So, I've decided to venture out of my usual behind-the-scenes role on TalkBass and actually post about MY new bass day! I've been playing on an early 1900's Morelli bass since I was 12 years old. It was a true blessing to have, especially at such a young age. My musician parents borrowed money from my grandparents to get it, and I will always be thankful for the opportunity to have a nice bass to play. I played it in orchestras in South Dakota growing up, at Interlochen over the summers, and for 20 years in the Austin Symphony. 35 years with that bass.
At the ISB convention in Florida last summer, I met Nick Lloyd and his work. I fell in love with a 5-string bass (high C string with a low C extension) that he'd made for Mark Dresser. It is an amazing bass, and the tone from top to bottom was incredibly consistent - from the singing high-C to the full, gorgeous low-C.
I had never even considered getting a new bass for myself, but with the support and urging of my partner and love of my life, we put down the deposit on a new bass to be made exactly like Mark's.
I have never been happier with any other bass I've played. This bass is amazing, and it's only going to get better. The setup is perfect. The craftsmanship of Nick's basses is evident - the ability for him to build a bass *for the bassist* is what sets a Lloyd bass apart, IMO. It plays like a dream. It's heavier than my Morelli, and it sounds like it. I played my first concert series with it this weekend, and its big, beautiful tone filled the hall. The high-C string is an excellent challenge to learn after decades of playing a 4-string, but already its usefulness is evident, and turning heads in the bass section
. Being able to play passages that I've always played in upper positions without moving from 1st or second position is an awesome experience.
Ok enough from me, here's the pics!
At the ISB convention in Florida last summer, I met Nick Lloyd and his work. I fell in love with a 5-string bass (high C string with a low C extension) that he'd made for Mark Dresser. It is an amazing bass, and the tone from top to bottom was incredibly consistent - from the singing high-C to the full, gorgeous low-C.
I had never even considered getting a new bass for myself, but with the support and urging of my partner and love of my life, we put down the deposit on a new bass to be made exactly like Mark's.
I have never been happier with any other bass I've played. This bass is amazing, and it's only going to get better. The setup is perfect. The craftsmanship of Nick's basses is evident - the ability for him to build a bass *for the bassist* is what sets a Lloyd bass apart, IMO. It plays like a dream. It's heavier than my Morelli, and it sounds like it. I played my first concert series with it this weekend, and its big, beautiful tone filled the hall. The high-C string is an excellent challenge to learn after decades of playing a 4-string, but already its usefulness is evident, and turning heads in the bass section
. Being able to play passages that I've always played in upper positions without moving from 1st or second position is an awesome experience.Ok enough from me, here's the pics!
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