Electric upright bass

Welcome to the latest project from Alan Hatswell Luthier and founder of Bassix - double bass/electric upright bass makers.

The increased interest in acoustic instruments has prompted the creation of a hybrid combining an acoustic double bass style neck and an oversize banjo type resonant drum. The result produces higher volume than a standard double bass with prominent undertones akin to a mellow vintage bass. The sound projection is also increased and a clear tone is evident across the whole range of the instrument.

The double bass banjo is played like an upright acoustic bass, uses standard double bass strings and has a conventional double bass style fingerboard (3/4 scale) Lighter than most acoustic basses and able to be packed down for airline travel, this really is a viable way to travel with an acoustic upright.

Bass banjo production has started and they are available direct from the makers by mail order or personal collection with stockist to be appointed countrywide in the near future.

The Bass Banjos are now available in component form and the drum body is finished in black or white self colour. Only DIY skills and common sense are required to complete the instrument and the components can be purchased from the list below, in stages if prefered.

A demo instrument will ususally be available for trial by appointment just call 01227 791640 any day up to 9pm to make arrangements including weekends.

Fully constructed - prices from £995.

Component List for Bassix Bass Banjo:

Drum (spine fitted), neck (unpainted) assembly undrilled and untrimmed but fully marked.	£395
End pin assembly (sand to fit)	£20
Set of tuners	from £28
Rim chrome plated	£25
Set (30) tensioners including nuts and washers	£35
Bridge blank (maple)	£15
Thumb nuts (2 required, rigid neck)	£2 each
Skin black	£25
Skin Remo Fiberskyn (alternative)	£47
Edge trim	£3
Strings	from £50

Options for pickups will be offered along with choice of skins.

See the Bassix Website for more upright and double basses.