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Double Bass Salsa Bass Recommendations

Court Crawford

Court Crawford

Mar 3, 2015
47
15
Seattle
courtcrawford.com
#1
Hi bassists,
I've decided to commit to playing salsa, so I'm in the market for a bass with a magnetic diaphragm pickup. I'm interested in any advice from players who have owned or played these. Here's what I've found so far:
Ampeg Baby Bass: the standard, the original. Unfortunately the off-gassing of the foam in the construction is making a lot of these self destruct. No longer being manufactured.
Azola Baby Bass: I've heard Alberto Pantaleon playing one of these with the Afro Cuban All Stars: AMAZING sound. No longer being manufactured.
KK Basses: Currently being manufactured in London. KK Baby Bass | Baby Bass for Sale
Ray Ramirez Basses: Currently being manufactured in several models by Ray in Puerto Rico. http://rayramirezbasses.com/
Sendel bass: no idea what these sound or play like. Currently being made in Cali. Link Removed

I'm tempted to get an Azola only because of the experience of hearing it live. Fans of the Azola also aren't parting with any of them, which is a great sign. I'm not tempted to go for an Ampeg only because the construction is such that very few are likely to last much longer. If any of you have played the other models, I'd love to hear your advice.

I don't need an upright - I have a marvelous acoustic with great tone; it just doesn't work out so well in a full salsa band due to stage noise and the feedback loop that comes from picking up the full audio environment through the bass pickup or bass mic. I need a dedicated salsa bass with a full solid punchy tone.
 
#2
How about a guitarron? There are soundhole mag pickups out there. Check out on youtube there is a guy that uses a palatino. Also look up contrabass. Still n eub. Just depends on scale and country to what its called. Good luck
 
#6
I found an Azola Ampeg Baby Bass, serial number ABB 70180. I just put a new set of Spirocore solo gage strings on it, tuned down to EADG. Still, I'm noticing an odd artifact in the sound. It sounds almost as if it has a flanger on it, or some kind of phase shifting. I've got the volume knob raised. I've got the middle knob turned all the way clockwise. I thought the new strings would have given me more of that drum-like tone. Do any of you have a manual on the electronics? Is there anything I can do to minimize the flanging sound? Audio recording posted here: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. I'm wondering if it's time for gut strings, or if it just demands a change in technique.
 
#7
It sounds like you're using 100% diaphragm pickup (on my bass that's the middle knob counter clockwise). I myself haven't been able to get the right low end using just the diaphragm PU, so I set it somewhere halfway. But more importantly: make sure you damp the notes with your right hand before hitting a new one. The length of the gap is a matter of tempo and preference according to which kind of salsa: Colombia, Puerto Rico, Cuba, 70s New York, etc. Even more important: don't move the left hand finger as a note is sounding. Any variation in position or pressure will make the sound change like on your recording. And the most difficult thing about playing salsa on baby bass: use the left and right hands to damp the strings you don't play to avoid sympathetic resonance. Really good players do this in time to create cool tap sounds.

Does your bass have the velcro strap to dampen the strings between bridge and tailpiece? If not, thread a rag between the strings to see if it helps. You can also use two pieces of cut up kitchen sponge to dampen the strings right above the bridge. Instant thump!
 

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