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Double Bass Solano Basses, thoughts?

#21
I have played a Romano 5 string Prescott (or Klotz) for 10 years in symphonies, jazz bands, studio work and everything else you can imagine. Wonderful bass. Well built and solid with fabulous tone. Some wood checking on the shoulders. As a woodworker it looks like the wood wasnt completely dried. not a structural issue, actually makes the bass look more antique. I really enjoy Romanos finish work. Tired of seeing new basses with finishes that shine like sports cars. This bass had a wonderful aged look that was very classy and fits great in an orchestra section. Sure thats a small thing but little things make a difference.
 
#23
Here is the only pic I have available. If I can I will post a couple more later when I get unpacked from moving. This bass is from 1999 and does not have the solo cut fingerboard or the carved tailpiece, but it does have a solid ebony tailpiece and round back. The mother of pearl fingerboard markers I installed myself. Not the most beautiful bass but it sounds wonderful and I paid an amazing price for it. Rumano was a wonderful man. He had a soft spot because I was a student putting myself deeply in debt. He built me this instrument for an astoundingly low 10,000$. To be fair, in 1999that was worth a bit more than it is now, but still...
 

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#24
On the other end of the scale (v. Klotz!), I had a Solano 5/8ths 5 string gamba bass (with a High C) for a while that had a really rich, warm tone and beautiful finish. I finally had to give it up because of the 39" string length, which made shifting between basses difficult. Well made, lovely sound - no complaints.

Louis
 

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#25
My friend that is a sweet bass. That would make a fabulous jazz bass. I know what you mean about playing other basses. My string length is reasonable at 41 1/2 in. but I feel very uncomfortable with a smaller instrument. The response is completely different. Surprisingly enough I found that even though my bass is big with higher tension I experience less fatigue than I did with 4 string due to the closer distance between the strings. After I play a four four any real length of time my right hand gets very stiff and tired.
 
#28
On that particular bass, I went to a four stringer (the "Gary Karr" bass Upton made for me to use in my show).

My friend Roberto Giormenti in Buenos Aires is making me a gorgeous five-string (low B) that should be up here in a few months. I'll post photos when it arrives.

Best,

Louis
 

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