

 

[red_rhino]

Now that’s not something you see everyday…

That's an understatement. Bebensee basses are very rare. I've always kinda wanted one, but his long build times are legendary (or at least they used to be), and I was wondering if my heirs would play it before I did.

I've only had the opportunity to play one once, a fretless on consignment that had mwahhh for days and made me sound like I actually knew what I was doing. I literally stepped outside for 5 minutes to think about it, and someone bought it out from under me. Rookie mistake on my part.

That is a beautiful instrument. Congratulations. May it bring you much joy.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

After a long custom build, today I took delivery of my latest ukulele bass by Ken Bebensee. The name derives from taking an existing full size bass body Ken designed for a guy named Henry Shmakov, shrinking it down to uke size and combining the two names to become the 'Shmuke'.

Scale length: 23.25 inches
Woods: wenge, purple heart and maple laminated core; mahogany and maple body wings; ebony body top; ebony fingerboard, nut, knobs, bridge and pickup covers.
Tuners: Hipshot Ultralights with D-Tuner
Electronics: Bartolini soapbars and preamp with active/passive switching
Strings: Pyramid custom 23" scale tapewounds

Unlike my previous custom uke bass by Ken, the Baruke, the Shmuke was made from the start to handle steel strings and magnetic pickups. Whereas the Baruke was initially made for silicone rubber strings (during a time when 23" scale steel strings were not being manufactured) and then extensively modified to accommodate steel strings later on.

She's a beaut!! Congrats!!!

The bass has been delivered to my work so I am unable to give it a spin at the moment, but right away I like how thin and lightweight it is. When I get home I will perform my usual initiation ritual whenever I get a new bass: play Exit...Stage Left in its entirety. I can't wait!

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[Killing Floor]

Lovely!

 

[Jason Hollar]

Killer!