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Posted by Dave Irwin on December 02, 2002 at 19:12:23:
In Reply to: Re: good bass for orchestra/chamber music posted by Tim on December 02, 2002 at 12:52:41:
Well, I guess I may have waited to long. I went to buy the Shen today and it had been taken out for a week approval by a former symphony player and teacher.
I'll be surprised if he or one of his students do not buy it.
Thanks for the response though.
: : I'm thinking about a carved Samuel Shen approx 10 yrs old for 3000.00.
: : The purpose of the bass would be strictly arco (orchestra or chamber music)
: : This one has no label.
: : It seems to be very resonant (and it's a pretty light bass)
: : My questions are:
: : Does anyone have a comments regarding Shen basses (particularly of this vintage)?
: : Has anyone seen a Shen with no label?
: : Anyone have advice on somthing else I should consider for the same price?
: : Thanks,
: : Dave
: I've played several Samuel Shen basses, all of a vintage more recent than the one you are speaking of, but I have been impressed at the sound, quality of construction, and value. About a year ago I played a Shen 7/8 size bass (designed by Paul Strelau) which had a very powerful and warm tone quality and excellent response. (I play a Strelau bass in orchestra)
: I purchased two 1/2 size Shen plywood basses a couple of years ago to rent out to my students, and have been very pleased with them. They are the best 1/2 size plywood basses I have seen in terms of tone quality and playability. I also just bought a Shen 3/4 size plywood bass for myself to use as a practice bass and have been very pleased with it. It compares favorably to many of the old Kay plywood basses I have played.
: All the Shen basses I played had stickers in them.