Hey folks:

OK, here's a halfway decent sound sample of my new/old BSX ST-4 electric upright. I'm still getting used to the longer scale (as well as finding notes on the neck), so my intonation is MUCH better than the first sample I had posted earlier. Still not perfect, but I'm making progress. I created an accompaniment track to help keep myself rooted in-tune, plus I'm taking advantage of open strings as much as possible.

I've noticed that I get a much more warm and wooley tone (clean wooley, not overdriven wooley) by plucking softer. (Captain obvious, aren't I? :p ) I was expending far too much energy in my early attempts by simply plucking too hard. Also makes it a little easier on the fretting hand as well.

Here's the sample, post any comments:

http://www.ipass.net/davesisk/music/EUB_PizzSample.mp3

I'm sawing away with a bass bow as well. I can get a really good tone except at the start on the E-string, but it seems to get harder as the strings get smaller. Interesting. I've found a teacher who is going to help me with this part...the other bassist in my church has played an acoustic upright for many years, and feels he's qualified to teach bow technique (and I've seen him play arco, so I know he truly can do it). We're thinking a few lessons to get me started, then we'll see where it goes from there. Anyway, with any luck (and a little more practice and knowledge ) I'll be posting an example of it's arco sounds later this week.

Here's the pics as well: http://www.ipass.net/davesisk/music/pics/ElectricUpright_BSXST4_full.JPG

http://www.ipass.net/davesisk/music/pics/ElectricUpright_BSX-ST4.JPG


Enjoy!
Dave