Oh my God, thank you for making this, Eddy! I have been wanting one of those things for so long, but I couldn't find but one online review, and no actual sound clips of it! I knew within the first 10 seconds that it's well worth the cash.
It's a crying shame that Epiphone discontinued this gorgeous bass after such a short run...it's pretty much capable of playing most styles short of hard rock/metal, and even then, an adventurous rocker could make it do some interesting things! Keeping my eyes peeled for a used fretless natural finish example, fingers crossed, I want one sooo bad! Thanks for an excellent review and several sweet examples of what could have been if Epiphone would've given it more of a chance.
I’m a bluegrass flat picker and I’d like to try my hand at the bass. Anything I purchase would have to emulate an upright bass sound and was just wondering what people might recommend. This phone is certainly a sweet looking and sounding guitar but I’m wondering what else might be out there?
Its always a treat to have such a skilled musician like Ed here demo this shirt lived but necessary Gypsy style bass. Great vibe on the magnetic side! Still wondering about the piezo.
Nice vid man. Nice playing too. Sold. I've found one in a nearby shop and having it set up now. Patience, patience. My third bass but I haven't had one for a while. I just love the sounds you can get out of this one.
@SUBARUDOO - I don't review what I own, I review what I get paid to review. This is my job. Sometimes I get to use my own basses if I'm reviewing an amp though.
In an earlier post you said you have reviewed the Ibanez GVB 1006 six string. I have been curious about that bass. When will you have that review up and running?
What a beautiful instrument! Strings look like Roto-sound TruBass 88s - black nylon-coated flatwounds, correct? I use those on my 5-string fretless acoustics, one of which is Ephiphone's El Capitan model. I will be experimenting w/ bridge foam today. Thanks! ~R
@R0ma1n - Thanks. I appreciate the good word. I LOVE the Kala U Bass! I tried it at NAMM, and I'm trying to get one for review.... either way, I'm getting one, they are so cool!
Ed, I own a '96 Taylor AB-2 Acoustic Bass Guitar that took me a decade to find in both Near Mint condition as well as affordable (1 good thing out of the Great Recession ;-) which I use for Open Mics and Acoustic Gigs. However, I get fairly worried about taking my fully-acoustic pride & joy out to grungy clubs for both its physical and economic safety, as well as my growing joy in playing fretless. Would you recommend the Epiphone as an affordable substitute so I can leave the Taylor @ home?
I own a high-end ABG (a Taylor AB-2) but I prefer playing it for what it is... an Acoustic Bass Guitar with the *ZING* of Phosphor-Bronze strings.. The Epi Zenith, however, is truly calling to me with it's dual pup design that compensates for the negatives of each: the piezo brings detail to the "warm" magnetic pup with the mag brings warmth to the "clicky" cold detail of the piezos. While one day I'd love to own Rob Allen Deep 5s fretted & fretless, this seems great for a % of the price!
The construction of the Epi Zenith reminds me the Carvin AC40 bass. How would you compare these ones? Provided, of course, that you've played the Carvin.
This bass sounds a lot like my Spector 5 string fretless Spectorcore Which also has hollow chambers and a piezo/magnetic pickup combination and is in the same price range. As far as sounding like an upright, it actually does sound a lot like an upright with electronic pickups which seems to be the way most are used these days. I have my 5 string tuned EADGC and it really sings in the high end making it really great for soloing.
@BassGuitarMag IF this is okay I have two quick question..Is it worth the 5 grand Ibanez is asking and how does the tight 14milimeter feel...I have an Alvarez 6 string with a 15.25 spacing I seem to be getting along with. would the extra milimeter really make a difference. Oh and what did you think of its versatility of sound.
I've had one of these for about six months and I agree with all of Ed's analysis, although the final finish on mine left something to be desired - there's a blemish on the neck where someone touched the wet varnish. Sound and playing-wise it's brilliant. I use it in a trio gig through an AER Amp One bass amp - a top combination. A Gibson CustomShop would be awesome ......
Hello Ed! First of all congratulations for your superb work. My question is: in order to emulate the sound of the upright bass, do you think is better to use the bridge pu or neck p.u. (in the absence of a piezo of course)? Thank you so much!
Beautiful looking bass and a nice sound too. You don't say but I'm assuming it's fretless with fret markers. I respect your opinion and it may sound different through an amp but to my ears It sounds very double bass like on this video. There probably is a niche for this type of instrument for players who need a double bass sound but up to now have only played electric bass.
@pbobassist - I doubt GW will get a new camera for me, but I record the audio into Protools and synch to video. One thing to consider is early viewers are often hearing the audio when TH-cam has not fully processed the file. If you're hearing something funny, check back in a day. If it's still weird... then it's something I need to figure out on my end because the audio sounds great when I run the .mov file on my computer. I am always trying to find ways to make it sound better on TH-cam.
By the way Ed, did you play Rob Allen basses? for example the Rob Allen mouse, in some videos I've seen on TH-cam they are sound similar to upright, but I would like to hear your opinion or some conclusion about that bass.
@Urbanmystic123 - Well, is it worth it? That depends on you really. It is undoubtedly the best Ibanez I've ever played, it is as good as any of the big name boutique instruments. But like any bass, you have to like it, you have to feel comfortable on it. Yes, the string spacing is very tight, and I think you will notice the difference between 15.25 and 14. But... if you play it and like it, then it's worth the money.
@9bogar8 - All together, it takes about 20 hours. I prepare tracks to play with, I set up the lights, get the audio levels... shoot the video, transfer to the computer, edit.... all by myself. It's a dirty job, but someone has to do it.
Question....I've been sold on this bass for its fingerstyle sound, but I'm just curious...What does it do for slap tones? I am a jazz bass player and would want to buy one of these so I dont have to buy and lug around a massive upright. Thanks in advance, Cheers, buddy!
@BassGuitarMag I always send my pickup signal thru a Fishman Pro-EQ Platinum Pre/D.I. to cut down on the dreaded "Piezo Quack" (I'd like to re-do the Electronics to a Piezo/Internal Mic set, but that's another day) so lack of true "Acoustic Volume" is not a problem. Thank muchly for the answer!
Ed, can I fit the larger guage LaBella nylon tapewound strings without any adaptation? they are 060-070-097-115. I have always used fat beams on my fender J - they are 045-065-085-105. Is there a risk of damaging the neck with extra weight? is the nut able to take them? Love the review, thanks.
@9bogar8 - No, Epiphone makes quite a few nice instruments - the Jack Cassidy bass, the Viola bass, the Allen Woody bass.... those are really nice instruments.
@palito102 - I only shoot an instrument once, then I move on to the next one, so sorry I won't be showing you this bass with other strings. I think the tapewounds are a good match for this bass though.
For the sake of accuracy, this doesnt have a piezo. The bridge pickup is a seven element low-impedance magnet system called the "nano-flex", designed to capture vibrations from the bridge and body simultaneously.
@palito102 - Well, I'm not going to shoot this bass again, everything gets done once, and then I have to move on. The tapewounds are a good choice for this bass, but putting rounds or even steel flats would definitely change the tone. Maybe not for the best, but... I'll never get to find out 'cause I like it this way.
@BassGuitarMag Oh don't get me wrong, you got great quality i just thought 1080p would make it even better! btw looks like a very nice bass, epiphone dunn good with this one
@TheBassfresh - Unfortunately no. It has a bridge like an acoustic guitar, and it has no adjustment. You can take the neck off and add shims if you need to make it lower, but that's about it. However, the action is very playable from the factory.
Whatever you think about this bass, you gotta give credit to the reviewer. Compared to most reviews of guitars on youtube, he delivers a great review. Take a look at Recording King's review of the Jubilee RNJ 25 guitar, for example. This is professional quality work. Not some goofball who just wants to see himself on the web. Really nice work.
@Rickysaur - Don't take the thumbs down personally... I clicked it by accident and YT won't let me un-click it. WTF? Anyway, I have done this before, in fact, I've used the same piece of music before, but since it was Django-style, I figured it was appropriate here.
@zackerz9311 - It might happen, but most of my client base are electric bass companies. Understand that I get hired to do these, I'm not just doing this because it's fun. (It sort of is, sometimes). So, if any upright bass makers want to hire me to do a demo... I'm fine with that.
Ed you are awesome! I think every bass player should subscribe to you. I was wondering what you think about the Kala Ubass? I've been thinking of getting one, I was wondering if you would do a review on it? Thank you and keep up the good work!
Oh my God, thank you for making this, Eddy! I have been wanting one of those things for so long, but I couldn't find but one online review, and no actual sound clips of it! I knew within the first 10 seconds that it's well worth the cash.
It's a crying shame that Epiphone discontinued this gorgeous bass after such a short run...it's pretty much capable of playing most styles short of hard rock/metal, and even then, an adventurous rocker could make it do some interesting things! Keeping my eyes peeled for a used fretless natural finish example, fingers crossed, I want one sooo bad! Thanks for an excellent review and several sweet examples of what could have been if Epiphone would've given it more of a chance.
What a beautiful bass, looks and sounds great. Do you have any idea about the price
I’m a bluegrass flat picker and I’d like to try my hand at the bass. Anything I purchase would have to emulate an upright bass sound and was just wondering what people might recommend. This phone is certainly a sweet looking and sounding guitar but I’m wondering what else might be out there?
Its always a treat to have such a skilled musician like Ed here demo this shirt lived but necessary Gypsy style bass. Great vibe on the magnetic side! Still wondering about the piezo.
Is this a lined fretless? It has this fretless twang now and then..
Awesome bass! Surprised me all details and different tones! Now I want it, and the upright dreams... gone! hehe
@LowEnder81 - You're welcome, but these are the strings that Epiphone puts on the bass anyway. A good match for sure.
Cool! The logo on the tailpiece is similar to the one on their old uprights. Nice touch.
Ed, when you started playing the "Stir It Up" bassline, for a moment I was hoping to hear you singing. Great review, as always.
Nice vid man. Nice playing too.
Sold.
I've found one in a nearby shop and having it set up now.
Patience, patience.
My third bass but I haven't had one for a while.
I just love the sounds you can get out of this one.
Wow! Inspirational - is it for sale, please?
THAT BEING SAID, I am pleasantly surprised to see this bass come into Epiphone's lineup, it shows me that they are coming back on their OWN steam!
Why Epiphone discontinued this instrument ???
Probably just not very popular. I sure didn't ever see many in the wild.
Too niche. And the build and material are too good i.e too expensive. Especially w epiphone being known as a budget Gibson line bu most
@SUBARUDOO - I don't review what I own, I review what I get paid to review. This is my job. Sometimes I get to use my own basses if I'm reviewing an amp though.
@rippersk8er - electro-acoustic. It is chambered, but there is no real acoustic volume from the bass.
In an earlier post you said you have reviewed the Ibanez GVB 1006 six string.
I have been curious about that bass. When will you have that review up and running?
Could you get your hands on one of the new Squier Bass VI's? I love your reviews, and I don't think a lot of people show what it can do as a bass.
What a gorgeous Bass. Sounds and looks great. What kind of strings do you use? They didn't sound roundwound. Very nice review.
I think it sounds better than an upright bass. It has the upright bass tone with the sustain and some added brightness of electric amplification.
What a beautiful instrument!
Strings look like Roto-sound TruBass 88s - black nylon-coated flatwounds, correct?
I use those on my 5-string fretless acoustics, one of which is Ephiphone's El Capitan model. I will be experimenting w/ bridge foam today.
Thanks!
~R
@R0ma1n - Thanks. I appreciate the good word. I LOVE the Kala U Bass! I tried it at NAMM, and I'm trying to get one for review.... either way, I'm getting one, they are so cool!
Ed, I own a '96 Taylor AB-2 Acoustic Bass Guitar that took me a decade to find in both Near Mint condition as well as affordable (1 good thing out of the Great Recession ;-) which I use for Open Mics and Acoustic Gigs. However, I get fairly worried about taking my fully-acoustic pride & joy out to grungy clubs for both its physical and economic safety, as well as my growing joy in playing fretless. Would you recommend the Epiphone as an affordable substitute so I can leave the Taylor @ home?
@Basso9x13 - These strings are LaBella Tapewounds.
Can you hear this bass clearly when playing it without an amp?
Sounds pretty nice, great review too!
Wow, not bad at all. Hope it's coming soon here in Italy at a competitive price.
I own a high-end ABG (a Taylor AB-2) but I prefer playing it for what it is... an Acoustic Bass Guitar with the *ZING* of Phosphor-Bronze strings.. The Epi Zenith, however, is truly calling to me with it's dual pup design that compensates for the negatives of each: the piezo brings detail to the "warm" magnetic pup with the mag brings warmth to the "clicky" cold detail of the piezos. While one day I'd love to own Rob Allen Deep 5s fretted & fretless, this seems great for a % of the price!
The slight differeces are so slight they're lovely!!
The construction of the Epi Zenith reminds me the Carvin AC40 bass. How would you compare these ones? Provided, of course, that you've played the Carvin.
This bass sounds a lot like my Spector 5 string fretless Spectorcore Which also has hollow chambers and a piezo/magnetic pickup combination and is in the same price range. As far as sounding like an upright, it actually does sound a lot like an upright with electronic pickups which seems to be the way most are used these days. I have my 5 string tuned EADGC and it really sings in the high end making it really great for soloing.
@dillydean - I have, it's called "Jazz Upright Bass" available from Hal Leonard.
@scarred2112 - Sure, but realize that there is no acoustic volume, it must be amped.
@BassGuitarMag IF this is okay I have two quick question..Is it worth the 5 grand Ibanez is asking
and how does the tight 14milimeter feel...I have an Alvarez 6 string with a 15.25 spacing I seem to be
getting along with. would the extra milimeter really make a difference. Oh and what did you think of its versatility of sound.
I've had one of these for about six months and I agree with all of Ed's analysis, although the final finish on mine left something to be desired - there's a blemish on the neck where someone touched the wet varnish. Sound and playing-wise it's brilliant. I use it in a trio gig through an AER Amp One bass amp - a top combination. A Gibson CustomShop would be awesome ......
@95thanasis - I don't know, this has never been a problem for me. My right hand mutes the strings so nothing is open to vibrate.
Hello Ed! First of all congratulations for your superb work. My question is: in order to emulate the sound of the upright bass, do you think is better to use the bridge pu or neck p.u. (in the absence of a piezo of course)? Thank you so much!
Ed you are awesome.
Really really good review!
Thanks for video I'm about to purchase a 2011 one and this help alot
This bass makes my sub woofer go crazy, even when my speakers aren't even that loud.
Beautiful looking bass and a nice sound too. You don't say but I'm assuming it's fretless with fret markers. I respect your opinion and it may sound different through an amp but to my ears It sounds very double bass like on this video. There probably is a niche for this type of instrument for players who need a double bass sound but up to now have only played electric bass.
awessome tone! Thank you!!
is it more like an electro-accoustic bass or like a semi-hollowbody bass?
Do you believe that a foam mute beneath the strings would give that thumpy upright tone so you don't have to palm mute?
Are these still available? Nothing here in the UK
Don't know. It's a few years old and I don't think this model ever took off. You may find one used someplace...
@@BassWhispererTV Thanks for your response. I am hopeful one will crop up somewhere.
are thoses strings black nylons flats or just black rounds?? thanks a lot
@pbobassist - I doubt GW will get a new camera for me, but I record the audio into Protools and synch to video. One thing to consider is early viewers are often hearing the audio when TH-cam has not fully processed the file. If you're hearing something funny, check back in a day. If it's still weird... then it's something I need to figure out on my end because the audio sounds great when I run the .mov file on my computer. I am always trying to find ways to make it sound better on TH-cam.
By the way Ed, did you play Rob Allen basses? for example the Rob Allen mouse, in some videos I've seen on TH-cam they are sound similar to upright, but I would like to hear your opinion or some conclusion about that bass.
@Urbanmystic123 - Well, is it worth it? That depends on you really. It is undoubtedly the best Ibanez I've ever played, it is as good as any of the big name boutique instruments. But like any bass, you have to like it, you have to feel comfortable on it. Yes, the string spacing is very tight, and I think you will notice the difference between 15.25 and 14. But... if you play it and like it, then it's worth the money.
@9bogar8 - All together, it takes about 20 hours. I prepare tracks to play with, I set up the lights, get the audio levels... shoot the video, transfer to the computer, edit.... all by myself. It's a dirty job, but someone has to do it.
Yay background music! :) Upped the production quality a notch.
Question....I've been sold on this bass for its fingerstyle sound, but I'm just curious...What does it do for slap tones? I am a jazz bass player and would want to buy one of these so I dont have to buy and lug around a massive upright. Thanks in advance, Cheers, buddy!
@CaptainSpotify - I just used a simple piece of soft foam rubber. You can find it anywhere.
Thanks for the review feller !!
Can every type of bass string use with this bass?
loud enough unplugged to practice on?
IE: is it noticeably louder than a standard electric when unplugged?
@BassGuitarMag I always send my pickup signal thru a Fishman Pro-EQ Platinum Pre/D.I. to cut down on the dreaded "Piezo Quack" (I'd like to re-do the Electronics to a Piezo/Internal Mic set, but that's another day) so lack of true "Acoustic Volume" is not a problem. Thank muchly for the answer!
Ed, can I fit the larger guage LaBella nylon tapewound strings without any adaptation? they are 060-070-097-115. I have always used fat beams on my fender J - they are 045-065-085-105. Is there a risk of damaging the neck with extra weight? is the nut able to take them? Love the review, thanks.
@9bogar8 - No, Epiphone makes quite a few nice instruments - the Jack Cassidy bass, the Viola bass, the Allen Woody bass.... those are really nice instruments.
@palito102 - I only shoot an instrument once, then I move on to the next one, so sorry I won't be showing you this bass with other strings. I think the tapewounds are a good match for this bass though.
@MetalKidDanny - I have not played a Rob Allen bass, they look interesting though.
Awesome !
Thank you Ed !
@MetalKidDanny - Thanks!
For the sake of accuracy, this doesnt have a piezo. The bridge pickup is a seven element low-impedance magnet system called the "nano-flex", designed to capture vibrations from the bridge and body simultaneously.
Now, all it needs more is a thumbrest
Hey Ed, you should start taping these videos in 1080p for the best sound quality:D maybe hit up Bass Guitar Mag for a camera that shoots 1080p;)
It sounds lovely!
Damn, that is a classy bass.
@palito102 - Well, I'm not going to shoot this bass again, everything gets done once, and then I have to move on. The tapewounds are a good choice for this bass, but putting rounds or even steel flats would definitely change the tone. Maybe not for the best, but... I'll never get to find out 'cause I like it this way.
Wow, qué tono, espectacular !
Is the color of this particular model 'Natural' or 'Antique Natural'?? thnxs!
@BassGuitarMag Oh don't get me wrong, you got great quality i just thought 1080p would make it even better! btw looks like a very nice bass, epiphone dunn good with this one
@CaptainSpotify - Not sure what you mean.
this thing sounds and looks fantastic....
@TheBassfresh - Unfortunately no. It has a bridge like an acoustic guitar, and it has no adjustment. You can take the neck off and add shims if you need to make it lower, but that's about it. However, the action is very playable from the factory.
Whatever you think about this bass, you gotta give credit to the reviewer. Compared to most reviews of guitars on youtube, he delivers a great review. Take a look at Recording King's review of the Jubilee RNJ 25 guitar, for example. This is professional quality work. Not some goofball who just wants to see himself on the web. Really nice work.
@bassmaster361 - It is not loud enough to play unplugged.
Foam beats the palm for the upright tone because you can tug the string more like you would on an upright. but man that bass sounds like an upright!
Mudbuckers also gave the basses an "upright" sound.
@Rickysaur - Don't take the thumbs down personally... I clicked it by accident and YT won't let me un-click it. WTF? Anyway, I have done this before, in fact, I've used the same piece of music before, but since it was Django-style, I figured it was appropriate here.
@Urbanmystic123 - Probably in a month.
Hi my friend. i've been looking for the same guitar in the market, but not available. It seems is an obsolete one. Can you let me know some contacts?
@ox092 - Never tried it. There is nothing about this bass that makes me want to slap it.
it sounds fretless, is it?
wow, sounds great, it does put me mind of an upright, not the same but a nice substitute IMO for the right setting ...
tried one out very uncomfortable to play for me just couldn't get a good feel for it. but love it's looks and sound.
@zackerz9311 - It might happen, but most of my client base are electric bass companies. Understand that I get hired to do these, I'm not just doing this because it's fun. (It sort of is, sometimes). So, if any upright bass makers want to hire me to do a demo... I'm fine with that.
Django Reindhart in the back sound?
Really Cool Review !
From Brazil/Rio ...
Thanks, indeed for this video !
@MultiDean75 - YEs it does.
Awesome, if only you did a review of the jack casady signature bass.
Ed you are awesome! I think every bass player should subscribe to you. I was wondering what you think about the Kala Ubass? I've been thinking of getting one, I was wondering if you would do a review on it? Thank you and keep up the good work!
@Bass Whisperer TV are you using a fretless in this video?
+D. Hügli obviously
wow........what a sound........i need this bass.........nice review
@2:21 I love your honesty Ed hehe
like always great review
@rippersk8er - LaBella Nylon Tapewound.
I saw this on in stores but I didn't noticed that there is a megnetic PU right under the fingerboard. Nice thing anyways!
sounding pretty close to upright! I like that fact
@jcgarciabass - I have some imported MTD stuff ready to go, I just finished an Ibanez GVB1006, the Fender Steve Harris bass....
@AOSMUSIC - Great! Django was the original shredder!
Django was a musician not a shredder. There’s a difference.
@BassGuitarMag Thanks!