Double Bass Shen Owner's Club

[jasonbraatz]

It was out of my hands for so long that it’s hard to say. It still feels like the same instrument, but also seems louder and more snappy than I recall…

 

[AGCurry]

I know it’s difficult to qualify/quantifiy, but I’m very curious as to whether you’re noticing a distinct change in tone/response/feel with the new bracing system?

I was under the impression that the bracing change was made primarily to stabilize the back so it wouldn't crack so much.

 

[JBarz]

This bracing system also reportedly improves low end response. I’ve been curious about it for a long time.

 

[Paul New]

No, I think you hit on the problem in your previous post. The issue is not necessarily ply vs. carved. I've had an SB200 for 12+ years, and the bass is a few years older than that. It's never had a crack or an open seam. But it has Shen's X-bracing. That makes all the difference.

I’ve had an SB200 willow flat back since 2007, used it everywhere, and not had a single crack. It’s X-braced and is very punchy and articulate.

The only issue I’ve had with it is finding a G string that works. I have been using a Jargar arco G string for a while, but recently tried a full set of Evah Pirazzi Slaps, the full synthetic set, and they are never coming off. I did not expect this set to work, and for some reason was convinced that this bass needs higher tension. Inspired by Russel Hall, I took a breath and bought a set in spite of that.

Anyway, it’s a workhorse of a bass that does the job while sounding and even looking good doing it. I don’t know what they go for now, but this one was a great value, no regrets.

 

[Earl]

I’ve had an SB200 willow flat back since 2007, used it everywhere, and not had a single crack. It’s X-braced and is very punchy and articulate.

The only issue I’ve had with it is finding a G string that works. I have been using a Jargar arco G string for a while, but recently tried a full set of Evah Pirazzi Slaps, the full synthetic set, and they are never coming off. I did not expect this set to work, and for some reason was convinced that this bass needs higher tension. Inspired by Russel Hall, I took a breath and bought a set in spite of that.

Anyway, it’s a workhorse of a bass that does the job while sounding and even looking good doing it. I don’t know what they go for now, but this one was a great value, no regrets.

I wish I could use that G but it makes my fingers really black, and it’s difficult to remove. Aluminum I guess. The other three strings are fine.

 

[Paul New]

I wish I could use that G but it makes my fingers really black, and it’s difficult to remove. Aluminum I guess. The other three strings are fine.

The synthetic EP slap G?

 

[Earl]

The synthetic EP slap G?

Yep!

 

[Paul New]

Yep!

I’m not getting that. Weird

I know that aluminum develops a black oxide coating, but I haven’t seen it yet. The other three strings have steel wraps.

I just wiped mine down with a cloth and yes, black residue. It hasn’t been sticking to my hands for reason.

Years ago I quit using Velvet strings because of what the copper wraps did to my hands.

 

[Earl]

I’m not getting that. Weird

I know that aluminum develops a black oxide coating, but I haven’t seen it yet. The other three strings have steel wraps.

I just wiped mine down with a cloth and yes, black residue. It hasn’t been sticking to my hands for reason.

Years ago I quit using Velvet strings because of what the copper wraps did to my hands.

I think maybe some people do not react to it. Or maybe they changed the formulation, which would be good because I like that string!

 

[El Thumpo]

Okay. The fellow who started this club in 2011 disappeared soon thereafter. Another member took up the management in 2015, but he too disappeared.

I’m stepping up and handling out numbers. I’ve been a member since 2015 thanks to my hybrid Chadwick (a modded Shen 150, I believe), so I’m as qualified as anyone.

Who wants a number? Step right up with proof of your ownership. If that’s already been provided several pages back, repost a link to the original.

 

[thomasrhoward]

After not playing/owning an upright for about ten years, I just picked up this used SB88. I need to clean up the fingerboard a bit, but other than that it’s in great shape.

 

[El Thumpo]

After not playing/owning an upright for about ten years, I just picked up this used SB88. I need to clean up the fingerboard a bit, but other than that it’s in great shape.

View attachment 7504058

Excellent! Let me figure out how to deal with long-pending number requests and I’ll give you yours.