Double Bass YAMAHA EUB Megathread

#521
Hey, I might've asked this before, but can anyone comment on how similar the SLB-200 and SLB-300 are in terms of playability? I understand the SLB-300 has upgraded electronics that sound even more double-bass-y, but is there any difference in dimensions, balance or other factors related to how it feels to play it, compared to the SLB-200? Or is it a seamless transition/upgrade from one to the other?
 
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#522
KentClarkOnBass said:
Hey, I might've asked this before, but can anyone comment on how similar the SLB-200 and SLB-300 are in terms of playability? I understand the SLB-300 has upgraded electronics that sound even more double-bass-y, but is there any difference in dimensions, balance or other factors related to how it feels to play it, compared to the SLB-200? Or is it a seamless transition/upgrade from one to the other?
Click to expand...
So far as I know, the form factor of the 200 and the 300 are identical. It’s the electronics that make the difference.
 
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#524
KentClarkOnBass said:
Hey, I might've asked this before, but can anyone comment on how similar the SLB-200 and SLB-300 are in terms of playability? I understand the SLB-300 has upgraded electronics that sound even more double-bass-y, but is there any difference in dimensions, balance or other factors related to how it feels to play it, compared to the SLB-200? Or is it a seamless transition/upgrade from one to the other?
Click to expand...

I’ve got the 200 and I played a 300 for a bit and to me they felt exactly the same.
 
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#527
magicmerv said:
Hi JJBass55, I don't have an SLB300 yet. Was checking out ALL the logistics before pulling the trigger. I want to use it for doing overseas gigs so a hardcase is imperative. I did look at the specs and videos of the Sport Tube 3 and it looks like it will work. Please post your feedback as that would be helpful for our community.
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My SLB 300, in the soft case, fits very well in the Sport Tube 3 case. I will see how it works with the airlines in about 2 weeks.
 
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#529
Hi, dear SLB users,
I have a simple question to the owners of a 200/300 model.
What is the max nut heights you can achieve with fully extended end pin?
As I am 196 cm / 6 foot 5 inch tall, I wonder if I would come along with the standard end pin.
Many thanks for your support, I could not find this information anywhere in the specs nor via internet reseach.
 
#530
ollbass said:
Hi, dear SLB users,
I have a simple question to the owners of a 200/300 model.
What is the max nut heights you can achieve with fully extended end pin?
As I am 196 cm / 6 foot 5 inch tall, I wonder if I would come along with the standard end pin.
Many thanks for your support, I could not find this information anywhere in the specs nor via internet reseach.
Click to expand...
I am 6'2" and use an extended end pin.
 
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#532
Question for others coveting an SLB300. Is the initial bloom off the rose. Has the latest shiny object lost any luster, or is it like the EV world, where the early adopters are already 'in' and therefore demand is softening.

I've been surprised to see one in the classifieds for what seems like a good price ($3000) with 3xx views and NO REPLIES.

For those of you who bought one, if the honeymoon period is over is it still everything you had hoped it would be?

(Asking for a friend? - DK I'm looking at you in beautiful downtown Burbank).
 
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#533
The bloom isn't off the rose for me; however, keep in mind that I didn't buy it for it's sonic properties only. The pros remaining for me: portability; reliability; sound that comes pretty close to my amplified hybrid.
The cons, after 3 years of use: tuning machines; crudely finished bridge that required shaping and lowering. My usual gig is now playing with one or two other people through an Evolve 50 column array system, with a 12" sub. I don't even bring a separate amp - just go through my Fishman platinum pro pre-amp direct to the Evolve.

But take my opinions with a grain of salt. I'm not using it in a high-end jazz setting in a quiet room with knowledgeable audiences. I'm using it in a bar setting playing pop covers; or at a bluegrass program with a banjo and dobro in the mix. The most common comment I get is not about the sound - the most common comment is "what is that thing?"

There have been two in the classified recently, and I actually thought about picking up a second one as a back-up. But I still have my Upton, and could schlep it if needed, so I passed.
 
#534
Thanks, Bob.

Portability is high on my needs as well. I love my 7/8 Shen Gemunder but it's not an easy schlep.

The "what is that thing" aspect is a little concerning for me. I've had several EUBs and when I see pictures or videos of me playing them I don't find 'the look' to be appealing.

I'm seriously considering trying to find a good-sounding 1/2 size. (And by good-sounding, I mean one that sounds good through an amp with a pickup).
 
#535
I forgot one con: it is not easy to play standing up. I play seated, so I always forget that point. I've added the shoulder extension, but that doesn't seem to help much, at least in my case. I think standing and playing arco would be even more of a challenge, but I've never tried.

The other con that I've finally adjusted to is that there is no physical feedback. Standing or seated, a regular bass can be felt; the Yamaha can't.
 
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#536
It has been completely transformational for me. I’ve had one for years now and it still gets played every single day. I love my DB and would never give it up in favor of the SLB but the two are so complementary. It will never be as inspiring to play as my DB unamplified but it is a very useful tool for the right situations.

The only reason I played bass guitar in the past at a certain point in life was just for convenience. I think I would have given that up decades ago had the SLB300 existed. It's really quick and easy to setup, teardown and carry. For those who BG is really a tool of convenience then this will replace that. No other EUB lasted long with me and it just never made sense to play those over a bass guitar which to me was frankly the worst of both worlds.

The biggest things that the SLB300 enabled for me:
  • Transportability while still retaining the same reference points. It has the same bout reference points as my gamba shaped bass. I can transition back and forth with no adjustment other than the minor ones a person would experience DB to DB.
  • Sound. It sounds far better live in a lively 4 piece plus band than I’ve ever gotten with my DB with piezo (and better than with a ToneDexter). Plus by the time I added a ToneDexter, I ask myself why wouldn't I just eliminate the body of the DB, which is what the SLB300 is. It's still no where as good as a DB in a booth with a mic. Not the right tool for recording outside of live recording.
  • Biggest plus for me: encourages practice. I have it on a stand where the endpin is always on the ground. I could easily just play it for a few minutes here and there through the day. Just grab and play and pivot back onto the stand in seconds. Even my bass in corner would be subjected to a lot of wear and tear if I placed it in the corner and tried to sneak in so many quick practices. It’s now just as accessible as a piano throughout the day. Silent practice means I can opt to practice silently as not to disturb anyone.
Downside is that it can be used in a way that makes it respond very differently than a DB. Whereas if you play a DB softly to the point that it won’t speak or resonate, the SLB can be cranked up and still be loud and sustaining and still sound fuller than it should. It’s as if the IR is providing more IR than you, the source. You could play it with light right hand touches and be loud and full. But it ends up sounding really generic and not genuine. It ends up not sounding authentic because the player's technique and approach is inauthentic. I have to calibrate the volume so that it puts out the same volume with the same effort as my DB amplified, if that makes sense. But I think this is more of an IR technology issue than the SLB300 itself. (I would add that my personal opinion for that reason is that it's not a good DB for those who are starting on the DB and learning. It makes more sense for those who are familiar and experienced enough on DB to always play it like a DB.)
 
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#537
Thumb Position on the SLB300...:
I just got the bass last week, so I'm just getting used to it.
So far I'm relying alot on resting the neck on my shoulder to play Thumb Position. Whereas Double Bass I have the whole body for support.
How do you all manage Thumb Position with your SLB?
Thank you.
 
#538
Hi there, everyone! I have a Yamaha question for the group -

I recently ordered a 300slb from a seller in Japan. I checked it out, and all of the feedback, and went through with it. When it came it was factory sealed/the real deal from what I can tell. Everything checks out and it is beautiful.

The weird thing is - the preamp is REALLY noisy. A lot more hiss than I expected. Has this happened to anyone, and is there a fix or should I put in a ticket at yamaha?

Thanks - Jeff
 
#540
I've never had a problem with the noise floor being any worse than an active BG, meaning if you have it too hot then yes there is hiss, but in normal use it's negligible.

If there is an issue, try to get it resolved as soon as possible and within the eBay return period. Yamaha America unfortunately won't touch it.
 
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