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Old 03-21-2010, 04:24 PM
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Eric Swanson Eric Swanson is offline
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Join Date: 11-12-2007
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 199
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Got a chance to visit Ken's shop last week. Ken was remarkably generous, hospitable, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. It is not an evening I will forget anytime soon.

We spent close to five hours, playing and listening to all of Ken's wonderful instruments. They were each very special and noteworthy, in their own unique ways.

This particular bass was simply awe-inspiring, in the most literal sense. When I hit the E string with a bow, it was as close to effortless as I have ever felt. When I first tried the bass, I was definitely over-playing; using too much tension and force, in both arms. The unfortunate result of coaxing sound out of lesser instruments for awhile, I fear.

Per Ken's suggestion, I relaxed and let the bass do the work. the difference was remarkable. One seemingly only needs to stand somewhat near this bass for it to play; rich, full, organ-like tones just roll off of the E and A strings, with virtually no effort. The upper register is full and warm, yet very vocal and piercing.

Playing this bass with Ken's Sue Lipkins bow was one of the most effortless and rewarding things I have ever felt in my bass-playing life. The music just happened, with no thought or effort.

The shoulders didn't seem wide or awkward to me. But then, I am somewhat tall. Even so, the sounds that come out of this bass and the ease with which they magically appear is priceless and, I think, worth a bit of reaching, if one's stature requires it.

I ache when I think of how fun this bass was to play. Somebody will be very happy when they buy this instrument. What a trip it would be to play, day after day.
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