Double Bass Shen Owner's Club

[GroovyBaby]

I am not sure but you have at least a couple of turns. Both sides should be equal as well.

Hmm…that might mean something larger needs to be done via setup. I just posted in the set up forum to see what guidance I get there. I’m not opposed to bringing it to a luthier for a good setup and recognize that might be worthwhile. I’m just used to being able to do all of that on my own on BG. Thanks.

 

[GlenParks]

Just got my first upright double bass, a Shen SB100. I have an NS Design EUB that I picked up recently as well. I really enjoyed what I was getting out of the EUB (my first upright) but know that the physical interaction with a full double bass would force/teach me more proper technique. I’ve played bass guitar for almost 30 years and some of what I’m now playing (1950s blues) was recorded on DB so I’m taking the plunge. Summer goals!

So, action seems low from what I’ve read. I’m getting 2.5 mm under the G string at the finegerboard edge and 4mm at the E string. Am I right in thinking this is low? The bridge unjustness look like they have already been let out some…not sure how much more you can adjust them.

It’s a gently used bass from someone who bought it new just before the pandemic hit and then never played it. As such, I haven’t had it checked out by anyone and I’m not sure where the nearest place to get it checked out and possibly set up even is. I’m in central PA. I don’t mind the low action if this is in the accesptable range. I’m just not familiar with DB standards on set up. I do my own set ups (and even refrets) on my bass guitars.
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My sb88 sits Now at around 8-9mm G and 11-12mm E (edit: might be a bit higher) See what's comfortable and where your best trade off of playability to available acoustic volume is. You definitely have room to move the adjusters up. I play a lot of unplugged outdoor settings so I favor volume, but I'm not playing long jazz sets. Congrats on the new bass!

 

[GroovyBaby]

My sb88 sits Now at around 8-9mm G and 11-12mm E (edit: might be a bit higher) See what's comfortable and where your best trade off of playability to available acoustic volume is. You definitely have room to move the adjusters up. I play a lot of unplugged outdoor settings so I favor volume, but I'm not playing long jazz sets. Congrats on the new bass!

Thanks! I’ve got a luthier checking it out tomorrow. I’ve really enjoyed playing it so far.

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

I’ve sold a few Shens through my shop and decided to try an SB88 and SB150. After setting up the 88 with Spirocore Mittels I was pleasantly surprised. Can’t be. Let’s compare it to my Kay; a King Moretone. Sure enough, the Shen has a very clear and focused tone with good sustain. The E string is very good and the G string isn’t bright, as it often is with Spirocores. I decided to put a Lifeline pickup on it and take it out on some gigs. Well, after a duo, trio and quartet gig with a loud drummer, I’m sold on the 88. Straight into my GK MB150S, it did very well. Although it has a limited low end, I find it to be very even and focused. A worthy heir to a nice old Kay.
The 150 has more of everything but the 88 handles amplified jazz gigs as well as anything I’ve played.

 

[Ketbass]

Love my Shen I bought used from a guy in Columbus, OH. back in January. It says it’s a SB100 but clearly a hybrid. I don’t know, wrong label went in? It’s dated 2001. Anyway, I play jazz gigs on it as well as playing in an acoustic varied quartet and it just holds it own in both situations. I just got asked to join a local Celtic group last night, and kind of excited to play those gigs. The bass is strung with D’Addario Orchestrals and I love the the soft pizz sound they produce. Whoever set it up at the Violin Shop, Columbus, OH back in ‘01 has it playing like butter. The guy I bought it from says it was his daughter’s back in high school and played for 2 yrs., put away in the corner of his living room an not touched since. I took it home and just straightened up the bridge added an Upton Rev Solo to it and I think it’s all I’ll ever need for my needs in Ohio at 59. Hands, shoulders and feet ain’t gettin better….

 

[Ketbass]

Said Shen.

 

[John Sprague]

Love my Shen I bought used from a guy in Columbus, OH. back in January. It says it’s a SB100 but clearly a hybrid. I don’t know, wrong label went in? It’s dated 2001. Anyway, I play jazz gigs on it as well as playing in an acoustic varied quartet and it just holds it own in both situations. I just got asked to join a local Celtic group last night, and kind of excited to play those gigs. The bass is strung with D’Addario Orchestrals and I love the the soft pizz sound they produce. Whoever set it up at the Violin Shop, Columbus, OH back in ‘01 has it playing like butter. The guy I bought it from says it was his daughter’s back in high school and played for 2 yrs., put away in the corner of his living room an not touched since. I took it home and just straightened up the bridge added an Upton Rev Solo to it and I think it’s all I’ll ever need for my needs in Ohio at 59. Hands, shoulders and feet ain’t gettin better….

I'm glad it's doing a good job for you! The setup was probably done by a local-to-Columbus bassist named Sid, who did the lion's share of bass setups for the Loft Violin Shop back then. He's since passed on, but in his day he set up a lot of Shens.

 

[Ketbass]

I'm glad it's doing a good job for you! The setup was probably done by a local-to-Columbus bassist named Sid, who did the lion's share of bass setups for the Loft Violin Shop back then. He's since passed on, but in his day he set up a lot of Shens.

Thanks John for letting me know. You don’t know why SB100 label went into hybrid by any chance? Doesn’t really matter though; just like the information

 

[Richard Simon]

A Shen hybrid belonging to TB’s HateyMcAmp brought plenty of joy to my gig last Tuesday. There was little time to warm up and tune up, but the bass was easy to play right away. It was the only amplified piece in this ‘trad jazz’ quartet, comprised of cats who prefer everything ‘acoustic,’ but they didn’t mind my hoisting the amp upon a chair behind my right hip and dialing up gain at around 4.
All the notes were in the right places.
The bandleader said, I don’t know if this is a good bass, but it sounds good.

 

[Matt Ides]

I’ve sold a few Shens through my shop and decided to try an SB88 and SB150. After setting up the 88 with Spirocore Mittels I was pleasantly surprised. Can’t be. Let’s compare it to my Kay; a King Moretone. Sure enough, the Shen has a very clear and focused tone with good sustain. The E string is very good and the G string isn’t bright, as it often is with Spirocores. I decided to put a Lifeline pickup on it and take it out on some gigs. Well, after a duo, trio and quartet gig with a loud drummer, I’m sold on the 88. Straight into my GK MB150S, it did very well. Although it has a limited low end, I find it to be very even and focused. A worthy heir to a nice old Kay.
The 150 has more of everything but the 88 handles amplified jazz gigs as well as anything I’ve played.

Bought a 88 a few years ago. Put on spiro weichs and I have never looked back. Great workhorse bass.

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Bought a 88 a few years ago. Put on spiro weichs and I have never looked back. Great workhorse bass.

I tried a broken in set of Weichs and took them off the next day. It’s possible that they were going dead but the new Mitts pushed the bass better. Volume, E string and punch are better. It bows pretty well too.

 

[Matt Ides]

I tried a broken in set of Weichs and took them off the next day. It’s possible that they were going dead but the new Mitts pushed the bass better. Volume, E string and punch are better. It bows pretty well too.

When I go steel core always back to the Weichs which might be why they work so well for me. I did put on Zyex once but there was a significant lost in volume from the bass. Spiro reds always seem to make ply basses sing

 

[massimo]

Anybody knows if someone sells Shen basses in Europe?
I would be interested in buying their Hybrid SB150 7/8 (i think its called SB150 7/8 Gemunder) gamba shape, flatback, the one that Danny Ziemann plays here :

 

[freshbass]

Do we have a Shen club yet? A search said no. If not, I'm founding one now.

Mods, I wasn't sure where clubs go, so please move this thread accordingly.

But, here we go! Second post will be a list of members/numbers, as is the norm. and here's some pictures of my baby:

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Sorry for the obnoxious dampits, i got her a few months ago when I didn't know as much as I do now. haha.

NOTE: All members must post pictures if they want a number. =]

But anyways, I digress. THE SHEN OWNER'S CLUB IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

I'd like to join. Shen Sb300 highly figured 5/8 bass.

 

[Richard Blair]

Bought a 88 a few years ago. Put on spiro weichs and I have never looked back. Great workhorse bass.

The 88 was my choice when I decided to move back to a laminate for workhorse gigs after many years with a fully carved bass which required a lot of tlc. Very happy with it.

 

[Phlipper]

I'm totally in love with my blonde SB90. I usually have one electric bass and one six-string that I always reach for first. And 'Debbie' has become similar. My country gig imploded and so now I'm mainly just playing at home to bluegrass and country YT vids, with odd foray into jazz (dying to learn this genre properly). But I've totally fallen in love with the instrument. I spend time every day running thru scales and three or four videos. I've gone from being an SRV and EVH wannabe on guitar to a Ray Brown/Ron Carter devotee.

 

[Ben Rose]

Hey all, I just joined the Shen club with a new to me SB200 Willow. It takes a little more effort than my other bass, but it delivers a lot in return. I want to give a big shout out to Steve Swan. He knew I was on the hunt for one of these and I am so glad to have his shop in the Bay Area.

Has anyone here tried these bumpers, and if so, what color?

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[Richard Simon]

Ben,
Welcome to the club!
I did buy those bumpers (brown) but they seem to slip around a bit. In fact, one did detach itself, and since I put it back in I’m especially careful. That’s probably not all bad.
The finish on my 88 is pretty slick, but I’m hesitant about making abrasions at the places under bumpers - knowing how clumsy I am with such endeavors.
May your bumpers stick better than mine.

 

[Brilee]

Hey all, I just joined the Shen club with a new to me SB200 Willow. It takes a little more effort than my other bass, but it delivers a lot in return. I want to give a big shout out to Steve Swan. He knew I was on the hunt for one of these and I am so glad to have his shop in the Bay Area.

Has anyone here tried these bumpers, and if so, what color?

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I got mine from Gollihur, in brown. They have been solid for almost two years. Really like them.

Welcome to the Shen club!

Bass Edge Protector Set - Bumpers (Leather or Rubber)

 

[Paps]

Hey all, I just joined the Shen club with a new to me SB200 Willow. It takes a little more effort than my other bass, but it delivers a lot in return. I want to give a big shout out to Steve Swan. He knew I was on the hunt for one of these and I am so glad to have his shop in the Bay Area.

Has anyone here tried these bumpers, and if so, what color?

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I wonder is your action higher? Higher action can require more effort.
This can be easily resolved by your luthier as your Shen should be as easy to play as the rest.