4-STRING ELECTRIC UPRIGHT BASS I
The Kelvin Daly Electric Upright Bass presents a new approach to a multi-use electric upright bass that can extend up into the cello range depending on the specs.
Ergonomics: It is designed to be played ergonomically in five different positions for different uses, as shown above in the photos. It can be played: 1) horizontally like a standard electric bass for finger styles; 2) affixed to a stand for upright plucking or bowing; 3) in an cello position on its endpin while seated; 4) in a standard upright bass position standing on its endpin; and 5) utilizing the multiple strap positions for comfortable upright bowing while strapped to the player's body. The multiple strap positions are unique to this instrument, and allow the player to move about freely as they play fingerstyle (pizzicato) or arco. This instrument travels easily; it weighs less than most standard electric basses and is the width of a standard bass and only slightly longer.
Electronics: This series utilizes a special humbucking magnetic pickup that Kent Armstrong designed with me to exactly fit the size and desired tone of this instrument and to work well on both arco and pizzicato approaches. It works well with many varieties of strings with ferrous metal cores. The unique pickup is paired with an active 3-band EQ to allow a wide variety of tones in both styles.
Scale Length: It can be built in 38-inch scale length, 36-inch scale length (full-scale), or 32-inch scale length (short-scale) for basses, all of which are comfortable in all five positions. Longer scale lengths can be discussed if the customer wishes to approach the length of a 4/4 scale upright, although lengths beyond 38 inches may compromise some of the alternate playing positions. Additionally, a similar design can be adapted for an electric cello with a 27.5-inch scale length.
Strings: This design is available for order in 4-, 5-, and 6-string variations.
Price:
4-String: $4,000
5-String: $5,000
6-String: $6,000
Contact me for questions and quotes for specific configurations and current wait times.
The pictured instrument was commissioned by a player and is a 38-inch scale length, fretless 4-string in standard bass tuning. The fingerboard is unfretted with inlaid fret lines and made of cocobola, ebony, and rosewood on a sapele neck, with tulipwood and sycamore inlay. The body is mahogany with an ebony top plate and juniper & walnut offsetting stripes. Scroll details are walnut, juniper, ebony, and osage orange. The bridge is roasted maple and the tailpiece is zebrawood, juniper, and ebony. It weighs in at approximately 8.8 pounds, lighter than most standard electric basses.
This instrument uses a unique pickup that Kent Armstrong designed with me specifically for the needs of this instrument. This is run through Kent Armstrong’s active 3-band EQ system to allow a wide variety of tonal color. Tuners are by Hipshot and decorative knobs are by QParts. The strings on this instrument are currently D’Addario Helicore, which have paired well with Kent’s pickup. It plays well both fingerstyle (pizzicato) and arco.
Photos by Adrian Buckmaster