SuperMonkeyCube introduces the Ashbory Bass

A few people had seen me dig this out at shows for reggae tunes, but some find it hard to believe that it's really a bass. I give a quick playthrough and rundown of the instrument in my disjointed stream-of-consciousness style.

[@SuperMonkeyCube]

@ichabodcraneband - A whole step down is no problem, but tuning the low E down to a C might give you problems with the string jumping out of the nut. I'll give it a whirl next time.

[@briancollins3177]

Chris Archer,....are you Ichabod Crane Alum?

[@SuperMonkeyCube]

Commonly available strings - the original Fender set (silicone), the Pahoehoe low tension set (polyurethane) that I'm using in the video above, and replacement 'D' and 'G' by the foot from Mike Tavener in the UK. If you wanted custom gauges, I would look into poly and not silicone. The scale length is 18", which is quite a bit shorter than a full size cello. I don't know how well you would do with trying to get that G string up to an A, and then still being an octave lower than a cello.

[@SuperMonkeyCube]

I have been meaning to shoot video of this, but I don't seem to have any felt picks around any more. Most plastic picks are too 'grabby' on the strings because of the coefficient of friction being high and the tension of the string being low. You can get over it with felt pick a little bit, but it's really a bass made for fingers more than a pick.

[@ericoschmitt]

Arent there custom gauge for selling? I am intrested in that for a full fifth tunning CGDA.. I am a cellist, and the scale seems to have the same size, or is even smaller than a cello.

[@efrainsalas9]

What kind of strings you use for The ashbory? Are the same silicon strings?

[@SuperMonkeyCube]

No, I'm using the Pahoehoe strings.

[@JoelBrothers]

I play my Ashbory professionally,and I always play in tune. You just need to practice and learn where the notes are. It's no different from playing a Doghouse Bass, cello, violin, or any other fretless instrument. You don't go by the fret marks...you use your ears and instinct.

[@rjthebassplayer099]

Can you show me how it would work with a pick?