Yes, that is Victor Wooten you see there, playing a bass guitar with a bow.
Of course, he makes it sound good, but is this something you would own? Let us know in the comments if you think a guitar like this is a good idea after seeing the video below of the bass being played.
I think it’s a cool idea. I’m not in love with that particular Fodera design, but I think the concept is worthy.
Sounded pretty cool to me.
Any advancement and forward thinking in the bass community is a plus as far as I’m concerned.
I liked the tone, too. More cello than bass from what I could get from my computer speakers, but cool none-the-less.
E.
I was present when Victor played his Concerto with the NSO last Saturday at the Schermerhorn. This bass played pizzicato by Victor, sounds amazing; rich, present, and ethereal. Bowed by VH a little less so. Though the playing position looks comfortable, the bows cross string access seems a tad awkward. It must be said that Victor had only just gotten the instrument a week or two prior to the performance, leaving him negligible time to explore this new technique. Most of the bowed passages were played on the top two strings, with only obligatory low notes. Over all, bowing just didn’t seem to grab the strings for anything more than a mezzo piano / medium soft sound.
I couldn’t help but wonder if cross bowing would be better handled if the bass was swung to a more vertical position. The German style bow makes perfect sense.
I came away thinking that Victor will be exploring this bass intensely, and this bass’s voice will grow up loud and proud.
– Brett
I wasn’t present at the performance, but I think Brett discribes it very well. For me personal: altough it’s a clip I think it sound good. But I’m looking for bassguitars with a sound as close as possible to an upright. Therefore – for me – sound comes before looks. Simon
If Victor Wooten struggled that much with it I can’t see it being a viable instrument. With it hanging from a strap it doesn’t seem to allow the player to move left hand positions and still hold the bass steady. Also noticed the bow didn’t seem to ‘bite’ well because I’m assuming of the awkward position.
Love it!
if someone enjoys playing it and it helps their creativity, then go for it. I think it looks awkward to play you would have to stabilize the entire instrument with just your left hand to keep the body of the bass against your own body. But I could be wrong. Personally I would rather use an electric upright bass. But this could be cool.
GEE I THOUGHT THAT WAS A NORMAL THANG TO DO !!!
Pretty much just a cello in disguise.
if there is one thing my ears can not take that is a bowed instrument…..doesn’t’ who’s playing it.
This would totally kill your bowing arm after a while. Hasn’t anyone ever seen an upright acoustic bass? It’s designed for arco. Sure this thing is fine as a curio, but pointless to own.
I love the sound of the instrument both plucked and bowed. But I don’t think that trying to use a bow of that size is very practical on an electric bass; even one with a bow-friendly fretboard. Just seems like he’s asking for CTS with that wrist bend. Maybe he should design a shorter bow.
VW-Bass God obviously however-the old style upright ain’t broke so why fix it and their are plenty electric upright’s like the Lincluthier version-I agree it’s an electric cello in disguise!
I love the tone, but there are definitely some ergonomic issues that need to be addressed for this instrument to be more practical to play. That bow angle is, frankly, awkward.
Nice sound if you can afford it. Most people can’t.
He’s definitely bored.
Victor studied cello. I think he is a frustrated cellist. I’ve never considered him to be a “bass” player who plays the money frets. I’d rather he became the worlds greatest electric cellist and stopped playing bass. I personally don’t like him as a bassist. Too fussy and too high up the neck.
I agree w/the cello thoughts and the ergonomics concerns.
I can’t call it a dumb concept. You KNOW there people out there who will buy it. Personally, I don’t like it, maybe not until I see Tony Levin play one. (He likes that stuff.) You know what they say; “Whatever soaks your cookie.”
I have used a bow with my bass occassionally for some time, limited to the G string, It makes a great mello sound for some songs. I would love to see a bass that made its possible to bow all strings.
Can an E-Bow create the same effect?
Sounds nice, but why not just get a Cello?
Yes, very cool, and I would defiantly want one, I’ve been thinking of trying this on my Ricky or picking up a fretless to try it. I’m getting fretless soon anyway. Hmmmm… Or maybe better doing this on an upright electric?