Damon Smith
"I needed to find a travel bass
this year so I looked at several
options, the semi acoustic
options were OK, but in the end
they would end being a poor
substitute for my double bass.
On the other hand, all the other
EUBs I have played have left me
a bit cold as I tend to play
un-amplified about 80% of the
time. I wanted something with
new options that I would enjoy
playing. A student brought over a
4 string ergo, not long after I
ordered a 6 string from Jesse.
"I needed to find a travel bass
this year so I looked at several
options, the semi acoustic
options were OK, but in the end
they would end being a poor
substitute for my double bass.
On the other hand, all the other
EUBs I have played have left me
a bit cold as I tend to play
un-amplified about 80% of the
time. I wanted something with
new options that I would enjoy
playing. A student brought over a
4 string ergo, not long after I
ordered a 6 string from Jesse.
This instrument is amazing on so many levels.
Saying it sounds "like an acoustic bass" is partly true but it also
important to point out has it's own unique sound based on the
resonance of wood and strings. it has a gorgeous sound unplugged
both arco and pizzicato ( perfect for 2 am practice!!!), the pick up
system amplifies the sound of the body and bridge rather than the
strings. It is warm and inviting to play.
The overtone series behaves just like my double bass making every
harmonic, subtone, bi-tone and mulit-phonic available. I prefer the
sound of the ergo to my amplified double bass and will be using for
most if not all situations that require amplification.
The extended range of the low 'B' and high 'C' give new and amazing
possibilities as does the stand ability to lay the thing flat like an ironing
board for easier preparation.
The pizzicato sound retains the percussiveness as well as the warm
rich detail of the double bass it also has wide and rich variety of colors
with the bow and is very easy to make a singing pure tone at multiple
dynamic levels. Every traditional and extended technique I work with
projects perfectly.
It took a few days to get used to the 6 stings but it was well worth it. I
have the action set nearly the same as my double bass and thus
switching between the two is no trouble and I do not lose any strength
or technique.
In the short time I have had it I have used it contexts ranging from
detailed chamber music to free jazz and more experimental playing.
The elegant design and warm sound wins people over immediately.
I would recommend it not only for double bassists wanting an EUB or
travel instrument but also as a better option than a cheap plywood
bass for beginners.
Jesse Blue has really given bass players a true gift with offering us
such an amazing design and beautiful instrument at these prices."
www.balancepointacoustics.com
www.myspace.com/smithdamon
Saying it sounds "like an acoustic bass" is partly true but it also
important to point out has it's own unique sound based on the
resonance of wood and strings. it has a gorgeous sound unplugged
both arco and pizzicato ( perfect for 2 am practice!!!), the pick up
system amplifies the sound of the body and bridge rather than the
strings. It is warm and inviting to play.
The overtone series behaves just like my double bass making every
harmonic, subtone, bi-tone and mulit-phonic available. I prefer the
sound of the ergo to my amplified double bass and will be using for
most if not all situations that require amplification.
The extended range of the low 'B' and high 'C' give new and amazing
possibilities as does the stand ability to lay the thing flat like an ironing
board for easier preparation.
The pizzicato sound retains the percussiveness as well as the warm
rich detail of the double bass it also has wide and rich variety of colors
with the bow and is very easy to make a singing pure tone at multiple
dynamic levels. Every traditional and extended technique I work with
projects perfectly.
It took a few days to get used to the 6 stings but it was well worth it. I
have the action set nearly the same as my double bass and thus
switching between the two is no trouble and I do not lose any strength
or technique.
In the short time I have had it I have used it contexts ranging from
detailed chamber music to free jazz and more experimental playing.
The elegant design and warm sound wins people over immediately.
I would recommend it not only for double bassists wanting an EUB or
travel instrument but also as a better option than a cheap plywood
bass for beginners.
Jesse Blue has really given bass players a true gift with offering us
such an amazing design and beautiful instrument at these prices."
www.balancepointacoustics.com
www.myspace.com/smithdamon