Question

[bmasters0623]

Mr. Seaton,

I've been playin for about 8 years. Three or four years ago I got a little more serious and got a carved bass. Currently I'm playin a Shen 7/8 maple. I'm mostly a self taught bassist (a few lessons here and there). Up to this point I've mostly played classical with a couple of Orchestras and some small ensemble stuff. As I go I've picked up some jazz gigs along the way, which is what I'm really interested in. One thing I've come across is my Shen, as much as I love it, is a pain to lug and can be hard to fit in small venues. Recently a buddy of mine bought a slim body half size and an amp to gig with. It sounds ok but has NO sustain, I'm thinking because it has no body for resonance. I don't like the slim body but it did get me wondering if I could get a regular half size bass to gig with and still have the acoustic sound I want. I didn't know if it would be easier to transport? My main concern is sound. I like playing mostly acoustic gigs, small settings, etc. Do you have any ideas or advice? Thanks for your time,

Ben

 

[Lynn Seaton]

Hello Ben,
The Czech-Ease from David Gage in NY is an excellent small bodied acoustic bass. I use it when I travel. You can buy it with a hard travel trunk or with just a soft bass bag. Here is a link to the website: http://www.davidgage.com/store/index.php?cPath=26&osCsid=e6c2635d7d3709142ace795ad894df0b
I recorded several tracks with it on John Fedchock's NY Big Band CD "Up and Running" http://www.amazon.com/Running-John-...ic&qid=1173026841&sr=1-1#moreAboutThisProduct

 

[bmasters0623]

That looks pretty cool, as well as nice with a travel trunk. I could listen to a sample on amazon so I'll have to pick up a copy. What are your feelings about just getting a full bodied 1/2 size? Thanks for your help,

Ben

 

[Lynn Seaton]

The 1/2 size bass would have a small scale string length. The David Gage could be set to match your existing string length. I am not on all the tracks of Fedchock's CD. If you buy the CD, it will have detailed liner notes. Fedchock is a fantastic contemporary writer and was nominated for a Grammy for this CD.