Chadwick Folding Bass

[Brian Casey]

I saw Paul Unger (Ft Worth Symph.) play one in Portland OR at a bass event. He's tuning in 5ths and it's his travel bass now. He hadn't had it long, but seemed to be sold on it. Nobody in the room knew it was a folding bass until he talked about it, then when asked he demonstrated it.

It's funny because my primary duo/trio partner just suggested that I look at getting a travel bass of some kind, and less than a week later, I was introduced to the Chadwick. To make the universe really allign, I just found out my Christopher 401, which had been on consignment since Spring, just sold for pretty much my asking price.

I think a Chadwick is in my very near future, but I would like to hear from more people who have actually played them. I didn't know how close I was to buying one, so I didn't play Paul's. (Not to mention I would have probably been too preoccupied with the 5ths tuning to really give it a fair shake.)

The one thing that I'm not sure about is that Paul had his action REALLY low, which isn't really my preference, and there was a fair amount of string noise and flappnig about of strings. I think that was more set up and strings (Thomastick Red Mitchell set) than the bass itself.

If anyone knows of a Chadwick in the NW US that I might be able to try out, I'd really appreciate it.

brian

[Dave Martin]

Originally Posted by Brian Casey

If anyone knows of a Chadwick in the NW US that I might be able to try out, I'd really appreciate it.
brian

I'd suggest that you give Charlie a shout - he should know of any up in your part of the country, or he might be able to hook you up with one of the guys who tours with one and will be passing through...

If I found a buyer for my Juzek, I think I'd go ahead and move to the Chadwick Folding Bass. My fall holds lots of tour dates that will be a bit awkward for an acoustic bass...

[John Hebert]

It's 2015 now..can anyone comment on The CFB? Im hearing mostly from luthiers David Gage, Bill Merchant, Will from NAS that I shouldn't buy it. That it makes noise after a while and that Ill be disappointed. Comments?

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by John Hebert

It's 2015 now..can anyone comment on The CFB? Im hearing mostly from luthiers David Gage, Bill Merchant, Will from NAS that I shouldn't buy it. That it makes noise after a while and that Ill be disappointed. Comments?

My friend here in Philly owns an old English bass, a modern Italian bass and an old Austrian bass. For travel, he now has a CFB and loves it. He is a pro and knows what a good bass is.

[Eric Hochberg]

I have no personal experience with them, but my luthier told me he has worked on two, and they both creaked like an old boat.

[Jeremy Darrow]

I've had two folding basses, first a plywood version and now a hybrid and I couldn't be happier. Sometimes the basses need a bit of adjustment and Charlie is always available to answer questions if your local luthier is stumped. I have had no persistent issues with either of the folding basses and have recorded successfully with both. As long as they're in proper adjustment they don't creak or rattle.

[John Hebert]

Can you give me a more specific idea of what adjustments and issues youve had? I'd get a Hybrid if I got one.

[Michal Herman]

Originally Posted by Jeremy Darrow

I've had two folding basses, first a plywood version and now a hybrid and I couldn't be happier.

Hello Jeremy,
I am considering buying Chadwick Folding Bass. I am wondering which option to choose - ply or hybrid.
Is it noticeable upgrade in sound quality in hybrid version? In which way? I am looking for bass good for swing/jazz with richer lower register.
Also I am wondering about durability of folding mechanism. I live in Europe, so getting bass to Chadwick for regulation wont be either easy nor cheap. Do this mechanism needs regulations or repairs? How often?

Best Regards