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Double Bass NS Cleveland - Advice?

P

pbasswil

Feb 17, 2008
1,278
135
#1
Hi all,

I'm a long time EBer, who's been slowly acquiring some DB chops on an Eminence semi-acoustic upright.

I think I'm ready to get the real bass I've had my eye on for some time: A New Standard Cleveland.

Before I order, I was wondering if anyone else had any advice, born of their own experience with their N.S.

Specifics:

- Regular full laminate

- I'm going for an old school thump (low growl, low sustain). I guess that points toward not too low action, right?
(I may bring up string choice in a later post, but I'd like to avoid it to start with -- it'll just detour the thread.)

- I might spring for a custom, darker matte finish

Are there any upgrades that anyone has regretted _not_ ordering?

I think I'll save myself the hassle at my end, and order a bass bag from New Standard. Any recommendations?

I'm in up in Montréal. Before I contact Arnold, is there anything I should know about shipping the bass?

Thanks in advance for any advice or comments!

- Peter
 
#4
I've had a NS Cleveland Hybrid since 2005 and it's a great bass. It is a large bodied bass so hopefully you have a wagon or hatchback type car. As far as the color, I think if you tell them that you want a darker color, they can probably accommodate you on that. The finish isn't really gloss anyway.

For upgrades, if I were ordering today, I would probably opt for that removable neck option in case I would ever want to travel with it. Make sure you get an adjustable bridge and if you decide you want a Full Circle pickup, have them install it during the build process to save some money.

Strings -- Arnold usually puts on Spirocore mediums. See if he'll put on Spirocore Weichs (light gauge) instead (after you do some research on strings). Any other kind, he might have to charge you the difference in price.

For bags, Arnold sells Mooradian so you can get one of those from him. If you want a specific color (not black) just order it at the same time as the bass so that he can get it in for when the bass is finished.

Shipping is a bit expensive and there's always a risk of damage. Since you're in Montreal, if I were you, I'd drive down and pick it up in person. You'd have to pay sales tax but you'd save on the shipping expense. Getting it across the border into Canada, you'd have to most likely pay any duty and tax there.
 
#6
Before you order the bass, go to Jules Saint Michel, Mario LaMarre, and the new shop up on Papineau. Try a bunch of double basses and see if there is one you like. It'll cost less, and you'll be able to play it before you buy it.

Also, my friend Pablo Seib is selling a great fully carved German bass for $6,500.
 
#7
Many good responses and perspectives, thank you.

The reason I've settled on the Cleveland is that I'd very much like the volume to be able to play jazz completely acoustically in certain small group situations.

And when I need to amplify, I'll be able to use a very small amp to concentrate on adding mids and highs for definition -- since the "cannon" will already produce enough low thud for most rooms I'm likely to play in.

I think I'm going to be good with the broad shoulders; my arms are reasonably long, and I'm concentrating on the lower neck for the time being anyway. At any rate, it being my first real DB, I'm going to learn to experience the big body as normal.

Also: I've never heard of anyone regretting a New Standard purchase! Even if it did turn out to be the wrong bass for me, I seriously doubt it'd take me long to resell it up here, at a modest loss. I don't anticipate that happening, though.

I'm also quite content for this, my first proper DB, to be fully laminate: less humidity/crack issues to worry about, no hesitation to take it outside, or to barrel through doors and turnstiles. I only want to think about carved a good while down the road. At any rate, I pizz only, so the Cleveland should be more than fine for the foreseeable future.

I would like to try a few basses in Montreal, though. What's the new place on Papineau, btw? Where?

One thing I'm going to have to change: I have a tiny subcompact sedan. :^/ It's a tall one, though. With the front seat down, I bet I could cram even a Cleveland in; but it sure wouldn't be comfortable, or particularly safe (manual/stickshift, yet!). So at the moment, driving a bass back from the States is out of the question.

But for this reason, I intend to switch to a compact wagon sometime over the following months. If possible, I'd like to get the bass before that; but I'll find out from Arnold what shipping would cost.

Thanks for any more comments you can think of!

- Peter
 
#8
The La Scala is a little smaller body (about an inch) and would project just as well for small acoustic gigs.

I've tried getting my Cleveland in my wife's car (Toyota Corolla) just to see if I could do it. I did manage to get it in but driving would be very tough (and it's an automatic).
 
#9
I've played a ply Cleveland, a hybrid Cleveland and a hybrid LaScala, if and when I buy one it's gonna be the Cleveland since both the ones I played sound most like what I want to hear. I am a short (5' 7" or 8") shortarmed, stubby fingered, ham handed person, and I didn't have any physical concerns getting around the instrument. Likewise my teacher, who's a bit shorter than me, no worries.
 
#10
pbasswil said:
One thing I'm going to have to change: I have a tiny subcompact sedan. :^/ It's a tall one, though. With the front seat down, I bet I could cram even a Cleveland in; but it sure wouldn't be comfortable, or particularly safe (manual/stickshift, yet!). So at the moment, driving a bass back from the States is out of the question.

Thanks for any more comments you can think of!

- Peter
Click to expand...

Definitely get the removable neck option then. With the neck off, it would easily fit in a small car.
 
#13
Freddels said:
Definitely get the removable neck option then. With the neck off, it would easily fit in a small car.
Click to expand...

Well, I would only being playing locally; and I wouldn't want to be assembling and stringing a bass up just before a gig. I clearly need a bigger vehicle the doesn't necessitate disassembly!

But if you just meant so that I could pick up the bass in my teensy Toyota Echo, well, unless shipping is absolutely prohibitive, I doubt I'll be driving down to pick it up in that.

But: a removable neck would sure be a useful feature for the future, if I ever ended up a touring pro on DB. Thanks for pointing out the option.
 
#16
Freddels said:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f31/small-cars-will-carry-upright-230446/index2.html#post2803374
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link, Fred.

As it happens, my Echo is a sedan. :^/
I've actually got my next car (model) picked out; in all likelihood it's going to be a used, previous generation Matrix. With the back seat down, that'll be just fine for DB.
They're statistically quite reliable and long-lasting -- just like my ugly little Echo has been. I've just got to get organized and go find a suitable low-mileage one, get it checked over, and figure out the financials.

Cheers,

- Peter
 
#17
You might consider the graphite neck inlay, if you decide to order the Cleveland.

They can install it before the fingerboard is fitted. It will keep the neck from bowing. It is also supposed to help keep from dissipating vibration, by stiffening the neck (or so I am told).
 
#20
I have a 2007 Toyota Matrix which runs fine, is good on gas and fits two basses but I don't like driving it. There's a blind spot on the passenger side and you can't see the end of the hood- common on newer cars sadly. As far as transporting the bass, you have to rest it on the side and I use a bunge cord to reduce tipping on turns. The surface on the seat back is very slippery, too. The Subaru is much better in the snow which might be especially nice for you. Is the snow melting yet?
 

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