Shen hybrid basses

[Rick Auvil]

My Shen SB180 is a beauty! The sound is becoming juicier each month. I bought it from Nick Lloyd and I can't say enough about his set-up. I just called, told him the type of playing I do, and trusted him to set it up and ship it. Maybe it was just luck, but he hit the nail on the head!

I'm now considering a five-string and debating which Shen fiver to buy - Gemunder 7/8, or the new 190 hybrid. If anybody has done anything close to a "head-to-head" comparison between the two, please share your experience.

My major concern is the extremely variable western Pennsylvania weather and humidity conditions. I'm just thinking the hybrid will be easier to maintain.