Stagg EDB 3/4 Electric Double Bass

Let me first say that the Stagg EDB 3/4 electric Double Bass, should perhaps be renamed the EDB ‘Stick’ Bass. Like the electric bass guitar, it is essentially a completely different instrument, with sonic qualities in the bass register that are very different from the upright Acoustic Bass. The EDB provides a whole new dimension to the colour and timbre of sound, and like most ‘Stick’ basses has incredible sustain.

Where slurring and “wide” chords can open up the sound palette to a degree that is next to impossible to achieve with the Acoustic Bass. Picking up the EDB for the first time makes you a little suspicious of the sounds that it might produce – it’s very glossy and “plasticy”. Tuning up however turns out to be a piece of cake, especially when compared to tuning an Acoustic Bass.

Although the lightweight machine heads weren’t necessarily to our taste. The neck of the EDB is deeper than a conventional acoustic bass and the nut is substantially wider, which at first might seem awkward but believe me, playing it in does help.

There is a headphone socket so as not to upset the neighbours, and an MP3 “in” connection, um? Down below, the pick up is built into an adjustable bridge to translate the sound waves through the volume and sub-bass controls. The balance however was poor, with the higher pitched strings – particularly the G – sounding thin, while the low E was full and round but with a tendency to boom especially with added sub-bass.

“Live” also takes on a totally different meaning. The whole instrument comes alive when it is plugged in – providing all sorts of sound combinations. Which further reinforces the difference between this instrument and its acoustic cousin. They may be strung with a set of similar strings and tuned to the same pitch, but that’s where the similarities end. Make no mistake, the EDB is its own instrument, with its own peculiarities and sonic palette and with a very individual take on the bass register.

For more info go to www.emdmusic.com

Bach Strad 182 Bb Trumpet

This is a very pretty looking instrument, and almost looks too clean around the joints to be manufactured – as per engraving stamp – in the US. But this horn does feel substantial with a bell that seems stiffer than on a normal Bach and the plating is exceptional. So how does it blow? Yes, you’ve guessed it, it’s very, very user friendly, with no obvious vices, except perhaps being a little characterless – but it does what it’s supposed to do. And for a Bach 37 it sounds pretty good, with a solid Bach tone, offering a nice fatness as well as being bright. OK, it’s typically tight when pushed – but that’s a 37 for you, you either like it or you don’t. Splitting hairs, we felt the valves were a bit chunky, with pistons that perhaps weren’t up to the quality of the rest of the instrument but everything functioned perfectly. This is clearly an instrument that will suit the straight ahead player and will see any music student through college and on into the profession. And if they all come off the production line like our sample, they’re likely to be back ordered ‘til kingdom come. But don’t be looking for that magic individual, because we don’t think you’ll find one. Coming in the original hard shell case with stitched leather corners, it’s enough to bring tears to your eyes. www.vincentbach-ltd.co.uk

Ludwig Legacy Classic Drums

The hand crafted Legacy Classic line is based on a new and improved version of Ludwig’s legendary, reinforced 3-ply drumshells with their magical balance of warmth, resonance and clarity. Like the original shells, the exclusive Legacy Classic shells are made from thin, hand-selected inner and outer plies of premium-grade North American Maple and a ross-laminated North American Poplar core ply. This traditional formula is then augmented by maple reinforcement hoops and rounded, “Classic-Cut” vintage-style bearing edges. In addition to their performance proven traditional shell design, Legacy Classic also features newly developed manufacturing methods along with a host of upgrades and innovations, such as low-mass “mini-classic” lugs, traditional “keystone” badges and genuine Weathermaster drumheads. Due to their handcrafted, labour intense nature, there will initially be only two Legacy Classic shell-pack configurations offered. However, the kits will be available in a wide selection of finish options that include new high-gloss, hand-rubbed Emerald Fade Sparkle (EG) and Rose/Copper Sparkle (RG) lacquers as well as high-gloss versions of all current Ludwig Classic Maple lacquer finishes.

For info go to www.activemusic.co.uk