Most of my free time is spent playing this instrument, but I wanted to take a minute to first, share my good fortune to own this bass and second, to share how extremely pleased I am with every step of the process. This will be the instrument that I will play for many many years to come.
Seth was a joy to work with. He answered every question thoroughly. Before I placed the order, there was a week or so when he was out of the country, and he still answered every email with detailed answers. He explained every available option and how they would affect the tonal outcome. I felt confident that he understood my tonal goals, and I knew that he had the knowledge and talent to build it into an instrument.
While he was building it, he sent pictures often and let me know where he was in the build process. His timeline was dead on. I have dealt with some (electric bass) builders who would take over a year past the stated build time. Seth delivered the bass exactly when he quoted.
I had the bass delivered to my work address. The end of the year is always busy, so I only took it out of the case briefly to check it out. An hour after work, I left for an orchestral rehearsal. This was really the first time I played the bass, and I felt as if I had been playing it for years. It knew what I wanted and how to respond, but most of all, it really let me focus on making music rather than focusing on making the notes speak. It has a nice volume and nice projection. The top end is smooth and sweet and overall it is very full and powerful.
The construction is flawless and there are a lot of fine, classy touches in the carving and contouring.
Having a C extension is new to me, and I am really enjoying it. The low C speaks very clearly and it is HUGE.
It's funny, after the first time I played it, I wanted to email Seth and let him know my thoughts....but, I just couldn't find the words. The best way that I can express my joy with this bass is to play it often...and that is what I have been doing.
More about the instrument: (taken from the appraisal from Seth):
The top is of straight grained spruce in two pieces cut on the quarter. The grain is medium width. The two piece carved back and the sides are western maple cut on the quarter. The back is book matched and has uniform medium width width flame of high intensity with mirrored knots at the top. The sides are of matching wood. The scroll is also of western maple with similar flame. The varnish is red brown over gold. The string length is 41 1/2 inches. The instrument is equipped with a c-extension.
The dimensions across the back of the instrument are as follows: Body length: 44 1/2 inches (45 3/8 with button). Upper bout: 19 1/2 inches. C- bout: 13 5/8 inches. Lower bout: 26 1/2 inches.
The shape and the FFs are perfect.
