I guess so!
I’m on break at my gig. Bass is nice. Not a fan of the underwood but maybe I gotta mess with it. It needs a quick setup cuz the d and g are higher feeling than the E and A. Bridge needs some tweaking
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Double Bass Shen Owner's Club
- Thread starter Skabasskid
- Start date
I guess so!
I’m on break at my gig. Bass is nice. Not a fan of the underwood but maybe I gotta mess with it. It needs a quick setup cuz the d and g are higher feeling than the E and A. Bridge needs some tweaking
New to Talkbass and this forum. Student of about four years, off and on, retired. First bass was a Shen 80 rental and about 7 months later went with the SB 180 Dec 2016. Not a thing wrong with it once my luthier repaired some major cracking after a worshipper kicked it at church. Question for some user input. My wife wants me to have a better, carved, Shen for Christmas. The local dealer has a Shen SB200 Gemunder 7/8 that we will look at Weds. BUT, I am only 5' 9", small hands and concerned for the fit. I am still student but playing in a couple community orchestras and church. The Shen website describes the SB200 Gemunder as a great power dog for orchestral work. Larger upper bout and wide lower ribs. I am concerned with string length (Shen says 42") and overall size (Shen says 45.5"). And it wont fit in my 3/4 case! What say you (y'all)?
As my bodily dimensions are quite different from yours, I really don't have any insight to offer you on your dilemma.
But I did want to welcome you to TB!
- Lee
I have an SB200 willow and am just about tour height. I am 5'10". My hands are fairly large and I have played bass for 61 years. Having said all that I can tell you that I love the sound of my bass. In fact I paid Robersons a great deal more than the market price because I loved the sound.
However, the bass is a bear to play on the lower positions.
The string length from nut to bridge is not 42 but is 42.5 inches. To play in the first through third position I have to actually move a bit from first to fourth finger to be in tune. As I move into fourth position and above the intervals get more reasonable.
Second problem with the Shen is the wide upper bought. Playing in the upper thumb position is extremely difficult as the bass is too wide for me to get around. In thumb position on the G I can play from G to D without too much trouble. From D to F# is difficult and anthing abouv the high G is a gymnastic feat. Mind you, I have been playing and working in the thumb position since the 1960's and have had some very good teachers.
My suggestion is to get something with a string length at 45.25 to 45.75. The upper bought width should be proportionate and reasonable.
I agree on the strings. Every bass is different but I have found that the Obligato solo strings played at orchestral tuning gives my bass the best sound.
However, the bass is a bear to play on the lower positions.
The string length from nut to bridge is not 42 but is 42.5 inches. To play in the first through third position I have to actually move a bit from first to fourth finger to be in tune. As I move into fourth position and above the intervals get more reasonable.
Second problem with the Shen is the wide upper bought. Playing in the upper thumb position is extremely difficult as the bass is too wide for me to get around. In thumb position on the G I can play from G to D without too much trouble. From D to F# is difficult and anthing abouv the high G is a gymnastic feat. Mind you, I have been playing and working in the thumb position since the 1960's and have had some very good teachers.
My suggestion is to get something with a string length at 45.25 to 45.75. The upper bought width should be proportionate and reasonable.
I agree on the strings. Every bass is different but I have found that the Obligato solo strings played at orchestral tuning gives my bass the best sound.
Hi, Sam...
I own two of the Shen 7/8 Gemunder models, a four-string I bought used in 2012 and a five-string I bought new in 2016. I love both; they are a joy to play in the orchestra, and they produce a sound that rivals much more expensive instruments. The string length on both is right at 42". I'm 5'10" with smallish hands, short arms and a large mid-section. By all rights, I should probably be playing a 3/4; however, I've found the 7/8 to be manageable. My best advise would be to play the 7/8 for a good couple of hours or maybe see if the dealer would let you try for a rehearsal/concert cycle before you commit to buying.
Last October, l shot a demo video of the four-string for a guy who was interested in buying it. If you'd like a link to watch it, send me a PM.
Cheers!
Is yours the 7/8? I believe the Willow Gemunder is 7/8. The SB 200 Willow is 3/4, No? The 3/4 Willow likely be more manageable for me. Remember I am inexperienced (as in not knowing thumb positions, etc., yet and still in Simandle 1. Thanks
Thanks DD, I did figure the string length not 45/
I think your original said yours is the SB200 Willow not the 7/8 Gemunder. the 7/8 sounds pretty stout for my physical stature...and experience.
you agree?
I think your original said yours is the SB200 Willow not the 7/8 Gemunder. the 7/8 sounds pretty stout for my physical stature...and experience.
you agree?
I trialed a 7/8 Gemunder for a week or so when I was in the market. I am 5/9 ish with smaller hands. I did not have a problem with the string length but reaching around to achieve proper bow position left me with an aching back. The sound was glorious though.
I ended up with the Shen Rogeri Willow. It is larger and deeper than the other 3/4 basses from Shen but a tad smaller than the Gemunder. To me, it had all the sound of the Gemunder so there was no compromise in that regard. String length is 41.5 in. The Rogeri is a carved round back with violin corners do typically a bit more money than a flat back Gemunder. If I could play the Gemunder without pain, I’d have one!
I ended up with the Shen Rogeri Willow. It is larger and deeper than the other 3/4 basses from Shen but a tad smaller than the Gemunder. To me, it had all the sound of the Gemunder so there was no compromise in that regard. String length is 41.5 in. The Rogeri is a carved round back with violin corners do typically a bit more money than a flat back Gemunder. If I could play the Gemunder without pain, I’d have one!
I agree. Unless you are planning on a gig with the New York Phil, I doubt you will.need that much sound. My Willow is essentially a ¾-⅞ tweener and I have no trouble beong heard over our symphony. For your size I would suggest a Pullman or a Jucek. They have a more streamline design than the Chinese basses and while the sound os not as boomy it is truly a more plesant sound that will serve you well. I had a Pullman which I used for jazz gigs on the 60's and 70's and ot was kickin. Easy to play, great sound, overtones all over the place.
Thanks DD. Appreciate your input and recommendations. With what you know about me now (age, physical stature, experience, etc.) which of the Shen line would you recommend? Leaning to the SB200 Willow 3/4. Like to stay Shen (my local shop luthier will provide me full credit of the cost of my SB180 to any upgrade) I see what he has, other than the Shen 7/8 Gemunder, on Wednesday.
devnulljp
Supporting Member
Not the best pics, but here's a few shots of my Shen SB 150 in action.
I played with a bunch of different bands at our local music festival this summer and then a full gig at the local bar with another. It was a helluva day. Bass held up better than my hands
Sound guys all love it -- I have a Gauge Realist Lifeline on it, into a Headway EDB2, and then into an Acoustic Image Coda (with a Ten2 extension cab sometimes).
I played with a bunch of different bands at our local music festival this summer and then a full gig at the local bar with another. It was a helluva day. Bass held up better than my hands
Sound guys all love it -- I have a Gauge Realist Lifeline on it, into a Headway EDB2, and then into an Acoustic Image Coda (with a Ten2 extension cab sometimes).
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Hi, Sam-
I have played a few different Shen 200 willow basses from different shops. All gamba/flat back with a string length between 41.25" and 41.5" and they were all very playable and comfortable. Before I settled on a 150 hybrid, I had a 200 willow out on trial, as I was considering it for a purchase a few years ago. The 7/8 Shens I tried sounded great, but I was not comfortable with the longer string length in the lower positions. My average-sized hands needed a break from the 42" Czech bass I was parting with at the time.
They 200 willow models tend to be more buttery/dark in terms of sound, but there are many ways to achieve more focus and brightness if you desire that. I think that this would be one to consider. Happy shopping!
I have played a few different Shen 200 willow basses from different shops. All gamba/flat back with a string length between 41.25" and 41.5" and they were all very playable and comfortable. Before I settled on a 150 hybrid, I had a 200 willow out on trial, as I was considering it for a purchase a few years ago. The 7/8 Shens I tried sounded great, but I was not comfortable with the longer string length in the lower positions. My average-sized hands needed a break from the 42" Czech bass I was parting with at the time.
They 200 willow models tend to be more buttery/dark in terms of sound, but there are many ways to achieve more focus and brightness if you desire that. I think that this would be one to consider. Happy shopping!
I find my shen to be too bright actually but to have a good punch. Wouldn't describe it as dark. All basses are different I guess.
I've fallen in love with my 7/8th size bass that I wish I had checked out a 7/8 willow, but there were non around me and not for the deal I got mine for.
Sam, I am not that versed on the Shen line and would suggest you contact the US distributor in New York. I suspect there is a fully carved Willow (not flat backed) which will fit your needs. The company is CSC Products Inc and has a web page. The contact info I have for them is Toll free: 888.600.8559Thanks DD. Appreciate your input and recommendations. With what you know about me now (age, physical stature, experience, etc.) which of the Shen line would you recommend? Leaning to the SB200 Willow 3/4. Like to stay Shen (my local shop luthier will provide me full credit of the cost of my SB180 to any upgrade) I see what he has, other than the Shen 7/8 Gemunder, on Wednesday.
[email protected]. I have dealt with them twice and they have been most helpful.
Thanks DD
If I am not satisfied Wed when I see what my local guy has (he usually has a few Shens and is who I started with 4-5 years ago) I'll makre that contact. I have decent comfort level with him as a luthier
If I am not satisfied Wed when I see what my local guy has (he usually has a few Shens and is who I started with 4-5 years ago) I'll makre that contact. I have decent comfort level with him as a luthier
