Andreas Zeller

[pram_01]

I know that this has been discussed here already but I would like to know where I could try a 3/4 Zeller bass (Surrey or London area). Also, I am after a 3/4 fully carved double bass (or more specifically a 3/4 solid wood Zeller). I put a post in the 'items wanted' and I know that some upright players don't go there, so I am putting a link here as well.

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=43002"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=43002[/url]

[ardi100]

[quote name='pram_01' post='426225' date='Mar 5 2009, 02:46 PM']I know that this has been discussed here already but I would like to know where I could try a 3/4 Zeller bass (Surrey or London area). Also, I am after a 3/4 fully carved double bass (or more specifically a 3/4 solid wood Zeller). I put a post in the 'items wanted' and I know that some upright players don't go there, so I am putting a link here as well.

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=43002"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=43002[/url][/quote]


I've got a solid top Zeller (hybrid, the back and sides are ply - so says the luthier) that you're welcome to try at a gig (none upcoming!) or rehearsal.

[Guest subaudio]

[quote name='pram_01' post='426225' date='Mar 5 2009, 02:46 PM']I know that this has been discussed here already but I would like to know where I could try a 3/4 Zeller bass (Surrey or London area). Also, I am after a 3/4 fully carved double bass (or more specifically a 3/4 solid wood Zeller). I put a post in the 'items wanted' and I know that some upright players don't go there, so I am putting a link here as well.

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=43002"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=43002[/url][/quote]

[url="http://www.footesmusic.com/"]Foote's[/url] in Soho stock Zellers as I recall, you need to go to the back of the shop then down in the basement.

[pram_01]

[quote name='subaudio' post='426243' date='Mar 5 2009, 03:02 PM'][url="http://www.footesmusic.com/"]Foote's[/url] in Soho stock Zellers as I recall, you need to go to the back of the shop then down in the basement.[/quote]
Thanks! I went there yesterday and tried a Zeller with adjustable bridge and thomastik spirocore strings. Not a huge sound but really nice though.

[bassace]

[quote name='pram_01' post='433338' date='Mar 13 2009, 10:28 AM']Thanks! I went there yesterday and tried a Zeller with adjustable bridge and thomastik spirocore strings. Not a huge sound but really nice though.[/quote]


If you are going to amp your bass you probably won't need a huge sound, which could overwhelm the pickup. It's more important to have a nice precise focussed sound. I have a bass that doesn't have a very strong E string when played acoustically but it sounds great when amped. Your 'really nice though' impression should give you some encouragement. Good luck in your search.

[hubrad]

Another thing to consider, acoustically speaking, is that solid top or all solid instruments do 'warm up', i.e. the sound develops, with a load of playing. My first double bass was a solid top Zeller and did me marvellously for the first few years.

[BassBus]

I would agree with hubrad on the sound developing with playing. I play my DB at a local folk session and I always feel it takes about half an hour to get a sound from it that I am happy with. There's a lot of wood to get moving in a DB. I have heard that some luthiers place new violins on the speakers of their hifi so the vibs 'play in' the wood of the instrument in.

Edited March 14, 2009 by BassBus

[OutToPlayJazz]

Zeller instruments are okay, but you may need to try one or two of them first. They tend to have a "lot of wood" in them, in that the front panel is often very thick. The top of range Stentor 3/4 bass is usually better in this respect.

[BassBus]

Interesting you should say that Rich. When I bought my Stentor I tried a Zeller along side it and the Zeller was much boomier. It had a tone I didn't take to. Whereas the Stentor had a lovely clear tone.

[pram_01]

[quote name='BassBus' post='435398' date='Mar 15 2009, 06:35 PM']Interesting you should say that Rich. When I bought my Stentor I tried a Zeller along side it and the Zeller was much boomier. It had a tone I didn't take to. Whereas the Stentor had a lovely clear tone.[/quote]
I tried both at Footes and TBH I had the impression that the Stentor had a much more 'warmer' and present tone. It is worth mentioning though that the action of the Zeller was extremely low.