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Double Bass String Theory new EUB?
- Thread starter skipsinclair
- Start date
It looks very intelligent and interesting, as do the credentials of the creator, but I can't afford the plunge price 
I hear you; if my MK Studio wasn't already ticking all of my checkboxes, I'd be more interested. Here's hoping they stick around, though, could always use another quality maker.
Very interesting. I've sent an email asking for more info on how it breaks down for transport. It looks like the shoulder is fixed, as opposed to the design of my Yamaha SLB 300. I really like the aesthetic of the product, but can't imagine it will sound better, or offer more versatility, than the Yamaha.
I'm definitely interested. Been in the process of raising funds for a higher-quality EUB (ideally Yamaha SLB-300) but String Theory have caught my attention. They are within the approximate price range as Yamaha, look really cool, seem to be much more "engineered" than the typical solid-body + piezo bridge that's commonly found on EUBs. Also, those fortunate enough to order a bass from a small-business builder can attest that it's really great to build a working relationship and support independent crafters. We will see, I haven't made a decision yet (nor can I confidently spend the $ yet).
Do we know if that shoulder is accurately proportioned to an acoustic, in the same way that Yamaha provides the "real" contact point?
While I continue to be knocked out with the playability and construction quality of my Azola BugBass II, I can't help but wonder if one of Bob's hollow body models would go further in capturing an even truer upright bass sound.
The String Theory bass linked above is interesting, for sure, due to the small form factor of the body incorporating a hollow chamber, but I wonder how much difference that tiny chamber (as it relates to the range of a bass) can make.
What appears to be a lack of adjustability of the carved "bout" concerns me too. An upright bass has serious width/depth to the ribs, and we all play differently enough that the contact point from bass bout/rib to hip/stomach/human is pretty individual. Since the bout extension on this bass is so relatively thin, comfort and positional security during play may be compromised. The "bout" of my Bug is padded aluminum, easily bent to a comfortable shape, and is shaped to provide a large contact surface.
One more concern, based upon looking at a closeup of the bridge on one of the bases currently listed on his site ....
The top of the bridge doesn't seem to be carefully or properly carved; no roundness to the string entrances and exits, no taper, string notches look too shallow, etc. I read the maker's creds, and he has an impressive background and obvious skills, but I wonder if some more time spent working with a seriously experienced upright bass luthier would be of some benefit.
The String Theory bass linked above is interesting, for sure, due to the small form factor of the body incorporating a hollow chamber, but I wonder how much difference that tiny chamber (as it relates to the range of a bass) can make.
What appears to be a lack of adjustability of the carved "bout" concerns me too. An upright bass has serious width/depth to the ribs, and we all play differently enough that the contact point from bass bout/rib to hip/stomach/human is pretty individual. Since the bout extension on this bass is so relatively thin, comfort and positional security during play may be compromised. The "bout" of my Bug is padded aluminum, easily bent to a comfortable shape, and is shaped to provide a large contact surface.
One more concern, based upon looking at a closeup of the bridge on one of the bases currently listed on his site ....
The top of the bridge doesn't seem to be carefully or properly carved; no roundness to the string entrances and exits, no taper, string notches look too shallow, etc. I read the maker's creds, and he has an impressive background and obvious skills, but I wonder if some more time spent working with a seriously experienced upright bass luthier would be of some benefit.
Nah, I’m no expert? But I’m pretty sure that rounding the edges (or not) where the string isn’t making contact is a choice. I kinda like the sharp edge aesthetic, honestly. You can’t tell how rounded the grooves are under the strings, but they don’t look too shallow to me. If dude made a 5-string and I had the bread to spread I’d buy one in a heartbeat. I think that bridge looks great.
I listened to the video presentation. Sounds ok, but nothing spectacular.
Pizz comparable to Yamaha SLB or MK Bass.
Arco sounds like arco on electric - scratchy and lacking definition. I wonder if we will ever be capable of producing EUB with good arco sound - the lack of the big box limits sound-producing capabilities.
Pizz comparable to Yamaha SLB or MK Bass.
Arco sounds like arco on electric - scratchy and lacking definition. I wonder if we will ever be capable of producing EUB with good arco sound - the lack of the big box limits sound-producing capabilities.
