PXL_20230211_175617786.jpg

For sale Shawn May Custom 32" fretless 4

Closed
$2,500.00
Strings
4
Status
This ad has been closed.
Status
4 members are watching this classified ad

Details

Fretless
  1. Y
$2500 OBO, shipped via PayPal F&F

Preferred trades:
Double Bass
32" scale 5 string lined fretless
32" scale fretted 6 string

Possibly others as long as they are medium scale.
Cash either way.
Please PM offers.

This bass is absolutely gorgeous.
Shawn's attention to detail is staggering.
Everything is so tidy and clean, right down to the side dots and cavity covers.

Minimal wear overall, with light string marks on the fingerboard, and just a few small scuffs. The only actual indent is the one on the back near the control cavity. The headstock and back of neck scuffs are just surface level, and I can probably buff them out. I'll report back.
See photos.

Specs:
1.5" nut
32” scale
Standard 19mm (0.75") string spacing
Maple Burl top
Mahogany body
Macassar Ebony fingerboard
Mahogany Fret lines
Mahogany and Flamed Maple neck
Aguilar MM/J with Mac Ebony and Mahogany covers
Matching Knobs: Mac Ebony/Mahogany
Mike Pope preamp (V, Bl, mid, b/t stack) w/kill switch
Flush mount Dunlop locks
7.8 pounds
Nice Roadrunner gig bag
Fancy strap

Preamp is push/pull active/passive on the volume knob, and the switch is a kill switch.

Currently strung with D'addario Nickel Rounds.
I just recorded with this wearing flats and it thumps.

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Comments

akukulich

Supporting Member
Apr 7, 2007
832
1,060
Lowcountry, SC
Interesting bass! Do you find any difference in tone with the 32" scale? Are you giving up anything?
 

naetog

Supporting Member
May 26, 2006
1,564
1,800
Chico, CA
Interesting bass! Do you find any difference in tone with the 32" scale? Are you giving up anything?

No, I don't feel like it's a compromise at all.

I only play in standard tuning, occasionally drop D, and have never regretted moving to medium scale, nor has my tone suffered. I still use the same gauge strings I've always used and have not had any issues. I also have a medium scale 5 string, and the B string still thumps like it should.

Obviously it's personal preference, but 32" scale is the ideal sweet spot for my hands and muscle memory. The only thing the scale did for me was make everything about playing bass more comfortable. After almost 20 years of playing, moving to medium scale was like taking off the training wheels.

Call me Goldilocks: Long scale is too long. Short scale is too short. Medium scale is just right.

I definitely recommend it, but only you will know if the shorter scale is for you.

Let me know if you want any videos or sound clips.
 

akukulich

Supporting Member
Apr 7, 2007
832
1,060
Lowcountry, SC
No, I don't feel like it's a compromise at all.

I only play in standard tuning, occasionally drop D, and have never regretted moving to medium scale, nor has my tone suffered. I still use the same gauge strings I've always used and have not had any issues. I also have a medium scale 5 string, and the B string still thumps like it should.

Obviously it's personal preference, but 32" scale is the ideal sweet spot for my hands and muscle memory. The only thing the scale did for me was make everything about playing bass more comfortable. After almost 20 years of playing, moving to medium scale was like taking off the training wheels.

Call me Goldilocks: Long scale is too long. Short scale is too short. Medium scale is just right.

I definitely recommend it, but only you will know if the shorter scale is for you.

Let me know if you want any videos or sound clips.

I'd be interested in seeing/hearing some clips if it's not too inconvenient.
 

naetog

Supporting Member
May 26, 2006
1,564
1,800
Chico, CA
I'll get a video in a day or two (hopefully sooner).

In the meantime, attached are a trio of rough bounces from recent recordings.
Layers of keys/synth and/or guitar/vocals are not present so it sounds a little weird, but the bass is very audible (for better or worse!).

Recorded with the same D'Addario flats that are on it.
 

Attachments

naetog

Supporting Member
May 26, 2006
1,564
1,800
Chico, CA
I'm getting some issues ironed out on my other fretless so I have to hold on to this for a couple weeks. Will open it up again when my baby is back and in good health.
 

naetog

Supporting Member
May 26, 2006
1,564
1,800
Chico, CA
I was going to re-list this, but I can't stop playing it after putting round wounds on...it's staying put unless I lose my mind again.
 
Last edited:

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