I first fell in love with the Eminence electric upright bass (EUB) at the January 1999 NAMM show. After I started to play it, I didn't want to stop. As a bassist who started on double bass, I still gravitate to an instrument that feels familiar to my hands and ears, and the Eminence bass really fit the bill. And it is a gorgeous instrument with an obvious vibe that connects it to its larger brethren.
What's the difference between it and others?? First, you can see that this is an actual acoustic instrument, complete with sound post and bass bar, just like a full size bass. This is not an instrument that needs to be plugged in for practice.
I bought an Eminence RN4 model for my own gigging pleasure, I don't just sell these, I gig mine. Please let me know if you have any specific questions about them, I can answer your inquiries from experience; that's my personal Eminence bass in the photo one the right and in some of the photos below.
The Eminence bass is available in two forms, the standard fixed-neck instrument, and the one with a removable neck that allows you to transport the bass in a shorter container. Here are some details that apply to both:
Fully acoustic body delivers real acoustic sound.
Small body size allows the Eminence bass to fit into any conventional car, and the removable neck model can really make it into tight quarters.
Standard-size E flat neck and scale length for familiar feel and playing ease.
Special design padded gig bag included with purchase; both basses come with a full size heavily padded bag with the usual pockets and handles. The removable neck model also includes a neck bag, so when you take it apart there are two bags that will cushion it within whatever hard case or other transport item you use.
Specifications:
Neck:
Rock Maple
Fingerboard:
Ebony
Vibrating String Length:
41-1/4 inches
Top:
Arched, Laminated Spruce
Back:
Arched, Laminated Curly Maple
Air Chamber Depth:
3 inches
Body Size:
10½ x 31½ inches
Bass bar:
Solid Spruce
Sound post:
Solid Spruce
Bridge:
Maple, Fully Adjustable
Strings:
D’Addario Helicore Hybrid Strings
Pickup:
Realist, specifically modified for this instrument
Tailplate:
Solid Brass
Endpin:
Fully Adjustable with Steady-foot™ Anti-rotational
Endpin Foot (see photo below)
Total Length:
63 inches
Weight:
Fixed Neck - 13 lbs., Removable Neck - 14 lbs.
Warranty:
Two-year limited warranty
LEFT HANDED-
Fixed and Removable neck 4 string basses available
I've had some inquiries about neck sizes, and offer the following approximate measurements I've taken of the four and five string basses:
string spread at bridge measured beneath string curve, G to bottom string
3 3/16 inches
3 1/2 inches
Pricing:
4 string Fixed Neck
List:$3340.00 Sale: $2690.00
4 string Fixed Neck - left-handed
List:$3526.00 Sale: $3109.00
4 string Removable Neck
List:$3808.00 Sale: $3067.00
4 string Removable Neck - left-handed
List:$3994.00 Sale: $3216.00
5 string Fixed Neck
List:$3657.00 Sale: $2950.00
5 string Removable Neck
List:$4124.00 Sale: $3326.00
Contact us for accessories and shipping information
The Eminence RN Portable Upright Bass with its detachable neck may fit in some airplane overheads or in baggage check without incurring oversize charges. The bass with flight case (too large for overheads IMHO) weighs only 37 pounds! The steel dovetail neck joint is guaranteed forever. Because the strings attach at the tailplate, it takes only 10 minutes to set up and 5 minutes to break down. Here's a video of the process:
Flight Case (for removable neck model): $129.00 list
Stand (also available for purchase separately)
I'm also available to answer your specific questions about the bass or accessories - I don't just sell the Eminence basses, I play one too (that's my own gigging RN4 model in the photo above!)
Click on any of these shots to view it full-size:
Full shot of bass on stand
Looking down the front
Shot of back on optional stand
Back of neck/pegbox
Closeup of bridge/pickup
I've gotten questions about the stability of the neck joint of the removable neck bass models. I took mine apart and took this photo. Yes, that's a metal dovetail joint.
Five String Portable Bass available
Removable Body Brace can be adjusted to taste; this photo is a bit bright due to the flash
The special endpin foot lets the bass comfortably move with you from side to side, but keeps the bass stable.
The Eminence Bass Stand is available separately for current Eminence owners. It is identical to the standard Hamilton Bass Stand, but it has a special receiver at the base designed to accept the unique T-shaped Eminence endpin. The stand is shown in the photos above. The Ingles Stand will also handle the Eminence EUB, but the custom Eminence stand is far more compact, though not as secure.
I have gotten the question, "do you need to use a preamp with the Eminence?" I usually gig my Acoustic Image Contra with my Eminence RN4. However, I will use a preamp and possibly another amp with it under different circumstances. If volumes are relatively low I go direct to the Contra, as the controls are easily reachable at my feet and the input impedance of the Contra is an appropriate match. If I expect to have a bit more competition, which means I need to move my amp away from the bass, I'll use a K&K Pure Preamp clipped to the stand or my belt. That gives me a convenient volume control, as well as tone controls, so I can make adjustments without dragging the bass to the amp. The little K&K seems to add focus and clarity even when the tone controls are flat. If things are more competitive I may use a Fishman ProEQ Platinum Bass DI as it offers more feedback control tools and tighter EQ, possibly with my Euphonic Audio rig if volumes require.
This beautifully designed bass is crafted in the Czech Republic, and features a full-scale fingerboard with adjustable relief to suit varying players' preferences. Available in 4 and 5 String versions...
The OMNI Bass (formerly known as the "Bass Cello") from NS Designs is uniquely attractive to players who play mostly electric bass and want a "crossover" instrument. Now available in both 4 and 5-string versions, and new 5-String FRETTED...
Identical to the standard Hamilton Bass Stand, but with a special receiver at the base designed to accept the unique T-shaped Eminence endpin...
$69.00
Here is what some of our customers think about this product:
I ordered the AI Contra sight unseen, and based my buying decision on word of mouth. It knocked my socks off, much better sound than I expected with my Eminence. And the shipping to Edmonton, Canada was FAST. Seemed like I just pressed the "buy" button and the doorbell was ringing. When I need equipment for my basses, Bob's got first crack at my business. Can't wait to see the bass case I just ordered. I 'spose I could of found one locally, but that didn't even cross my mind. Bob's the guy!
—Ken
Dear Bob,
Whoopee! The Eminence upright electric amplifiable bass is absolutely wonderful! I am having a ball. My husband laughs a lot, especially at the baby violin bow....but it is a start for the experience.
Thank you for all of your help and guidance. You are right. It is wonderful.
Again, many, many thanks. Prompt service, helpful advice, splendid instrument! Use any of this for a testimonial that you may wish.
—Nancy M
I owe you a longer letter but I wanted to tell you ASAP that the Eminence Bass I recently purchased has been even more wonderful than my expectations. It has given this "old" (74 years) bass player (after a 40 year layoff) a renewed excitement and pleasure from playing. I almost never take my old acoustic uporight bass and, in many cases, play the Eminence without amplification. I will write more but needed to say, "Thank you." The storyt is longer but5 the conclusion is the same. A grat bass from a great distributor.
—Gerry R
I received the Eminence bass last Thursday and have not been able to put it down since. I even find myself looking at pictures of it at the office. Both you and Mr. Bartig were awesome to deal with. We hired a new music director at our church and he seems to really like the idea of incorporating the upright into the church service. The portability of the Eminence will make this a much less frightening proposition. Thanks again, you guys have been incredible.
—Jericho U.
The Eminence Bass we ordered through you several weeks ago arrived and totally lives up to the hype! We have used it on several gigs so far, and the other members of the band keep pointing out that it "sounds just like a real bass!" It is going to work very well!
—John S (Mar 2010)
Mark,
I wanted to drop you a note and tell you how much I love the bass. I honestly believe the old one was holding me back. This thing plays so easy, and sounds so good!!! I find it very easy to use, and at the end of a gig my left hand is not achy and sore like my old bass was.
Feel free to quote me on your web site. This bass is great!
Thanks again, and while I remember, I do appreciate your getting it here by christmas. We had a wonderful family jam on christmas day....
—Wally G (Jan 2011)
The Eminence sounds great. Very acoustic. Honest sound. Great color. Lots of bloom.
So far I've just been running it straight into my rig, experimenting with settings... I've also broke out the old Fishman pre-amp, just to see if it worked and would give me a little control away from the amp. Frankly, it sounds great with everything and is very responsive to tweaks.
I had a chance to play with friends over the weekend and no one wanted to go home because everything sounded so good. Finally had to throw them out about 3 am. Can't wait to play the "skinny lady" in a full band setting.
I want you to know that your correspondence was very helpful in making the decision to buy. As I said, I hate buying an instrument without playing it first. But the Eminence has been exactly as promised.
Anyway, thanks for all your help and the prompt attention. It's hard buying an instrument without putting your hands on it first. But this has been great and I'm very happy with my new bass.
Feel free (to use my comments). I can't wait to play it and I hate to put it down. Isn't that the highest praise you can give any instrument?
—Mark W, February 2012
Eminence Bass
The Eminence RN Portable Upright Bass with its detachable neck may fit in some airplane overheads or in baggage check without incurring oversize charges. The bass with flight case (too large for overheads IMHO) weighs only 37 pounds! The steel dovetail neck joint is guaranteed forever. Because the strings attach at the tailplate, it takes only 10 minutes to set up and 5 minutes to break down. Here's a video of the process:
