Replies

  • eK December 13, 2012 at 1:35am

    I've tried the U-Bass.

    It was an impressive instrument. But I like the Ashbory Bass (see below) even more. The bass sound it produces is quite impressive - and it's significantly cheaper than a Kala Bass.

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    The Ashbory is (AFAIK) the grandaddy of all these short-scale very thick stringed mini-basses. You can still get them today. And they're amazingly affordable. They go for between $200 and $250 new depending on who you buy them from. Sometimes you can find them on EBay for under $100 if you're patient and not fussy about the color (red,blue,black) you want.

    My favorite site for Ashbory info, sound clips, instruments, parts, and accessories is here. (Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with nor do I get anything from these folks for mentioning their site.)

    Parts are also available from the above link if, in the spirit of Cigar Box Nation, you want to take a stab at building your own.

    If you want to hear it in action, there's a cute song (The Pidgin English Hula) that features some fine uke playing accompanied by an Ashbory bass up on YouTube. Find it here. Wear headphones or play it through decent speakers to get the full bass effect. This little axe may look like a toy. But it pumps out some serious lows.

    • Thorsten Hinrichsen > eK December 18, 2012 at 5:19pm

      Hi boys, I've made two cigar box bass ukuleles using ashbory tuning machines and nuts, UBass strings and scale. They sound both very good, IMO. Just passive piezo disc tuners, no preamp. You can see videos and pics on my page. http://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/ThorstenHinrichsen

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    • the cigarbox table guy > Thorsten Hinrichsen December 18, 2012 at 9:46pm

      outta' sight !!  Looks and sounds sensational ! Now I have to make one.

    • Marmelade > the cigarbox table guy December 19, 2012 at 3:21am

      I ordered the strings but still don't know what kind of box I will use. I would like to use it acoustic, not always plugged.

      I was wondering if we would be able to undo the strings easily in oder to put them on an other bass.

      So that I  could try with a resonance box and if it not correct, use an other box. What do you think ?

    • the cigarbox table guy > Marmelade December 19, 2012 at 3:38am

      You can shift the strings around a bit but it will be very quiet unpluged. Even acoustic bass guitars are quiet.

    • Marmelade > the cigarbox table guy December 19, 2012 at 3:43am

      True..... Then I will use a piezo, thanks !

      A friend gave me a metal box. It comes from the olympic games in 1988 I think. The journalists were given this box full of material to take photos of the event.

      Now, I wonder how a bass can sound with a metal box. I shlould receive the strings in a few days,...can't wait....! ! ! !

    • Thorsten Hinrichsen > Marmelade December 19, 2012 at 8:28am

      I've made two basses with a wooden box (not very resonant stuff). The polyurethane strings don't produce that much sound, probably due to the low tension they require. But via piezo (I'd recommend two smaller piezos parallel if you play into a PA system) you get nice sounds out of it. 

    • Marmelade > Thorsten Hinrichsen December 19, 2012 at 4:38pm

      Thanks, I'll get this piezos.

  • Kenny Hay December 9, 2012 at 4:48pm

    What a great Idea, i'll be around at a friends place tomorrow.

    He's an exponent of the Double Bass build, I'm sure he will know what to do.

    Got a few spare Boxes so it's one more for the drawing board

    Kenny

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