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We are happy to introduce the Estle Louis Performer Upright Bass from Gollihur Music. Our previous fully carved bass has been a rousing success with our customers, but recently, our manufacturer has been unable to supply them. So now I introduce a new fully carved model, with some differences in specifications - but equal (or better) in quality - at a very similar price point. Since it is a different instrument, I call this the "Performer" model, as I feel that it will be perfect for a performing professional bassist, or an advanced student (like a university bass performance major). As before, this is a truly hand-carved basses that is completely set up for optimal play and sound before it is shipped to you. Like the previous carved bass, this model has a rich, full-bodied tone, with just the right amount of "darkness" to its timbre so that it doesn't sound harsh or brash. And this new bass positively SINGS under the bow, with excellent projection and punch for arco play. This makes it an ideal instrument for use in regional or university orchestra settings, but it's also perfectly at home for jazz, swing, bluegrass, or whatever else you set it up for (different string options exist for those looking to "dial in" a particular type of sound.) The bass has a good shape for solo play, as well - the upper shoulders are a bit slimmer than more common doublebass designs (without being extreme), which could provide the player with better access to the upper range of the bass, for the higher notes and thumb position play. It compensates for the reduced internal volume by having slightly deeper ribs all around, so it doesn't lose any of that fullness and depth of tone. A customer suggested that its look seems to have some similarities to the Quenoil (French) style of bass, which should be a familiar design to those who are familiar with Francois Rabbath (he plays an original Charles Quenoil bass). See the photo to the left for a side-by-side comparison of the Performer next to an illustration of a typical Quenoil style bass. I must admit, I have done very little study in the historical shapes of instruments, but it does appear, superficially, that it is probably somewhat influenced by the prototypical Quenoil shape. It may have slightly more outward slope on the upper shoulders than the diagram I found, but it certainly does seem to have some of the same design elements. The Gollihur Music Estle Louis (pronounced ESS-tull LEW-iss) Fully Carved "Performer" basses are currently available with Violin-style corners (as shown in photos) in ¾ size. The price includes the professional set-up, which features the fitting of an adjustable bridge and D'Addario Helicore strings. Again, to clarify: the bass is fully carved, it's not a "hybrid"; it features a choice spruce top with a flamed maple arched two-piece back and maple sides. It is hand-graduated (carved) with inlaid purfling, and hand-varnished in a very traditional warm golden brown color. Upgraded open-gear tuners, quality endpin with screw-on rubber foot, real ebony fingerboard and tailpiece It comes complete with brand-name (not throw-away) strings and a quality maple adjustable bridge, and the bass is strung up and READY TO PLAY right out of the box... no luthier trips 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 Properly fitting a quality maple adjustable bridge Slotting and shaping the nut for left-hand ease of play Ensuring optimum soundpost placement for clear, rich tone Play-testing each instrument to ensure maximum playability and sound Basic Dimensions: Size 3/4 Scale Length (nut to bridge) 41.5 inches Body Depth (top) 8 inches Body Depth (bottom) 8.5 inches Width (top bout) 18.25 inches Width (bottom bout) 25 inches Body Height (heel to saddle) 44 inches Approximate Weight (bass only) 21.25 lb. Note: 3/4 size bass features a "Eb-Neck" (meaning that when your hand is "in" the neck pocket, it is in the E-flat position.)