• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Double Bass which EUB??

F

filey44

Jan 5, 2006
5
0
#1
Hi,

I'm a double bass player from the UK with 10 years+ experience. I play mainly jazz and have a couple of nice basses for local gigs etc. However, I've recently been playing in a loud experimental/jam group and we may be touring soon. I'm looking for an EUB for two reasons: 1. ease of transport and 2. to avoid feedback. I'd like an instrument that feels/sounds like an acoustic as far as possible, but I don't want a hollow body bass as I want to avoid any feedback possibilities (I realise that this may mean a compromise on getting an 'acoustic' sound). I'm prepared to accept this but I'd like the neck to feel like an acoustic if possible. Looking to spend up to about $3000 or so.

Has anyone got any advice on which EUB would be suitable?
Your help would be much appreciated
 
#5
As Azola is out of business, I would recommend the BSX Allegro. You can often find used ones for under $2000 and I have played them and they sound great. They make a detachable neck design as well for ultimate portability. I also really enjoy the NS Design stuff, but it is really expensive for the nice models, and their look and sound is lot more modern. The BSX has just enough acoustic chamber where you could practice in a hotel room, still hear yourself, but not cause noise complaints.
 
  • Like
Reactions: djc03006
#7
Man, I never see used Azola basses, especially the fully hollowbody ones which would be the only ones I would be interested in. I see used bsx much more often, and their price point is lower and also bsx is still in business and they can service their instruments if there are problems. However, a used Azola would be a total coup. Azola are supposed to be amazing.
 
#8
jeffbonny said:
I've always been partial to the basses Steve Azola built.

The Eminence may be the most convincing to acoustic purists as it is actually an acoustic instrument and looks like an acoustic instrument.
Click to expand...

I love my chambered Azola mini bass. It has an adjustable aluminum rod, comfortably shaped, that enables me to cradle it against my body like a DB, keeping my hands free for playing; other EUBs I've tried required me to support and position the bass with my hands or use a stand. :scowl:

I have a few friends who play Eminence basses and swear by them.

Check out the French EUB being played by Mike Arnopol with Patricia Barber; sounds great! Mike could tell you more about its playability, etc.

 
#11
With any EUB, you would probably want to invest in a DI / preamp to shape the tone ( I use a Tech 21 SansAmp Para DI @ $120).

Also, with the Ergo, you would likely wish to upgrade the stand to sturdier hardware ( I did: used Pearl drum hardware about $120)... and likely want to replace the stock strings with nicer strings (another $120-$150).

Also, if you are planning on gigging it, you would probably like to invest in a case or gig bag ($60, I used a Neet Archery Recurve Bow case [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] )

all in all...about $300-$400 in upgrades added to the initial Ergo cost of $700-$800 or so...
 
#12
He did mention a $3000 budget... Of all the electric upright I have played, the bsx Allegro is the most upright like, and I like the fact that it is us made. I also really like the electronics they use. With the ns design, you can get a magnetic pickups option that really sounds cool when engaged, kind of like a huge fretless. This rig would handle volume at TheWho level without feedback. I really like these basses and so do other luminaries like tony levin.
 
#15
I really like the ns design crm bass. I have played them a lot and think they sound and feel great. I personally don't like 5 string uprights, but you might. Their sound is modern and less uprightlike than some, but they are easy to travel with and are solid, so feedback should never come up. They are good enough for Tony Levin...
 
#17
chuck norriss said:
Yes
Click to expand...

I was being silly of course, but actually your first post made no sense to me at all. From what I can tell from Ergo's website, they do have metal tuners and pickups. truthfully I have never played an Ergo, but I don't see how they could sound more natural than a bass with acoustic chambers like the Clevinger, or BSX, or Azola or Eminence. After all the sound of wood is really the sound of the resonance of the air chamber like in a real upright. I have found the solid sticklike uprights to NOT sound the woodiest. Of course ERGO may be an exception as I have never played or heard one being played, but I don't see why they would be. I am not saying they aren't really nice, but basses with this design, like the NS Design stuff, have more of an electric tone to me, which may be just fine if that is what you are seeking. I certainly love Ns Design in the right context.
 
#20
It's odd they have a distinct wood sound but don't get me wrong it's no true db. If anything somewhere between db & fretless ebg. From the videos I've seen & heard not as electric sounding as Ned steinberger likely because of the difference in pickups. Ergos are relatively inexpensive by comparison. I prefer the simplicity & appreciate the style.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back