Matthew Tucker 2013
 

OK so I'm going to plug my new bass here, because I can :)

After all it IS is a modern handmade bass; built on a Grandfather Lott pattern with my own touches, including discreetly removable neck.

I just returned from ISB Convention in Rochester NY where the bass won a Certificate of Merit for Tone. It was good to meet Ken and a bunch of my other online bass nerd contacts there!

Top is Western Red Cedar
Back and sides are Silky Oak (Lacewood)
Neck and scroll is Qld Maple
Trim, nut etc is Wenge
Ebony FB and fittings.
Removable neck


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Scroll
 

The Scroll is very English looking. A bit similar to the Hart.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7297/9...a2d65abd_z.jpghttp://www.kensmithbasses.com/double...ges/hart11.jpg

Pretty sure i used both that one and the Gilkes head as a model to work from. The Gilkes has a nice "droop" of the turns under the eyes and beautiful clear lines.

wow..
 

I didn't know that. Just that it reminded me of the Hart, who apprenticed with Gilkes so that was a good idea for English.

Beautiful bass! The attention to detail and aesthetics are superlative. I really like the decoration on the scroll. From a functionality standpoint, I also really like the "reversed" gears so the G string seats better and there is less stress on the E string. Thanks for posting.

Matthew's bass is beautiful, well-made, and sounds excellent. What's really impressive is how good Matthew is at teaching himself; no violin-making school, no local mentors, just books and internet. One of the most creatively mechanically-inclined blokes I've met. Hope you can make it up again next year, Matthew.

Can't ask for a better endorsement than that! Arnold I do owe a lot to you and my other international mentors, who either confirm my hunches, challenge them, or blow them clean out of the water ... I had a ball at ISB and will try to make it next time with a new bass ... or two.

What a gorgeous instrument! What an incredible investment of time and effort it embodies!

Congratulations on your recognition at the ISB. Tone, baby!

Having shared a bench with Matthew at Oberlin last year I can say that he is very willing to share with others as well! He has been very inspiring to me because I am going about things basically the same way he has, except I can drive a couple thousand miles to hang out with Arnold! Matthew has always been generous and inspiring! And I agree with Arnold about the mechanical mind- I am glad he uses his powers for good!

Congrats on a great bass and I hope to see you this summer!

BG

Matthew,

Are you planning to bring any new instruments to the ISB in Colorado? I notice you listed as an attendee...

Yes, I will be bringing my newest bass, the as-yet-un-named sister to the cornerless Castelvecchio.

it will be in the makers competition and later sharing a booth with AES Basses.

Are you going to be there?

I plan to be for the last 2 1/2 days. I hope to see you!

If I am correctly reading the information on my ISB App, looks as if you just won a Silver Medal for Tone with your new bass!

Maybe worth a new thread, when you can post photos? It certainly looks lovely on my phone's screen...

I am excited to see/hear it, medal or no medal. I should be there tomorrow...

Congratulations!

Nice photos here:

http://www.talkbass.com/threads/tuck...-2015.1157231/