Electric Upright Bass Database

BSX Bass - ST-5

• Vintage: 1998
• Number of Strings: 5
  • Double bass strings compatible
• Bowable: Yes
• Thumb Reference: D
• Position Markers: Yes
• Balance While Playing: (8/10)

Very bright sound, especially bowed. Will never sound very close to an acoustic bass, not even with EQ. Lots of sustain. Sounds good in its own way; does not sound much like a fretless bass guitar. The low B string is great - huge and clear, usable even in the lower thumb position. High harmonics are very easy to produce but can sound painfully trebly.

Going from arco to pizz is no problem; no volume shift or control changes needed. Volume balance between strings is adjustable, and needed heavy adjustment to be even.

Impressive thick undyed ebony fingerboard, the rest of the fit and finish is decent but inconsistent. Action adjustable by changing neck angle, can be set to about 1/8" on the G string at the end of the fingerboard without nasty buzzing (though I have it about twice that high for less growl). Big, thick neck, but good playability. The upper bout extension provided is mediocre, but I adapted a speaker stand to use as a tripod.

Pretty small - fits across the back seat of small cars. Removable neck for even smaller size.