Eminence Electric Upright Bass

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 photos.

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 D neck and scale length for familiar feel and playing ease.
• Fully adjustable bridge height allows personalized action adjustments.
• Removable Waist Extension simulates typical double bass contact.
• 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-Only 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:

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.


Padded soft case, waist extension, Realist pickup, Steady-foot™ Anti-rotational Endpin Foot included


Options include:

• Inlaid Side Position Markers 
• Flight Case (for removable neck model)
• Stand (also available for purchase separately)

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.