Shen hybrid basses

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Wyatt Newman

This coming week I will be driving 600 miles and deciding between the SB150, the SB180, The SB190 or the 3/4 Willow. The first three are hybrids, and the last two are flatbacks. I have had no experience with flatbacks, but have read several pro and several con comments about them on the boards. I am playing light classical with 80% or better arco work, and the bass will be setup with this in mind. Of course I will be playing all of them at which time I will decide what does best for me, but any thoughts from you guys will be factored in.

Driving 600 miles to where? I think the Shen Willow back has a slight arch and an X-brace system. The Willow as well might be more stable and deeper sounding than Maple. For a lower priced Orchestra bass this model usually deliverers.

Call CSC and ask them if any what reported problems they have heard about with these Willows. Not a weeping Willow as far as what I have heard..

[Wyatt Newman]

Thanks, Ken.

The 600 miles are from my home to Nick Lloyds shop by way of Dustin Williams shop in Nashville. I've heard good things about both of these guys, especially Nicks setup, but just do not trust myself to buy anything without trying it first. Therefore the 600 miles. Each way.
I had not thought of calling CSC themselves to ask questions about the bass, but I will do so tomorrow. Again, thanks for your time.

[Eric Swanson]

I am currently renting a Shen SB 150 hybrid. Its a tremendous instrument for the money, IMHO.

Even response, nicely made, well set-up, light in weight. E string speaks easily.

It is a much better bass than the inexpensive carved bass I was previously playing, IMHO, playing them both daily. I would say that from a playing point of view, it is a tremendous bargain. I paid more than twice what the Shen costs for the inexpensive carved bass, for an instrument that didn't work as well.

Luthiers I have spoken with seem to feel good about the fabrication of the Shens, in general. As far as long-term physical issues, I couldn't say.

I have Belcantos on it. The bass works quite well. This is from the perspective of a part-time, hobbyist bassist; take it for what its worth...

[Wyatt Newman]

I have corresponded with Steve Sprague at CSC a couple of times in the last few days concerning the stability of the Shen Willow flatbacks. He has noted that they had expected more problems with cracking than they have received and some time ago had experimented with X bracing lenths and placement until they feel that the construction is optimum to prevent this problem. He warns though, that sudden and sharp temperature extremes should be avoided and that dry winter conditions with low humidity would necessitate the use of dampits. I have a question about that.
I live in the deep and humid south. Our winters are dry sometimes. For you guys in the know, what percentage would be considered "low" humidity conditions?

[Eric Hochberg]

I've been advised to keep the bass' home environment at 38% humidity when the heat goes on in Chicago. Of course, you have little control over other environments. I use dampits when the bass is in its bag on the way to gigs.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Wyatt Newman

I have corresponded with Steve Sprague at CSC a couple of times in the last few days concerning the stability of the Shen Willow flatbacks. He has noted that they had expected more problems with cracking than they have received and some time ago had experimented with X bracing lengths and placement until they feel that the construction is optimum to prevent this problem. He warns though, that sudden and sharp temperature extremes should be avoided and that dry winter conditions with low humidity would necessitate the use of dampits. I have a question about that.
I live in the deep and humid south. Our winters are dry sometimes. For you guys in the know, what percentage would be considered "low" humidity conditions?

Steve or is it John Sprague? John is a member her as well but doesn't Post all that much.

Dampits can cause more harm than help. Search this Dampit subject over here or start a new thread in the Luthier section.

[Wyatt Newman]

JOHN Sprague is correct. Don't know where Steve came from. Ended up getting the SB200 (3/4 Willow) from Nick Lloyd. Good guy, great setup.
Pictures attached.