Pulled the trigger on a Skjold!! ( adult content)

Just sent paypal for a Skjold Exotic! Burled Redwood top and Ash body. Matching knobs and pickp covers. I've heard nothing but good things about these basses.

My original quest was for a Zon of some sort. I already have a Zon Studio that I think covers that territory. I'll post more pics and give a review when it shows up.

 

I was told the fret job was done by Brian Barrett. I'm sure there aren't too many luthiers out there by that name so I may be safe to assume it was Mr.LowEnd. I've heard nothing but good things about his work. The bass should be arriving on the 3rd of July.....stupid Alaska.

 

I'm not much on self control, if I'd of seen pictures of the Sadowsky earlier I'd have probably bought it. Good luck with the sale though. I've always wanted to try a Sad 5-24

 

I just got the bass today. I don't know where to start. I've owned a couple custom basses and have always found a couple little flaws, mostly cosmetic, but still..... This bass is fantastic! The finish is great, the neck pocket is tight and the neck is absolutely fantastic! I'd like more of a rolled edge on the fingerboard but this is a minor thing. It's incredibly light, I think 9 lbs or so and it balances perfectly.

The sound, from what I've experienced is amazing in it's versatility. I've still to really work it though. I really like the passive tone control which, like on a passive bass, is just a passive rolloff as you may expect. It adds a really quick way to change tones without a whole lot of fiddling. The tone is naturally bright and articulate, the bright switch can shatter glass. I havn't gigged with it but I imagine it can cut like no tomorrow. The problem I see with the bass in this initial eval is that I'll probably have to get a 4 string. I do prefer this over my Zon Studio so far. I can picture Joe Zon And Pete Skjold in frantic rock, paper scissors matches over some of the wood they get their hands on. Awesome bass

 

I've done some recording with it so far. My day job is somewhat restrictive as far as making plans, however. I can't say enough about this bass!! The setup is fantastic. A little low for my taste initially but easily remidied. The neck feels great, I'm not sure of the spacing but it's narrower than my Zon ( ex-Zon now ) Studio's 19mm. My beef is that the fretboard edges aren't rolled which is only mildly uncomfortable. I tend to strangle the neck when I play in the first couple positions, maybe this'll clean my act up a bit. The bass balances very well when standing and is fairly lightweight ( #9 I'd guess). The deep lower cutaway and bottom curve ( bout??) make it balance oddly on the knee while sitting, not much of an issue with a strap. I'd also mention that the fretboard is a substantial piece of bloodwood, one of the thickest boards I remember seeing!

The sound as I mentioned is very versatile. I complained about my Zon Studio having too many bells and whistles. This has more with one caveat. I set the EQ where I like it and leave it. Passive tone rolloff. One knob turn and I have a different sound. From modern active to a more mellow rolled off thump. Pull the knob and your passive!! There's quite a drop in volume from active to passive so I wouldn't reccomend doing it on the fly unless you have some kind of boost available.

I e-mailed Pete about this bass and addressed my main concern. I'll be needing a 4 string soon.

Cheers