Double Bass Review - The String Emporium & Eastman Hybrid VB95

[Tyler Olmsted]

I am a music school dropout and long time electric bass player who has always yearned to have an Upright Bass of my own. This Christmas my wife enlisted my best friend to help her track down the perfect Upright Bass for me as a gift. After doing his research (he's a drummer, bless his soul) he came across Steve Koscica at The String Emporium. Steve worked with my wife and friend to understand my background, influences, style and personal idiosyncrasies to help find the perfect bass.

The result of their tireless work is the Eastman Hybrid VB95. Most of my experience playing Double Bass was through the music school basses (yuk) and the ocasional pickup session when a friend that had one of their own. The Eastman Hybrid has blown every other bass I have played out of the water. The tone is rich and full, the action is tight and low, and the playability makes me want to play until my fingers fall off.

If you are an experience player or new to Double Basses I can't recommend The String Emporium and Steve's services enough. The love Steve has for the community and his painstaking search for quality make him one of the best resources out there for Double Basses. Take some time and visit their site and help support one of the best resources in the Double Bass community around.

 

[AGCurry]

... my wife enlisted my best friend to help her track down the perfect Upright Bass for me as a gift. After doing his research (he's a dummer, bless his soul)

Do you mean "drummer" or "dumber?"

 

[Tyler Olmsted]

Do you mean "drummer" or "dumber?"

Freudian slip? *shrug

 

[ScottyB6]

I just go the same Eastman VB95 from Steve at String Emporium. I agree, it plays very well, has a great sustain and is nice and loud. I wanted a Thompson Hybrid RM 200 but with the current, crazy supply chain issues, they are not really available now. Steve suggested the Eastman, gave me a great price and set it up so its good for Jazz and orchestral playing. I am very happy with it. I shopped around a lot and found that String Emporium really delivers quality instruments at great prices. BTW- check out the videos on the site.

 

[vlakvlakvlak]

Has anyone tried the Shen SB150, or the Thompson Hybrids? How does the eastman compare with those?

 

[Chuck M]

Has anyone tried the Shen SB150, or the Thompson Hybrids? How does the eastman compare with those?

I presently own a Thompson Hybrid that plays and sounds very good. The set up on the bass is superb. I bought it used and suspect it may be a "second" because of several cosmetic flaws. That said, it is a very fine and satisfying bass to play.

I did have an Eastman at one time. It was a fully laminated bass with Busetto corners. I did not care for it. The tone was not very good.

I believe the hybrid would be a better instrument.

 

[lurk]

FWIW I've had a couple of students buy those Thompson hybrids from String Emporium and they were terrific for the price. They've held up nicely over the years too. That said, if possible it's best to get your hands on an instrument and play it before buying.

 

[bobsax]

Anybody know what the

I presently own a Thompson Hybrid that plays and sounds very good. The set up on the bass is superb. I bought it used and suspect it may be a "second" because of several cosmetic flaws. That said, it is a very fine and satisfying bass to play.

I did have an Eastman at one time. It was a fully laminated bass with Busetto corners. I did not care for it. The tone was not very good.f

I believe the hybrid would be a better instrument.

I have the basic plywoodShen … It's been great for the last 15 years but it's a little boomy on the G string Ab ,,So what is the difference in the VB95 GR ?

 

[Jim Dombrowski]

I have the basic plywoodShen … It's been great for the last 15 years but it's a little boomy on the G string Ab ,,So what is the difference in the VB95 GR ?

Have you tried a soundpost adjustment?

 

[Eric Hochberg]

Anybody know what the

I have the basic plywoodShen … It's been great for the last 15 years but it's a little boomy on the G string Ab ,,So what is the difference in the VB95 GR ?

I don't think this issue is brand/model specific but probably specific to your particular bass/setup. Even plywood basses are individuals.

 

[Jeff Farley]

I am a music school dropout and long time electric bass player who has always yearned to have an Upright Bass of my own. This Christmas my wife enlisted my best friend to help her track down the perfect Upright Bass for me as a gift. After doing his research (he's a drummer, bless his soul) he came across Steve Koscica at The String Emporium. Steve worked with my wife and friend to understand my background, influences, style and personal idiosyncrasies to help find the perfect bass.

The result of their tireless work is the Eastman Hybrid VB95. Most of my experience playing Double Bass was through the music school basses (yuk) and the ocasional pickup session when a friend that had one of their own. The Eastman Hybrid has blown every other bass I have played out of the water. The tone is rich and full, the action is tight and low, and the playability makes me want to play until my fingers fall off.

If you are an experience player or new to Double Basses I can't recommend The String Emporium and Steve's services enough. The love Steve has for the community and his painstaking search for quality make him one of the best resources out there for Double Basses. Take some time and visit their site and help support one of the best resources in the Double Bass community around.

Hi Tyler I have played 3 different VB95 basses and they all have had all of the qualities you mentioned. I'm currently renting one but waiting for another one to come back from rental stock since it sounded even better than the one I have now.