I have an opportunity to get a decent deal on a folding Chadwick bass, which is one of the laminate models (SB80 or 100), not the hybrid. First a little back ground on the situation: For the past couple of years, I've been playing an EUB (NS Design Omni - so 34" scale). So this is my first actual upright. I wish this bass becoming available was a hybrid (SB150), but it isn't. It is, however, apparently an older varnish model instead of the lacquer. I haven't seen photos yet, but it should be more of a woody brown than the typical "red-ish" stain. I play blues and jazz and don't want a pretty, shiny bass. The shop that is getting it won't have it for another week and I'll get pictures then and can see what coloring it is. The folding would be real convenient for me because I drive an old volvo sedan and this will fit in my trunk and for summer mountain gigs traveling up with drummer and amp gear along side my bass in my friends bigger vehicle. I would just order a new hybrid, but they don't come in this old varnish finish anymore and the new ones (even the matte finish) is not the right vibe for me (I know it won't be like a 100 year old bass with a bunch of visual character, but I don't want something that looks like it belongs in an orchestra pit with me in a tux). Plus the price is about what I could resell it for in the future, so I wouldn't be loosing much money if I only kept it for a while.
So now my question - I know you just told the other post he should consider going up a model instead of the SB80. But sound-wise, if both are amplified, how much different is the laminate vs hybrid carved top? Will this be good for me to learn on? I know these have bigger necks, but I've got big long skinny fingers, so that shouldn't be a problem. I would love to know your thoughts (about the bass situation, not about how I ramble on and eventually get to the point of the post!)
|