Bassix folding double bass - any opinions? any available?

[No. 8 Wire]

Hi Guys,

I'm fishing for some advice, I'm interested in learning upright bass, probably more into rock, blues and rockabilly styles than jazz.

I've seen a few ads over the years for the Bassix folding 3/4 double bass. It looks like it would suit my needs, I really want something that can be played acoustically but can also compact down for storage and travel.

Anyone have any experience with these - particularly the acoustic tone/volume: I wasn't completely sure whether these are primarily an EUB made to look like a double bass, or whether they were decent un-amped.

Also - there was a used for sale on Gumtree down Poole/Bournemouth way but its disappeared now - maybe it sold or maybe the ad just expired. If anyone knows who that is, grateful to be put in touch.

Thanks for any help you guys can give, Dan

[TheRev]

I would think that the Bassix bass is primarily an EUB that has acoustic properties (much like the Eminence bass) BUT I've never played one,so I'm by no means an authority on the subject. You could email Alan at Bassix and ask his opinion?

The Chadwick folding bass has a lot of good things said about it over on TalkBass, but at £4k, it might be more than you want to spend.

[No. 8 Wire]

[quote name='TheRev' timestamp='1482928500' post='3203552']
I would think that the Bassix bass is primarily an EUB that has acoustic properties (much like the Eminence bass) BUT I've never played one,so I'm by no means an authority on the subject. You could email Alan at Bassix and ask his opinion?

The Chadwick folding bass has a lot of good things said about it over on TalkBass, but at £4k, it might be more than you want to spend.
[/quote]

Thanks Rev, The Chadwick looks the business, but way out of my price bracket. A new Bassix would be out of my price range too, was hoping to find a used one. Would feel a bit a bit of a fraud to email Alan about the Bassix with no intention of buying a new one - but may do as a last resort if no user reviews turn up on here.

Could be a bit academic as I can't find a used one for sale right now, but I guess I'll be better prepared if one does come up again.

[TPJ]

There was one [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/281039-bassix-folding-double-bass-sold/page__view__findpost__p__3002960"]for sale here a little while back[/url] Maybe send the seller a pm and get their thoughts.

[No. 8 Wire]

[quote name='TPJ' timestamp='1483093431' post='3204618']
There was one [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/281039-bassix-folding-double-bass-sold/page__view__findpost__p__3002960"]for sale here a little while back[/url] Maybe send the seller a pm and get their thoughts.
[/quote]

Thanks mate, that's a good plan. I'll do that.

[Marc S]

I don't know about the Bassix, but I do own an Eminence. Although The rev describes the Eminence as an EUB with acoustic properties, it does sound more like a true acoustic DB than other stick type EUBs. Although, acoustically its much quieter than a full bodied DB. This of course, can have late night rehearsing advantages re sleeping partners and neighbours.

When amped, with a bit of careful EQ'ing, the Eminence can sound very good. But one problem with "folding" DBs is that they can take a long time to set up - perhaps longer than you may appreciate..... my Eminence is the removable neck type. Handy for flying / packing down into a smaller, more manageable shape & size, but it takes quite a while to put back together with bridge & strings taking a good while to position + set up properly.

I've only taken mine apart a couple of times, and each time, cursed myself for doing so - I was in quite a fluster before a gig, and the strings seemed to take an age to settle, even though they were properly stretched beforehand.....
Just thought I'd mention it. Perhaps a BCmember near to you would be kind enough to let you try different EUBs? - so you can try a few different types before you buy? Worth asking....

Good luck with your search

[No. 8 Wire]

Marc, thanks for the tip, I really need something that has some acoustic volume. I take all the points about the setup time, I think I could live with that all other things being equal. Also attractive about the Bassix is the composite construction - it won't always be able to be stored in ideal conditions.

Andyonbass sent me some great info and youtube vids via PM and they have really helpful.

It may be that my requirements can't be met for the budget - or just can't be met at all. There's also the issue of finding a used Bassix for sale and moving/trading other instruments on to get one! You never know some Bassix DB owner out there may just be keen on formulating a trade involving a Sire V7 5er.....

[Marc S]

[quote name='No. 8 Wire' timestamp='1483133683' post='3205021']
..... You never know some Bassix DB owner out there may just be keen on formulating a trade involving a Sire V7 5er.....
[/quote]

Its always a bit of a long shot when youre looking for something specific in the world of DB / EUBs, as its so specialist.
May be something of a long shot, but might be worth placing an ad on here anyway

EDIT; The Eminence does have some acoustic volume, as it has a small acoustic chambered body, its plenty enough to be able to hear yourself when playing unplugged, but not loud enough to "compete" with an acoustic guitar

Edited January 1, 2017 by Marc S

[No. 8 Wire]

[quote name='Marc S' timestamp='1483304858' post='3206116']
Its always a bit of a long shot when youre looking for something specific in the world of DB / EUBs, as its so specialist.
May be something of a long shot, but might be worth placing an ad on here anyway
[/quote]

I know what you mean. The other problem is I've just been noodling on the Sire today and I don't think I'm ready to give it up! I think when I've made up my mind to go for a Bassix DB I'll throw an ad up, until then I'll just keep an eye on the classifieds.

On the acoustic volume front, it needs to be heard with other acoustic instruments.

Edited January 2, 2017 by No. 8 Wire

[stingrayPete1977]

I doubt any of the hollow bodied eub type basses would be loud enough to jam with acoustic guitars, even with a normal upright I'd use a small amp just to save digging in so much.

[No. 8 Wire]

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1483360123' post='3206464']
I doubt any of the hollow bodied eub type basses would be loud enough to jam with acoustic guitars, even with a normal upright I'd use a small amp just to save digging in so much.
[/quote]

Thanks Pete. Obviously I'm completely new to what a double bass should be able to keep up with volume wise. All I'd be after is enough volume to play fairly quiet folk/rockabilly/blues tunes with probably just one other guitarist or flute/fiddle etc - and voice. I've seen enough people doing it to know its possible, but don't know how hard they're having to dig in to achieve the volume. Might just be one of those things I have to find out for myself.

[stingrayPete1977]

I think most of us in that situation unless it was a very quiet practice or jam at home would still use some form of amp, just a little 1x10 or something like a MarkBass combo, if the voice is not in a PA then it is possible though.

[TheRev]

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1483370976' post='3206602']
I think most of us in that situation unless it was a very quiet practice or jam at home would still use some form of amp, just a little 1x10 or something like a MarkBass combo, if the voice is not in a PA then it is possible though.
[/quote]

I've played completely acoustically loads of times and it's not so much a problem being heard out front, but hearing yourself is a different matter! Acoustic instruments are designed to project sound forwards - unfortunately you have to stand behind them to play the buggers.
I use a Roland Microcube so I can hear all my duff notes clearly.

[stingrayPete1977]

[Marc S]

[quote name='TheRev' timestamp='1483380628' post='3206717']
I've played completely acoustically loads of times and it's not so much a problem being heard out front, but hearing yourself is a different matter! Acoustic instruments are designed to project sound forwards - unfortunately you have to stand behind them to play the buggers.
I use a Roland Microcube so I can hear all my duff notes clearly.
[/quote]

Yes, even with a normal acoustic DB, I usually plug in to an amp. And that's playing along with other acoustic, unplugged instruments. Others opposite you may be able to hear you clearly, but I struggle to hear myself much - so I always use an amp, even if it's just a small one.....

[No. 8 Wire]

Great info guys, thanks a lot.

[No. 8 Wire]

Well, I've stuck a wanted Ad in the classifieds on here, so we'll see if that turns up anything.

Kicking myself I didn't get onto that one in Dorset quicker!

http://basschat.co.uk/topic/298033-bassix-double-bass/

[No. 8 Wire]

A Zellor Stentor bass with a pickup and pre came up really close to me at a reasonable price so I've gone for that. Possibly a mistake for the reasons I was looking for a composite folding one but at least it gets me started and I can find out if playing upright is for me or not.

Thanks for the help and suggestions, I'm just off to watch a load of youtube vids on how to hold a double bass!

[Marc S]

Ah, that's the spirit! You really have to have a DB to hand, and play it as much as you can, before you decide whether it's for you or not. It's not the sort of thing you can tell from 10 mins in a shop. Glad you bit the bullet. Watch those youtube videos - especially the ones on holding the bass / posture and stance first. Then take your time and be sure to do warm-up exercises and scales.

One real positive note, is that if you decide it's not for you - you will probably be able to sell your bass for pretty much what you paid for it
I'd still get a luthier, or friendly local BC member to have a quick look over it if you can - make sure the set up is good etc

Most of all - welcome to the wonderful world of DB, and good luck

[TheRev]

[quote name='No. 8 Wire' timestamp='1484178415' post='3213414']
A Zellor Stentor bass with a pickup and pre came up really close to me at a reasonable price so I've gone for that. Possibly a mistake for the reasons I was looking for a composite folding one but at least it gets me started and I can find out if playing upright is for me or not.

Thanks for the help and suggestions, I'm just off to watch a load of youtube vids on how to hold a double bass!
[/quote]

I wouldn't worry about it - I've owned 2 EUBs for portability/storage/'they all sound the same when you amplify them', but I've still ended up with 2 double basses. The heart wants what the heart wants and one you play the proper big bugger, you don't really want to play anything else. I still use my EUB for rehearsal and the odd gig where space is severely restricted.

The Stentor basses are pretty good. I'm currently looking after our guitarists' Stentor Student 2 bass while he moves house and it's very nice indeed - lovely shape to the neck (for me) and good tone. He may not get it back....

Edited January 12, 2017 by TheRev

[Marc S]

TheRev has a good point - I started off with a Stagg EUB. Not long after this, I bought an acoustic DB. Since then, although I've changed both - I still have both an EUB and a DB

BTW. I wouldn't say all EUB's sound the same when amplified, as I have an Eminence EUB, and that can sound very DB-like....
I also like what I've heard from the Yamaha SLB

[No. 8 Wire]

[quote name='Marc S' timestamp='1484212336' post='3213501']
Ah, that's the spirit! You really have to have a DB to hand, and play it as much as you can, before you decide whether it's for you or not. It's not the sort of thing you can tell from 10 mins in a shop. Glad you bit the bullet. Watch those youtube videos - especially the ones on holding the bass / posture and stance first. Then take your time and be sure to do warm-up exercises and scales.

One real positive note, is that if you decide it's not for you - you will probably be able to sell your bass for pretty much what you paid for it
I'd still get a luthier, or friendly local BC member to have a quick look over it if you can - make sure the set up is good etc

Most of all - welcome to the wonderful world of DB, and good luck
[/quote]

Marc, thanks for the welcome and encouragement!

That's pretty much my reasoning too - the bass is unlikely to depreciate much so nothing lost if t doesn't work out or proves impractical.

The bass had been played for about 10 years by music degree student - and then gigged about - so I'm confident the setup is at ok for now. I'm planning to meet up with a highly regarded local player at some point so will get him to check it over. Either that or I might even get a few lessons, just to make sure I'm going in the right direction.

[No. 8 Wire]

[quote name='TheRev' timestamp='1484223671' post='3213658']
The Stentor basses are pretty good. I'm currently looking after our guitarists' Stentor Student 2 bass while he moves house and it's very nice indeed - lovely shape to the neck (for me) and good tone. He may not get it back....
[/quote]

I've got nothing to compare it too, or whether there are different grades of Stentor DBs, but it looks and feels nice to me. This one was made in Romania by Zellor, with a carved solid top and ply back. It has an ebony fingerboard. No idea what strings. It has a K&K pickup and pre - it looks like the double big twin on the K&K website but is probably an older model. The bass is at least 10 years old and is well played in - which I like actually! Lots of wear on the back of the neck and scrapes and dings to the body - means I can't do much worse to it!

[TPJ]

Great stuff. Enjoy

[No. 8 Wire]

[quote name='TPJ' timestamp='1484301245' post='3214422']
Great stuff. Enjoy
[/quote]

Thanks Tom. Just been enjoying the videos on your link there - pretty much the sort of thing I'm aspiring to, although minus the singing, I can't even sing and play the electric bass at the same time, or sing at all for that matter!

As a bonus of getting this Stentor though, it was considerably cheaper than a Bassix, so holding on to my Sire 5er is looking like a distinct possibility - although it may still have to go on the one in, one out rule. I've been arguing its not a 'guitar' therefore that doesn't apply, but the fact its got strings, tuners and even a pickup is making that argument a bit tenuous...