Choices starting at $1,349.00(click on arrow next to Add To Cart button)
Shipping Cost: $TBD*
* Shipping cost cannot be automatically computed. Contact Us for a quote, or we
will contact you before processing your order. Note that shipping costs are usually
combined for multiple item orders.
We are proud and excited to introduce the new Estle Louis bass line from Gollihur Music.
I have spent quite a bit of time over the past several years seeking out a well-made and great-sounding bass that could be completely set up before shipping. We have at last found a reputable builder and a detail-oriented shop with whom we could make these arrangements.
The Gollihur Music Estle Louis(pronounced ESS-tull LEW-iss) basses are available with Gamba style corners (inward curves; see explanation and photo below) in ¾, ½ and ¼ size, and Violin style corners in ¾ size. The price includes the professional set-up, which includes a custom cut adjustable bridge and good quality strings. Your brand-new bass is strung up and READY TO PLAY right out of the box... no luthier trip or extra costs are needed!
Our luthier partners carefully examine each instrument, and do all the setup work, so we can be certain that everyone gets the high-quality bass they expect and deserve. This setup service includes:
· Planing the fingerboard (carving the appropriate "relief" into the board) for low action
· Fitting a quality maple adjustable bridge
· Shaping the nut for left-hand ease of play
· Ensuring optimum soundpost placement
· Playing each instrument to ensure maximum playability and sound
Basic Dimensions:
Size
3/4
1/2
1/4
Scale Length (nut to bridge)
41 inches
38"
35.4"
Body Height (heel to saddle)
43 inches
39¼ inches
37"
Approximate Weight (bass only)
20 lb.
18½ lb.
16 lb.
Note: 3/4 size bass features a "D-Neck" (meaning that when your hand is in the neck pocket, it is in the D position.)
These basses can be used for any style of music. While you might occasionally see a bass with features that are tailored for a particular style (like a black one with stripes, for instance), basses are rarely made for a specific style of music. The Estle Louis Gollihur Music basses will do well for most any style; check out the sound in the video below for confirmation. It's the choice of strings and set-up that usually sends a bass in one direction or the other. The precise set-up performed on each Estle Louis bass, along with the adjustable bridge, will allow a nice range of action.
For example, I use my laminated Kay and carved Juzek for a variety of assignments. If country/bluegrass is on the agenda, my preference is pretty high action, because you want to be able to hit that string hard (hey, we're the percussion section, too) and not have it hit the fingerboard... or if you're slapping, maybe you do, and then a little lower can be better. When I play with an acoustic style blues guy I set my strings a little lower, because I want some fingerboard interaction for a more "raw" sound. For more modern and sometimes jazz sounds we like to get some fingerboard growl (mwah, whine, whatever you want to call it), so lower action and a slightly lighter left hand touch can be the way to go.
We can have any string we carry installed on your bass if you like (at extra cost, of course), or you may wish to start with the stock string and replace them later. The stock strings are actually a very nice "middle of the road" selection that sounds and feels great, not cheesy at all; that's those being played on the recording, below - sound pretty good, eh? If you do not have a special favorite in mind, I suggest you start with them. We often recommend players start their play using the stock strings on an instrument that is new to them, to get to know it before investing in a new set. We'll be happy to help you choose your next string, or pass on some suggestions for your consideration if you have a particular style in mind.
We can also have most pickups installed before your bass is shipped. Since the combinations of strings and pickups would probably be ten pages long, we suggest you place the order for the bass on-line or on the phone, and we can add options before finalizing the order.
Please click on the arrow in the image to play our YouTube video featuring both bowed and plucked sounds (please take the sound reproduction of your computer system into consideration). This audio came straight from our mini-recorder and is not EQ'd or processed to enhance it in any way. As you'll see from the photo at the end, this recording was done with a basic Sony PCM-M10 handheld digital recorder and tiny Sony ECM-CS10 business conference room mic, Check it out! (BTW, the Sony is a cool little unit; ya gotta love today's technologies!)
What makes these basses an even better value:
Your bass arrives FULLY SET UP by a luthier - no additional costs are required to optimize the playability or tone. Your new bass can essentially be played right out of the box!
Your bass includes a quality maple adjustable bridge (an expensive upgrade at bass shops) already installed and properly fitted to the bass!
Your bass contains quality components (tuning machines, endpin) so there are no parts you'll need to upgrade.
Real Ebony fingerboard and tailpiece - not "ebonized" (painted or stained) hardwoods.
COMMON QUESTIONS:
What are "Violin Corners" and "Gamba Corners?"
The corners are the edges of the "C-Bout" - the cutout in the middle of the body to allow for a bow to be used without hitting the body. "Violin" corners are more ornate, traditional looking edges which come to a point, "Gamba" corners are simpler, cleaner corners. Which should you get? Whichever you prefer the look of - they are purely aesthetic and do not affect tone or playability. The photos of the 3/4 sized bass (above) are of the "Gamba" style, the 1/2 size bass shown at right has "Violin" corners. There is also a comparison photo in the "Additional Photos," below.
What is a "Set Up?"
Most basses (including the Engelhardts and Bulgarian basses we sell) come with a "factory set up", which means the strings and bridge have been installed, but the bass has not been optimized for the player. Bridge and nut heights are high, and those components, and the fingerboard, may require some work to make the bass truly playable for that particular bassist. Our Estle Louis bass, as detailed above, comes fully optimized with comfortable action - ready to play as soon as it arrives!
Where are they manufactured?
Yes, these attractive instruments are made in China... let's face it, everything is made in China these days! That doesn't make it inferior — as I'm sure you know, people (and factories) in any location are capable of making products both good and bad. The important thing to be aware of with foreign factories in any country is to ensure that you're dealing with a company with a reputation for excellent, consistent quality. As you might expect from us (if you've shopped with us before), these basses are made by a reputable maker with very high quality control. If they weren't we would not put our name on them OR offer a 10 day trial period.
Why aren't they full size?
You'll find 3/4 to be the normal bass size; 4/4 is pretty unusual! See my FAQ on Bass Sizes, along with all the other Upright Bass FAQs we offer, under RESOURCES in the menu at left.
Special Return Policy
To exhibit our confidence in these basses we will allow a ten day trial period (from receipt of bass) during which you may return the bass no questions asked. Contact us first; buyer is responsible for shipping both ways, and the bass must be in like new condition.
Just a note on the ½ Size Bass
We were actually pretty pleasantly surprised at the sound of the 1/2 size bass. Given that most ½ size basses are typically made for the student market, they can tend to be pretty shy and not sound that full. The Estle Louis ½ size bass is quite impressive, with great response and warmth that belies its size.
Shipping Basses are too large for regular UPS and FedEx delivery services, so they are shipped by freight truck.
Sorry, I cannot ship these basses outside of the US and Canada at this time.
Costs for shipping a bass in the continental USA usually range between $130-$200, depending on location. In addition,
* What Qualifies as a business address? Note that to qualify, a business must be a business with typical 9-5 operating hours in a business district; home businesses in residential areas do not meet the trucking company's qualifications. Unfortunately, neither do churches, schools or colleges in many cases - the residential surcharge does apply to basses shipped to a school or church. However, if they do not apply the surcharge on our bill we will refund it.
The trucking companies add a $90 surcharge for shipping to a residential address, so if you can have it delivered to your work or a friend's business*, it may be well worth it. Also, please note that further surcharges sometimes apply to deliveries in major metropolitan areas (imagine driving a truck in NYC!!).
All bass purchase freight amounts will be calculated and submitted for your approval before your purchase is finalized and charged. Please note that our website does NOT charge your credit card when you place your order - all charges are done by us manually, once you've confirmed your total.
The following are general guidelines for shipping costs; remember that you must add $45-90 to any cost shown if the bass is being delivered to a residential address.
AL $95 • AR $95 • AZ $200 • CA $124 • CO $200 • CT $124 • DC $143 • DE $143 • FL $70 • GA $124 • IA $70 • ID $143 • IL $95 • IN $95 • KS $70 • KY $70 • LA $70 • MA $143 • MD $124 • ME $95 • MI $95 • MN $70 • MO $95 • MS $124 • MT $143 • NC $70 • ND $95 • NE $124 • NH $170 • NJ $70 • NM $170 • NV $200 • NY $124 • OH $95 • OK $124 • OR $200 • PA $105 • RI $170 • SC $95 • SD $143 • TN $95 • TX $70 • UT $143 • VA $95 • VT $124 • WA $170 • WI $95 • WV $124 • WY $141
AK, HI, PR, and Canada must be priced.
Again: We will not process an order, charge your card, or ship your bass until we quote precise shipping costs and receive your approval.
Choices starting at $1,349.00(click on arrow next to Add To Cart button)
Additional Photos of this Product
Simply "mouse over" the small thumbnail image to see the full-sized version.
The newest addition to the Estle Louis line is this very fine fully carved upright bass. Hand-built, hand-carved, and hand-varnished, this is no beginner instrument - and it arrives FULLY SET UP and ready to play...
Check out this selection of strings often purchased by bluegrass bassists! If you're struggling with what strings to buy, this may help narrow it down...
Our new "Series II" version of our popular Professional Bass Bag is here! The next generation adds improvements and new features to an already great product - and a sharp new look!
Our first official Gollihur Music product is made to our specs - a roomy, well-padded, special case at a great price. And it comes in two colors (Hunter Green or Black)...
We often get asked for 1/2 sized bags; we've found a good one, with lots of great features and at a good price, too!
$141.00
Here is what some of our customers think about this product:
I've had the Estle Louis for a few weeks now, and it is a very good bass. This thing sounds excellent, much better than most all I've played or heard, so overall, I'm real happy with my purchase... [after putting on some new strings and getting the setup tweaked] this will be a truly awesome bass.
—S.D. (November 2010)
Hi Mark,
Just thought you'd appreciate hearing that I rehearsed with my new Estle Louis bass last night and the other musicians and actors were "ga-ga" over the quality of the instrument and the beautiful rich sound it made. It was the star of the show... another fellow who also plays upright bass was asking... I have put him on to your website. He couldn't get over the value for money on this instrument.
Cheers,
—David H (January 2011)
I am very happy to let you know that the [1/2 size] bass arrived today. It is in unbelievably great condition, not a scratch or even a fingerprint on it; the soundpost didn’t budge during shipping, and it looks as though it was very carefully handled. You are right, it is a great sounding bass (I know, you told me it was, but I am still pleasantly surprised)! Thanks for all your help, and for keeping up communication throughout the past few weeks, I am happy I decided to purchase through Gollihur.
—Jeanne L (January 2011)
WHAT A GORGEOUS BASS!!! MY SON LOVES IT AND IS THRILLED & HONORED TO OWN SUCH A BEAUTIFUL INSTRUMENT! THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!
—Jonathan L (January 2011)
I finally took my new Estle Louis to the recording studio. The bass sounds amazing, and records even better. We used a 50's Telefunken u-47 in front of an f-hole, and a AKG over the fingerboard, to pick up any sound coming from my left hand... We set a high pass filter at 50 hz, added a little digital compression, and left it almost flat. It sounds beautiful. Great attack and bottom end. Great definition. It cuts through the mix very well. The Pirastro Obligatos that I (put on) gave us that great old school sound.
P.s. Bob and Mark Gollihur are the best. Their support is the absolute best. All those newsletters with tips for everything you just bought are always right on the money. I recommend them 200%.
—Carlos P (December 2011)
The Estle Louis bass is awesome! After some adjustments to the string height on the adjustable bridge, it was perfect. I had a pair of Rotosound superbs put on it, and the tone is impeccable. Mark Gollihur was a pleasure to speak to and do business with, and this is the first time I've been totally satisfied with ordering from a music company!
Mark, Thanx so much for your assistance and timely delivery. I will make sure and tell my friends to contact you for future bass needs. P.S The bag this bass comes in is the nicest I've ever had!!!!
—Mike S (December 2011)
Just got the Estle Louis (laminated 3/4 size). Sounds and looks great! Thanks for the great service!
—Edwin B (May 2012)
The Gollihur Music Estle Louis (pronounced ESS-tull LEW-iss) basses are available with Gamba style corners (inward curves; see explanation and photo below) in ¾, ½ and ¼ size, and Violin style corners in ¾ size. The price includes the professional set-up, which includes a custom cut adjustable bridge and good quality strings. Your brand-new bass is strung up and READY TO PLAY right out of the box... no luthier trip or extra costs are needed!
COMMON QUESTIONS:
Basses are too large for regular UPS and FedEx delivery services, so they are shipped by freight truck.
Sorry, I cannot ship these basses outside of the US and Canada at this time.
Costs for shipping a bass in the continental USA usually range between $130-$200, depending on location. In addition,
