Double Bass Shen Owner's Club

[glenfong]

So, Shen owners, do you think the tonal quality of an SB200 is worth the additional $2500 over an SB100?

I played both today at Robertson & Sons. The SB200 won out without a second thought. No, it didn't compare to the 6-figure basses, but I definitely preferred it to the SB100. However, the SB100 is near the top of my price range @ $2k, while the SB200 starts about $4500.

Another possibility is that Robertson & Sons does have a trade in program where they'll give you the full price you paid on trade-in. So if I purchase the SB100 now, in a year from now I can trade in for an SB200 and get the full $2k I paid on the SB100 back out of it. However, I also know that my satisfaction will be greater with an instrument I love the tone of.

lowfreq,

Here's another option, look for a used SB200. You'll save some $ and it will be played in a bit already, unless you are set on getting a new instrument.

There was a really nice SB200 from Texas in the TB classifieds some time ago and it sold at practically a give away price (it was listed for many months if I remember right)

 

[TheCush]

Can I join? I have an SB200 from 2000 (purchased new in 2001). Great bass that I'll never part with. Flat back, 7/8, strung with Pirastro Obligato strings.

Saw the previous post about looking for a used one. Sorry mine's not for sale, but looking for a used one is an excellent suggestion.

 

[lowfreqgeek]

Thanks for the comments. I'm not at all opposed to buying used, and generally prefer it with electric. However, my knowledge of electric basses is such that I know exactly what to look for, so I'm comfortable buying those used and doing all potential repairs myself. With double basses, I'm a noob, so I want something that I *know* is going to be a good buy. If I can find a used upright locally in my price range, I'd much rather go that route. If I can't find it locally, I may have to take a chance that whatever I do find is a good one.

 

[DHoss]

With much appreciation to the guidance of Steve Swan, Jake deVilliers, and Kurt Ratering: an SB-180.
Arnold Schnitzer's expert set up (new bridge, fb planing, nut, sound post & tailpiece adjustments) makes the E & A strings speak authoritatively and the D & G strings sing sonorously!

 

[Adagio]

Hi guys, I received my new Shen Willow SB-200 yesterday and just I wanted to share my first impressions. I posted a few weeks ago about a Korean bass that I tried out but not convinced to buy; well I ended up buying this Shen instead.

I had a hard time making that decision because I really wanted to try the bass before buying it (and I had no store with Shen in-stock nearby). Over the last few months, I tried several other basses but I never felt in love, and knew the willow was a potential match. Reading all of the threads on TB about this bass made a huge difference, thank you all! I wouldn't have even considered a Chinese-made instrument if it wasn't for the positive comments about the Shens on this forum. After lengthy discussions with my luthier, I finally decided to go with the SB-200. At one point, he told me that if I didn't like the bass, he would keep it and sell it to somebody else. I think that's what made me take the plunge.

The result: I am a reaaally happy man and have no intention of returning it whatsoever. The overall quality of this instrument is superior to anything that I tried in that price range. The playability is quite good, it plays fast and the whole range is easily reachable. Although, I'm used to an Eb neck and this is a D neck, I guess I'll need to play few hours before getting used to it. My luthier really understood the setup I was aiming for, he put a new bridge (apparently Shen's stock bridges aren't that good), dressed the fingerboard and adjusted the nut properly. I was worried about the tailpiece/endpin quality, that's often parts that are neglected IMO. No need to worry here, I'm fairly happy with it. The tone and projection (pizzi) are just great, nothing special though, but I believe that will improve a bit over the next weeks/months as the strings break in (you know, Spiros) and the bass opens up. I didn't bow it yet, but I'm really curious to try.

Well, the bottom line is: I'm one more happy Shen owner.
Time to practice now

 

[Mike Carr]

Give it time. Your Willow bass will open up nicely. I got a new one last March and play it a lot. I can hear a difference, it's better now.

 

[Schoolhouse]

Has anyone seen or tried the new SB 300 Quenoil solo model? Thanks

 

[Mike Carr]

Saw a new bass of Sam's like that at the big Music Trade Show, (like NAMM) that happened here a few weeks ago. I'd didn't play it. Wish I did because it looks great. I didn't because I was afraid I'd like it too much and then want to buy one! My wife would have a fit if I brought home another bass right now!

 

[jazzbill]

I recently purchase a Shen SB-80 laminate from Wayne Holmes to serve as a backup to 100 year old carved bass.

 

[Dave Irwin]

I have willow 3/4 that plays 2nd fiddle to my new old bass.
I almost sold it to try a new standard but I just couldn't do it.
I got innovation super silvers and a realist on it now and the combination is just too good to get rid of. At least for swing gigs.

 

[Rick Auvil]

I play an SB-180 expertly set-up by Nick Lloyd - never had a complaint about it! I also have a Christopher 5-string which I use in orchestra at times, but the 180 is still my "go to" bass!

 

[Kimpopo]

I'm glad I found this thread! I'm in the market for a new bass, and I was looking at the Shens. I have the SB80 coming in for me next week to try out, I'm thinking that I'll like it! I'll post pictures once I've made the purchase.

 

[jwbassman]

I'm in. Just picked up a new SB150 from Upton bass this past weekend.

Here's a few crappy cell phone pics I snapped on the way out the door this morning. I doubt I'll take any better ones, I'm too busy playing it LOL.

 

[Jdog568404]

Here's my baby! She's a little beat up because I travel a lot with her and high schoolers are oblivious what what high gloss wood + sharp points equals (luckily its a hybrid, not all wood). She's a genuine Shen bought at the bass shop in Greensboro, NC.

 

[Rick Auvil]

I've attached a few shots of my SB-180. I think the grain of the wood is incredible! It was purchased from Nick Lloyd, and with his set-up, the sound is never lost in the orchestra section. It also lays down a nice bottom in a variety of musical situations from jazz group to choral concerts, church playing, and musical shows. Definitely my "go to" bass!

 

[buffalobillh]

I've attached a few shots of my SB-180. I think the grain of the wood is incredible! It was purchased from Nick Lloyd, and with his set-up, the sound is never lost in the orchestra section. It also lays down a nice bottom in a variety of musical situations from jazz group to choral concerts, church playing, and musical shows. Definitely my "go to" bass!

That is one NICE 180. Yeah... that grain is pretty sweet.

 

[TPugh]

Thanks to a recent transaction with a fellow TBer, I'm in. Shen Rogeri 800 (2007-9-96).

Happy New Year everybody,
Thomas

Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket

 

[Jdog568404]

numbers please?

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Me too. I recently brought home a 2011 SB-150. Does anyone know what the "CV" on the tag by the model number means?

 

[drurb]

Me too. I recently brought home a 2011 SB-150. Does anyone know what the "CV" on the tag by the model number means?

Chinese Virtuosity.