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Double Bass Seth Kimmel #28 5/8ths 5 string
- Thread starter tappingtrance
- Start date
Seth and I decided to forgo the "C" extension to begin with. While there is no doubt it will fit and can handle the low C (he tuned down the E to C and there was no loss in volume) we are going to wait to see if I really need it.
These pictures are killing me! Lovely, lovely bass. And the small 5string idea is VERY tempting for 5ths tuning. I may need to sell a few things and start making phone calls!
That is interesting regarding the tuning in fifths. I have not tried that but this bass will be tuned E,A,D,G,B which I have been playing around with on my 5 string fretless and find it really helpful. I would need to come up to speed on string selection and purpose for tuning in fifths - what would you say is the biggest benefit to that tuning?
If you want to do that, you should contact Bob Spear at Singing Woods. He's got a model he made for Paul Unger that is Phenomenal (even the one he has made by Shen, which I've heard and played in person). Designed to be 5 string tuned in 5ths with something like a 39" scale length? It's crazy but it works like a charm.
Yes, I know about that bass and it is interesting to me as well. I believe that the original for Paul was 38" and was then lengthened a bit. I would much prefer 40". Although I think that the shallow ribs on the "new family" type instrument are interesting, I also much prefer the deeper ribs on this bass. Other that that, I live in Seattle, Seth is in Portland, and I believe Spear is in Ithaca. I'll take the drive to Portland!
To the O.P., reading up on the benefits of fifths tuning is fun and something I do once in awhile when my head is getting too full of its disadvantages (there are a few!). Check out websites of Joel Quarrington, Paul Unger, and Silvio Dallas Torre as well as the site dedicated to Red Mitchell for some info and insight about the tuning.
Just re-read my post....it's Silvio Dalla Torre not Dallas Torre. Auto correct spelling often has a way with words.
Hi Chris,
FYI My Spear 5-string bass has a string length of 40" now. So does the Shen copy.
I agree, I don't think anything less than 40" is really necessary.
I have a jazz bass with a 43" string length and it doesn't really bother me anymore. Once I learned from Joel how to get away from the locked/static hand position of Simandl and learn how keep the hand compact and balanced, string length became much less of an issue.
FYI My Spear 5-string bass has a string length of 40" now. So does the Shen copy.
I agree, I don't think anything less than 40" is really necessary.
I have a jazz bass with a 43" string length and it doesn't really bother me anymore. Once I learned from Joel how to get away from the locked/static hand position of Simandl and learn how keep the hand compact and balanced, string length became much less of an issue.
Well I received my Seth Kimmel yesterday and it is freaking amazing. It is everything I wanted functionally and it is an absolutely beautiful piece of work. Seth is great and so talented! I have to tell you tuning the high C to a B is brilliant. The bass really sings and is probably as loud as my 3/4 Grunert or 7/8. More importantly it's got a beautifully rich tone that I assume will only get better with playing and settling in. I will post pictures when I get a chance but here is one that you might get a kick out of it.
Looking great! Would love to hear a few clips of it if/ when you have a chance....
Thanks for chiming in Paul, I do like the looks of Spears work as well as the Shen copy. I am tempted in that direction as well... I also agree with you about string length, my good bass is 42 1/2" (down from 43 1/4" after a neck reset and a false nut) and it is really quite fine with tuning in fifths. Although I think my travel bass at 40" is just more fun to play, so if I head for a fiver in fifths I would go with 40". Great to see so many beautifully built and good sounding new basses out there!
Thanks for chiming in Paul, I do like the looks of Spears work as well as the Shen copy. I am tempted in that direction as well... I also agree with you about string length, my good bass is 42 1/2" (down from 43 1/4" after a neck reset and a false nut) and it is really quite fine with tuning in fifths. Although I think my travel bass at 40" is just more fun to play, so if I head for a fiver in fifths I would go with 40". Great to see so many beautifully built and good sounding new basses out there!
Wow! That is a beauty! The grain in the back is beautiful. And that button!!
Welcome to Club Kimmel!
If you decide on a low C extension, I just love mine (mine is Seth's first c-ext sold), and it sounds like your bass can handle it.
I'd love to get our basses in the same room! Are you anywhere near Cherry Hill?
I just played a program of John Williams music on my Kimmel yesterday. It is a joy to play!
I just played a program of John Williams music on my Kimmel yesterday. It is a joy to play!
Just finished a 7 gig stint in the Derry Jazz festival. Although I bought my 3rd Avenue primarily to play classical music it is a great jazz bass.
I am about an hour from Cherry Hill no problem at all to get there. Let's try to find a time that would be great.
