Chadwick Folding Bass

[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.

[Jeremy Darrow]

Sometimes the fingerboard can creak a little when the bass is assembled. There are a few different ways that Charlie addresses the issue depending on the situation.

[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

[Jeremy Darrow]

Originally Posted by Michal Herman

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

The biggest difference I found between the ply and hybrids CFBs is that the dynamic response of the hybrid is better. The ply version tends to need a lot of energy to make it really speak, the hybrid responds better to a variety of right hand attacks, though it's not as responsive as a carved bass, or even a particularly nice plywood bass.

The folding parts are quite durable and can be repaired by a competent luthier, as long as they're willing to reach out to Charlie when necessary. I have not found that they need adjustment on a regular basis, I use my bass internationally for more that 100 dates a year and it hasn't let me down.