Product: Azola Bug Bass 5-String Floating Top
Price Paid: US $2700.00
Submitted
03/08/2002
at
09:03am
by
Gerry Cassidy
Email: arcopizz at hotmail<dot>com
Features
:
10
1999 5 String Floating Top EUB. Fretless, Ash Body, Spruce Top. Maple neck with a beautiful single piece of ebony for the fingerboard. Passive dual sided piezo mounted in bridge slot. Volume and tone blend (arco/pizz) pan pots. Satin wine red to gold sunburst finish. 41.4" scale. Comes with a heavy duty padded gigbag with bow and accessories pockets.
Sound
:
10
I use this Bass both live and in the studio. Live, it has never failed to provide substantial "URB-Like" tone. In the studio, it has allowed me to create parts that I can be proud of. If you experiment and are using good gear this Bass can provide you the ability to expand what it is you're wanting to achieve with your playing/parts. Having one of these gives you the ability to add a dimension to your band's sound that is unique and your own. To me, that is an awesome opportunity. Arco tone is beautiful, pizz attack is on the money. Use the right strings and you are on your way! I highly recommend opting for the extra string and go with a 5. The low B played arco is like nothing you will ever hear from another EUB.
As for the EUB vs. URB debate; This topic has come up a few times in my conversations with Steve and never once has he said he creates these Basses to 'Replace' URB's. It can't be done and he'll always be the first to admit it. So, if you're looking to replace your circa 1800's Tyrolean 3/4 dream URB with an EUB, well, don't! These Basses WILL provide you with enough URB tone to cut the bill and keep you from having to lug your beautiful, incredibly expensive Tyrolean from gig to gig.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
Flawless! It goes 'Home' to Ranch Bajo once a year to get a makeover and rarely needs more than a new set of strings and neck/action adjust.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
This is where this Bass excel's; " I just got called for a gig and the bandleader wants an URB player" Hmmmmmm.... Do I take the Bug or the huge URB? I have taken the Bug %90 of the time and never received a complaint. It is super easy to transport and has never failed in any way on the gig.
Customer Support
:
10
This is my second Azola Bug. It is my second Azola not only because it is a sweet, unique instrument, but the Azola's are two of the best folks I have ever worked with when trying to express my needs from my instruments. They are very close to the Basses they make and when you own one you are part of the family and are treated as such.
As for the EUB vs. URB debate; This topic has come up a few times in my conversations with Steve and never once has he said he creates these Basses to 'Replace' URB's. It can't be done and he'll always be the first to admit it. So, if you're looking to replace your circa 1800's Tyrolean 3/4 dream URB with an EUB, well, don't! These Basses WILL provide you with enough URB tone to cut the bill and keep you from having to lug your beautiful, incredibly expensive Tyrolean from gig to gig.
Overall Rating
:
10
I have been playing for 29 years and own several instruments.
Working with Steve and Jill is amazing because they are masters at tutoring you through the design of your Bass to ensure you are getting exactly what you want, within their capabilities.
If this Bass were stolen, after an extended mourning period I would replace it with as close to the same as possible.
I love the ease of playing. The fingerboard is the nicest I have ever played on ANY Bass, EUB, or URB.
I would put this Bass up against any other EUB on the market.
As an affordable, economical, QUALITY source to satisfy %90 of the gigs you will have that call for upright tone, these Basses more than foot the bill.
