Earlier this month, I picked up my hybrid La Scala. Ever since I saw the first few on TB, I've been very interested in these basses...and after playing one, I knew that they were special. The whole process was smooth as can be. Wil was very good with answering all questions quickly and the time frame quoted was pretty accurate. I met Wil halfway to take delivery of the bass and he seems to really care about these basses. He is a nice guy and we chatted for a little while about basses, music and life.
Before the La Scala, I was playing a carved Juzek for a few years. There is nothing wrong with the Juzek, but I wanted to try something different, both tonally and in feel.
There was very little adjustment period. Actually, aside from the D neck (compared to the Juzek's Eb) I felt like I've been playing the La Scala for years. It was immediately comfortable to play. The bass was set up perfectly. In fact, I may have to start making the drive to Arnold's shop to have him do all the work on my instruments.
While the two basses sound different, one isn't 'better' than the other in terms of tonal quality. The are both different shades of great. The Juzek is a bit darker and mellower, while maybe being a bit more muffled and having less mid range charactor. The La Scala is definetly more resonant. The notes really respond quickly and clearly and the bass seems to know what I want out of it with different bow strokes.
I am still getting to know the bass, but I already feel really comfortable playing it and I am even starting to prefer the D neck over the Eb. The weight is a dream. It is so much lighter than my Juzek.
It is a very atractive bass. The finish is very classy. I am especially pleased with the finish on the back of the neck..both in terms of look and, more importantly, feel.
I will be using this bass mostly in an orchestral setting. I haven't been playing as much jazz these days, though I can say that this bass would be a fantastic choice. I still want to invest in a carved bass from a contemperary builder at some point in the next few years, but between this bass and the Juzek, I will probably be selling the Juzek to fund that purchase...and keep the La Scala for a back up.
...I know, I know...pics to follow soon......
Before the La Scala, I was playing a carved Juzek for a few years. There is nothing wrong with the Juzek, but I wanted to try something different, both tonally and in feel.
There was very little adjustment period. Actually, aside from the D neck (compared to the Juzek's Eb) I felt like I've been playing the La Scala for years. It was immediately comfortable to play. The bass was set up perfectly. In fact, I may have to start making the drive to Arnold's shop to have him do all the work on my instruments.
While the two basses sound different, one isn't 'better' than the other in terms of tonal quality. The are both different shades of great. The Juzek is a bit darker and mellower, while maybe being a bit more muffled and having less mid range charactor. The La Scala is definetly more resonant. The notes really respond quickly and clearly and the bass seems to know what I want out of it with different bow strokes.
I am still getting to know the bass, but I already feel really comfortable playing it and I am even starting to prefer the D neck over the Eb. The weight is a dream. It is so much lighter than my Juzek.
It is a very atractive bass. The finish is very classy. I am especially pleased with the finish on the back of the neck..both in terms of look and, more importantly, feel.
I will be using this bass mostly in an orchestral setting. I haven't been playing as much jazz these days, though I can say that this bass would be a fantastic choice. I still want to invest in a carved bass from a contemperary builder at some point in the next few years, but between this bass and the Juzek, I will probably be selling the Juzek to fund that purchase...and keep the La Scala for a back up.
...I know, I know...pics to follow soon......
