Shen Bass Construction

They appear to use some sort of flour based glue.

 

More likely rice based glue

 

The tops are not difficult to remove. Significant repairs due to serious injuries from gig accidents haven't shown any particular challenges.

 

I would stay away from any Chinese made bass check out an upton bass made in the good ole usa.

 

I had for a year or so a Shen Rogeri, and was very happy with it; every luthier I showed it to was impressed with the quality of the workmanship and the sound.

 

I’ve been playing a Shen hybrid for the past 4 years for my undergrad and will probably keep using it for another year or 2 before I decide to uprage. It’s a super solid bass that’s give me little to no issues in the desert I go to school at. The only issue I’ve had is a small seam that pops once a year where the back meets the left side rib, but it is an easy and cheap repair. Shen’s can be really great Basses, especially if you have a great luthier do a setup on it.

 

Look out for upraging.

 

I just had a neck reset done on my SB180. The luthier said they used "cheap white glue" for the neck joint. He cleaned it all out and reset with hide glue. I've had the bass for about three years. I noticed the neck joint separating about 2 weeks ago. watched it creep for a few days and took it in for repair.

 

you just proved my point

 

Not really.

 

Still very satisfied with the instrument overall.
Kinda curious as to whether the issue I had is common with a Shen bass or if it was a one-off.

 

Oh god I just saw that!

 

I have had my Shen for seven years now with no problems. There are some good basses being made in China, not just BSO's.

 

Shen’s problem is economies of scale.

To make the numbers work you have to produce a LOT of widgets.

I’ve owned two and liked them for what they were, but I’m part of a luthier’s group on facespace whose members have posted photos of some hinky **** they encountered in the wild.

 

I've been shopping for a fully carved bass and just played a new leftover 2017 shen 5/8 Sb300 that had gorgeous tone and showed no signs of any issues at all, he gave me a great price so I am purchasing it as soon as it's been set-up for me. Given that pros often tour w/ them I expect they are quality basses. I've looked for construction method links but haven't found any yet. I have played Uptons but they were heavy and not all that resonant to my ears, but every bass is different so....The luthier I am buying from swears by Shen and had quite a few used ones that looked like they've never had any issues. I've seen basses on his rather extensive repair shop bench so I'd say his good reputation has been earned.

 

If you haven’t already, check out the Shen owners club thread.