G. Edward Lutherie Inc.
Eminence portable upright bass (set neck model)
Reviewer: Matt Fisher (
http://www.cookcountyjazz.com)
Amplifier Used: Acoustic Image Contra
- Vintage: 2003
- Number of Strings: 4
- Double bass strings compatible
- Bowable: Yes
- Thumb Reference: E♭
- Balance While Playing:
(8/10)
I took delivery of a used Eminence bass five days ago, and have used it at a rehearsal, a gig, and a jam session.
The main reasons I bought an Eminence were portability, playability, and easy access to thumb position. It excels on all counts. In terms of portability, it rivals a bass guitar. The setup is superb, and only a stick would offer easier access to thumb position.
Unplugged, the Eminence bass has somewhat of a cigar box sound, but it's quite pleasant once you get used to it. The response is balanced across all four strings, with no loss of volume on the low notes.
The Eminence balances well standing up, but it also balances sideways so nicely that a bass guitarist could sit down and play it like a fretless acoustic. The acoustic volume is at least equivalent to that of an acoustic bass guitar.
The big surprise is how great the Eminence bass sounds in a live setting. The reaction from the guys in my jazz quartet -- despite serious misgivings when they first laid eyes on it -- is that this is the best amplified bass tone I've ever had.
I had the opportunity to sit in the audience at a jam session, and hear a friend play this bass through a Contra. It's hard to be objective about one's own gear, but to my ear the Eminence sounded better than all three carved basses we've amplified on that stage.
Luthier Gary Bartig has done the impossible. In an amplified setting, the Eminence bass plays the role of doublebass better than a doublebass.
Text copyright © Matt Fisher.
