The bass I bought

[Eric Swanson]

Endpin update is that a regular 1/2" diameter carbon steel rod is still my favorite option. I have tried stainless steel, nickel silver, steel tube with various fillers (carbon fiber, steel, and brass rods), and solid carbon fiber.

In general, on this bass, less endpin mass increased upper end "openness," brightness, sweetness, and volume, but lost the fuller low end. But it is not just mass; the nickel silver rod weighed more, but because it was slightly more flexible (perhaps), the bottom end was not as good as with the steel.

The stainless steel pin is the only reasonable option, so far; I have been using that in some situations; it is slightly brighter and slightly more even, but lessens the "organ-like" effect on the E string, which I do hate to lose.

Taking a break from endpin tinkering for awhile; too much other stuff to work on right now. Next trials, perhaps, will be high-speed steel rod and silicon bronze rod.

[Eric Swanson]

Here are a couple of clips from a little Early-Music chamber thing last week, doing some old Christmas Songs.

I am not proud of my sloppy hobbyist chops, but you can still hear the bass' full bottom end, pretty easily. An added, slightly bizarre bonus (?) is the bass/hurdy gurdy duo, at one point .

I was using a no-name loaner bow, but the bass still gave up a decent sound...

I was holding back, because the bass felt loud, with that group. You know, playing over the fingerboard, without a lot of weight. In retrospect, I probably should have just let the bass rip...

Thanks for that sound, and responsiveness, again, to Jed Kriegel:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L053K1VrNEo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBA0p..._order&list=UL

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Eric Swanson

Here are a couple of clips from a little Early-Music chamber thing last week, doing some old Christmas Songs.

I am not proud of my sloppy hobbyist chops, but you can still hear the bass' full bottom end, pretty easily. An added, slightly bizarre bonus (?) is the bass/hurdy gurdy duo, at one point .

I was using a no-name loaner bow, but the bass still gave up a decent sound...

I was holding back, because the bass felt loud, with that group. You know, playing over the fingerboard, without a lot of weight. In retrospect, I probably should have just let the bass rip...

Thanks for that sound, and responsiveness, again, to Jed Kriegel:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L053K1VrNEo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBA0p..._order&list=UL

I saw these. Good playing. Good sound. Nice technique and you look right at home with your bass.

[Eric Swanson]

Hi Ken,

Thank you very much for the kind words. Having met you, seen your shop, and heard you play, the compliment means a lot.

I really dig this bass' willingness to give up a nice E string sound, with no sweat. It just plays so easily...

Here's another little clip, of the kind of down-and-dirty rhythmic bass playing my former teacher used to jokingly call "stump grinding..."

The band drags a touch, but it is still sort of fun and you can hear the bass OK...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZorUYcWFsQ

On the other hand, where did my hair go? Whenever I see a clip of myself, I get reminded of how bald I really am...

Ah well...

Thanks again,
Eric

[Terry McDougal]

Sweet playing Eric.

[Eric Swanson]

Thank you, Terry. The bass plays easily and responds well.