Blueberry Hill Blog

Keith Roscoe...Better Than Ever!

2007-06-17T14:24:00.000-07:00

We just received two exceptional Roscoe Century Signature Vs from Keith Roscoe that were so exceptional that they really made me sit up and take notice of a trend that has been occurring over the last 3-4 years. It occurred to me that, despite the challenge in doing so, Keith Roscoe continues to build a better bass each time out. In fact, the last few Roscoes that I have received have been as good as any Roscoe (or any other bass for that matter), that I have ever played!

Granted, this is not to say that Keith's previous basses have not been up to snuff. That simply isn't the case. However, what's really impressive is that Keith has been able to maintain exceptionally quality standards despite the challenge of only having a handful of employees AND in spite of their tremendous growth over the last few years. Anyone can keep quality high when demand is low. However, the demand for Keith's outstanding basses is greater than it has ever been, and they're making more basses per month than they have ever made. This is why I'm so impressed by the basses that I recently received from Keith. Despite all of the challenges that he may be experiencing due to the success and popularity of this instruments, they're just as great NOW as they have ever been!

We have a couple of great LG 3005s in stock that offer the hallmarks of a Roscoe bass...super-thick tone and great playability. Similarly, the two Century Sigs that just arrived this past week are some of the most unique and visually impressive basses that we have received in a while. Keith's desire to push the envelope, his interest in continually exploring new woods and electronics, and the precision and consistency with which the entire process is executed makes specing-out, ordering, receiving, and playing a Roscoe about as much fun as one person should be allowed to have!

New Exhibition Roscoe Tops on Reserve!

2007-04-08T16:03:00.000-07:00

If you are thinking about finally pulling the trigger on that custom Roscoe project you have been thinking about, or just like to gave at amazing pieces of exotic hardwood tops, definitely check out the new tops we have on reserve near the bottom of the Roscoe section at the Blueberry Hill Bass site.

These are some of the highest-grade, most amazingly figured tops that we have had in quite a while, and we tend to be known for having the best quality tops on reserve for Roscoe custom bass projects. Many of these pieces are large enough to accommodate all three Roscoe body sizes (LG, SKB, and Century), so let us know if you would like to grab one for yourself.

Also keep your eyes on the "In Stock" page, as we always have Roscoes leaving and new ones coming in. Don't hesitate to call or e-mail with questions regarding custom orders. Just because you don't see what you would like to do in the Roscoe Sold Gallery (gallery one or gallery two), it doesn't mean that it can't be done.

Ludo's Roscoe Nearing Completion!

2007-03-20T20:53:00.000-07:00

It has been a little too long since I have had a chance to update the BHB Blog, but when an update comes, it comes with a purpose! I just received some excellent shots of Ludo's Roscoe. This bass is nearing completion and isn't too far from heading out the door. Ludo has been great to work with and he has been eagerly, but patiently, awaiting the day when his new SKB will arrive. The bubinga top that Luco selected is very warm and rich (with some unique "swirly" figure), and the birdseye 'board makes for a great contrast. This one is turning out to be one very nice bass!

New Roscoe Tops Available!

2007-02-03T12:41:00.000-08:00

We just recently reserved a stack of exceptional exhibition grade maple tops that are sure to turn some heads. Most of them are exhibition quilts, but all are top-notch pieces that would be great for a custom project. I love quilt tops on Roscoe basses and while the "good stuff" is becoming increasingly harder to find (not to mention more and more expensive), I am proud to offer to my customers what I consider to be the very best of the best. Photos of the tops have been posted near the bottom of the Roscoe section at the Blueberry Hill Bass web site. Give us a call if you would like to reserve one for your own custom project.

On a related note, we have a good selection of Roscoe basses available, with a few new ones on the way. We currently have 2 SKB 3005s and 2 LG3005s in stock, and are expecting a SKB 3006 and a Century Signature 3005 to arrive very soon. Following that will be several more SKB 3005s spread out over the next couple of months. If you see something that catches your interest, let us know.

Winter NAMM Recap.

2007-01-29T20:54:00.000-08:00

It seems as if another winter N.A.M.M convention has come and gone yet again, and this year's show seems to have been quite a good one. A lot of new, interesting products were introduced, and many of the Blueberry Hill builders attended and had very good shows. The usual suspects were there, as Chris Benavente, Sheldon Dingwall, George Furlanetto/F Bass, Mike Lull, and Carey Nordstrand all showcased their amazing talents. Mike Lull introduced a new model...the M4VXL. This new addition to the Lull family is a 24 fret 4-string featuring the modern M5 body style with a 5A figured maple top. I'm sure this will make 24 fret jazz fans very happy!

Carey Nordstrand also had an outstanding show. Last year, we debuted a couple of Nordy vJ prototypes. This year, we "officially" unveiled the line in it's final version. This is a project that I am extremely proud of. It took 2 years developing, colaborating, plotting, scheming, and ironing out the details to get everything right, but the Nordy vJ basses are an amazing value and went over BIG at the show! Also, I can't forget to mention the success of the Nordstrand pickup line either. Sometimes, I think that the pickup line gets more attention that Carey's amazing basses do! Many high-end builders have already adopted Nordstrand pickups as their pickup of choice, and many other builders are now offering them as factory options. Based on some of the conversations that took place over the NAMM weekend, I have a feeling that you will be seeing Nordstrand pickups available on even more "big name" basses in the coming year.

Now...only a few more months before everyone starts preparing for the next NAMM show!

Nordstrand Fat Stacks vs. Dual Coils

2007-01-21T21:19:00.000-08:00

Since the previous Nordstrand pickup blog entries appear to have been very helpful to players trying to make tough decisions between various pickups models (see the Nordstrand vs. Fralin and Nordstrand Jazz Pickup Review blog articles), I thought that a Fat Stacks vs. Dual Coils entry was probably long overdue. I have been receiving a LOT of questions about these two pickup models lately, and I have a feeling that the push behind the volume of inquiries is coming from three primary sources. First, Roscoe Guitars has added Nordstrand Dual Coils as an option, and several of my Roscoe customers have been requesting Dual Coils on their custom orders. Secondly, the success and popularity of the new Nordstrand Nordy line of basses has brought a lot of attention to the Fat Stacks set, especially since we are featuring them on many of the early Nordies that have left Carey's shop. Lastly, many high-end and custom builders have adopted Nordstrand pickups as their pickup of choice, so even non-Nordstrand owners are getting exposed to Carey's outstanding pickups. I hope that the following review helps to clear up any outstanding questions that might be floating around out there.

The first point of emphasis is that even though both pickups look similar and are the same size, they do NOT sound alike. In fact, they are very different pickups. The Fat Stacks were originally designed to be the "ultimate" pickup for the jazz bass fanatic. They sound like their name implies...like a super-fat jazz pickup. This is why you will see the 'Stacks featured so heavily on the new Nordy line. While they offer a bigger, thicker, fatter jazz tone, they also deliver a great slap tone as well. The pole-pieces are shifted off-axis to deliver a better response for slapping. Another benefit is that by adding a coil tap, you can convert the hum-canceling stacked coils into single coil mode, essentially converting a Fat Stack into the Nordstrand Big Single pickup. All Nordy basses come standard with a mini-switch on the control plate providing the player with the advantage of having the benefit of "two pickups in one".

The Dual Coils, on the other hand, deliver what many players traditionally refer to as a true "modern" sounding pickup. They can be wired in either series or parallel, and can also we wired so that either series, parallel, or single coil modes can be selected. The DC sets are extremely versatile in offering a range of wiring configurations and a variety of tones. The series mode has a slightly higher output, places an emphasis on the midrange, and will give you a deep, rich, thick tone. If you're looking for an ultra-modern, "hi-fi" tone, then a set of Dual Coils wired in parallel would be the way to go. This wiring option emphasizes the lows and highs.

While tone is largely impacted by the bass itself, how you set the instrument's controls (if you have a bass with an on-board preamp), how you set the controls on your amp/preamp, and your own playing style, the pickups are a big contributing factor in the overall sound of your instrument. But, even with all of those variables taken into consideration, I hope that the generalized descriptions above will provide you with a better understanding of these two Nordstrand pickup models and will help you make the choice that is right for you and your bass.

Why George Ls Cables?

2007-01-14T14:42:00.000-08:00

I recently decided to expand the number of products that we carry here at Blueberry Hill after several years of encouragement from customers, friends, and the bass playing community. While you probably won't see straps, stands, and picks on sale any time soon, we did recently add George Ls Cables to the lineup of small companies that we represent. Keeping with the overall theme here at Blueberry Hill, the company is a small, family-run business located outside of Nashville, TN and they have established a reputation for great products, great quality, and for focusing on the needs of working musicians.

I have been a George Ls fan and user for years (so long, in fact, that I can't even remember when I purchased my first George Ls cable)! Up until about 6 months ago, when I unfortunately left my cable at a gig, I had been using the same .155 George Ls cable for over seven years. I never had a single issue with that cable deteriorating or failing, but even if I had, their solderless connector jacks would have made for an easy fix. While I personally prefer the smaller diameter cables, we are also carrying their larger diameter cables (.225 in three lengths) for those who prefer a thicker cable with a more traditional weight and feel.

I trust the integrity of my signal chain for live performances and studio work to George Ls cables, and we also use them exclusively at the Blueberry Hill demo room. If you're hard on cables and are fed up with pitching your cables after the cable/jack connection breaks down, the solderless connectors will allow you to keep your cables fresh and in working order while saving you money at the same time. If you're like me and just want a great cable at a great price that gets the job done and doesn't color or kill your tone, than either the .155 or .225 cables in 10, 15, or 20 foot lenghts would be a perfect solution. I love 'em and can't recommend them enough!

Happy Holidays From Blueberry Hill!

2006-12-22T09:49:00.000-08:00

Before the holidays season slips by, I wanted to make sure to extend holiday wishes to everyone and to wish you all a safe and happy holiday season. This has been another amazing year at Blueberry Hill and I have had a lot of fun answering pickup questions and talking about some of the new products that we are now featuring at BHB. I have expecially enjoyed all of the custom bass projects that we did this year and want to thank everyone who has supported Blueberry Hill. Whether your support was expressed through a custom order, a bass or pickup purchase, referrring your friends and fellow bass enthusiasts to Blueberry Hill, or just by expressing support for what we do and how we do it, it is all greatly appreciated. Considering all of the amazing basses that we have in stock and on the way for next year, 2007 should be even better than 2006!

Happy Holidays,
Jay M. Lewis

Roscoes Out, Nordies In.

2006-12-17T21:18:00.000-08:00

A couple of very nice Roscoes found new homes this week rightg around the same several new Nordstrand Nordy basses showed up. The bass pictured above (myrtle burl/exhibition cocobolo) turned out to be a great combination. I am a big fan of myrtle tops (see the piece of myrtle that is currently available on the Roscoe page at the Blueberry Hill site) and am always impressed with how our myrtle projects turn out. Each piece is unique, but every myrtle Roscoe that we have ever commissioned at Blueberry Hill has turned out to be a great sounding bass. The exhibition grade cocobolo fingerboard is also a contributing factor to the great sound of this SKB 3005. The deep red color and spiderwebbing figure are great, but it also sounds great too! Rob is going to love his new Roscoe SKB 3005.
After patiently waiting for his custom creation to be completed, Dr. Mark recently took possession of the SKB 3006 featured above. This was Mark's first forray into the realm of custom basses, and even though he was a bit nervous going in, I can proudly say that his expectations were exceeded! It's always a great thrill to get that first phone call once the customer's instrument has arrived. Sometimes it's a toss-up to determine who's more excited...the customer or me! Mark's project was of particular interest because of the Ziracote "theme" running throughout the instrument. Not only is this a beautiful wood, but it makes for a great sounding bass as well...something that should always be a top priority in the construction of any musical instrument.

In Nordstrand news, three new Nordies arrived and photos have been posted under the Nordstrand of the Blueberry Hill web site. All three are excellent and I continue to be extremely proud and impressed with these basses. I have a feeling that they won't be hanging around too long! The necks feel great, they are extremely easy to play, and the fit & finish are perfection realized. Good job Carey...now just get MY Nordy finished and I can sleep easy!

The New Web Site...Unveiled!

2006-11-29T20:28:00.000-08:00

Well...it looks like I'm about 2 weeks behind on this big announcement, but I thought that I would go ahead and make an official announcement anyway (just in case anyone hadn't noticed). Insert "smiley" of your choice here. After much thought, and a lot of plotting and scheming behind the scenes, I finally decide that it was time to update the internet home of Blueberry Hill. The site turned 3 years old back in September, and while that version served its purpose very well, I couldn't ignore the fact any longer that BHB had simply outgrown the site. Up until the recent changes, I still received remarkably positive comments on the site on a regular basis. My intent in rolling out some of the changes outlined below was to keep the clean look and feel of the site that people seemed to love so much while adding more useful information and relevant content. I also wanted to create a home for BHB that will allow for grow into this site as things continue to progress, and I also wanted to create a layout that was quicker and easier to navigate...where everything had its own place. I hope that I have succeeded in my mission.

As for the improvements themselves, we now have dedicated pages for Nordstrand pickups and for this blog. In fact, the Blueberry Hill Blog has essentially replaced the old "News" section. This is where you can get more "formal" news announcement (like that we have added Dingwall Strings, Lull Strings, Peterson Tuners, and George Ls Cables to the assortment of bass-related items that we keep in stock) as well as more "informal" tid-bits of information, such as new bass arrivals and updates on custom bass projects that have been commissioned by our customers.

Another notable upgrade is that each bass builder now has his own dedicated page. All of the basses that you see on the "In Stock" page are, in fact, in stock and available for purchase. Since the site is updated regularly, you can rest assured that if you see a bass listed for sale, it is still available. Each builder also has his own Sold Gallery as well, so you can check out basses that have already been sold and can see projects that were commissioned by customers. Not only is it fun to just look at high-end, hand-crafted custom basses, but you might also see something that will spark an idea for a custom instrument of your own.

Lastly, the creation of the accessories page allows us to feature bass-related items that were previously unavailable at Blueberry Hill. I will dedicate future blog entries to Peterson Tuners and George Ls cables specifically, but can proudly say that it is a thrill to be representing such great companies that make such outstanding products for bass players and all musicians alike.

Stay tuned to the blog in the coming weeks. Although I took a couple of weeks off here as of late, a LOT will be going on over the holiday season. We just received a new 4-string Nordy and a Dingwall Super J in today (photos will be up soon), and we are expecting a couple of new Roscoes next week. Things are starting to get pretty exciting around here, and these new arrivals are just the tip of the iceberg!

Russ Gets A Roscoe

2006-11-07T19:39:00.000-08:00

With all of the new Roscoes that have been flying in and out lately, I thought that I had better get this smokin' SKB up on the blog before Russ got mad at me. I'm a sucker for a super-clean maple burl top with great character. With this SKB, that's exactly what Russ got. The wenge fingerboard, Aguilar preamp, and mahagony body make for a unique combination, but the end result is outstanding. Not only does this bass play and sound fantastic, but I LOVE the look. The light amber finish that Russ requested is perfect, and the overall package is very classy. Keith and the boys did another oustanding job.

Changes Coming Soon To Blueberry Hill

2006-11-03T19:36:00.000-08:00

Over the course of the last few weeks, I have been hard at work on revisions, updates, and overall improvements on the Blueberry Hill website. The current version of the site has served its purpose well over the last three years, but I'm afraid that BHB has really outgrown it. This, of course, is a GOOD thing, but in my opinion, is something that needs to be addressed...and the sooner the better.

I still love the look, feel, and usefulness of the site. I'm amazed at how much great feedback I still receive on the overall look and flow of the site. Therefore, all of the elements that have made the site so great will not be changing. But, while the site will still look the same, things will be a bit more compartmentalized. Each bass builder will now have his own dedicated page showcasing the basses that we have in stock and the basses from that builder that have previously been sold (basses that were previously in stock and instruments that were custom ordered). There will be a dedicated page for pickups, and we will also have a page for accessories. Stay tuned for more information regarding some of the new brands that we are now representing.

Because I have received so much positive feedback about this blog, I have also decided to feature it more prominently on the site. In fact, this blog will now be the primary source for BHB news, as the old news section will soon be removed from the site completely. I will also be reworking and updating most of the text for the other pages. Overall, the changes that are being implemented should increase the amount of useful information on the site and will make it easier to quickly navigate from section to section. There may be a few other improvements in the works (top secret stuff, right now), but at present, we're just taking things one step at a time.

Fanned Frets? Fret Not.

2006-10-21T14:57:00.000-07:00

I have recently been spending some time with the Dingwalls that are currently in stock and wanted to share how impressed I am with these basses. I realize that many players have a major hang-up with the fanned fret design of these instruments because I once fell victim to the same type of prejudice myself. Even though bass players, as group, are very forward-thinking and tend to be open to new ideas and technical improvements in bass gear, there is something about the "visual impact" of the fanned fret system that really throws a lot of us for a loop. I can tell you though, as can thousands of happy Dingwall owners, that you should not be apprehensive about playing a bass with fanned frets.

First and foremost, if you look at how the frets are aligned from the 3rd to 15th frets, the angle is very close to being parallel. When you consider that only a slight initial adjustment is necessary with respect to the extreme lower register (which disappears after a few minutes of playing), the system becomes very easy to use. Personally, I was extremely skeptical...until I actually tried my first Dingwall. That skepticism evaporated almost instantaneously. I routinely hear similar statements from other Dingwall owners. Most Dingwall enthusiasts will tell you that virtually no adjustment was needed to adapt to fanned frets and that they felt very comfortable within just the first few minutes of trying their first Dingwall. This coincides with my own experiences. In addition, Sheldon Dingwall's commitment to quality and value are right in step with the overall approach that we take to gear at Blueberry Hill.

If you have been thinking about purchasing a Dingwall, or are just curious and would like to learn more about these unique instruments, check out a great review of the Dingwall Super J in the November 2006 issue of Bass Player magazine.

New Roscoe Tops On Reserve (and Mark's Ziracote Roscoe)

2006-10-11T19:34:00.000-07:00

It seems as if this blog has suddently become devoted to all things Roscoe! The body and neck shown above are for Mark's Roscoe SKB 3006 that is nearing completion. It features an outstanding piece of Ziracote (with a touch of sapwood) for the fingerboard, and the body is a 3-piece (becoming somewhat of a BHB trademark since we first did it on a stunning LG 3005 that is featured in the Sold Basses Gallery). The body wings are book-matched Ziracote and the center section is flamed maple. The color scheme is very balanced, the lookis unique an original (a true "one-of-a-kind"), and it will have killer tone as well. That's a winning combination!

Ziracote is one of my favorite tone woods. It has been used as a substitute for Brazilian rosewood (aka "The Kind of Tonewoods") in the high-end acoustic guitar market for years, and I love the unique color and grain pattern that the wood displays. It isn't easy to come by, but I'm hoping to use it on more Roscoe projects in the future. In fact, we just reserved out second ziracote top today!

And speaking of tops, we also reserved a handful of other excellent pieces that are available for future Roscoe custom projects. Scroll to the end of the Roscoe section on the Basses page at the Blueberry Hill site for photos of the thuya burl, ziracote, flamed katalox, and imbuia burl that we now have on reserve. These tops are all "top shelf" and will make for some unique and incredibly beautiful custom instruments.

Two New Homes For Two New Fs

2006-10-05T19:38:00.000-07:00

I just received a call from my customer Dominick yesterday letting me know that his new BN5 has arrived. We will probably be arguing for years trying to determine who was more floored when the case was opened for the first time! I have had the privilege of seeing and playing a lot of great basses, but this BN5 might have one of the most insanely over-the-top tops I have ever seen. And the amazing thing is that the fingerboard is just as ridiculous! Dominick is a very satisfied customer, his expectations were exceeded (which is what we shoot for at Blueberry Hill), and this bass will go down in F Bass history as one of the finest ever made. The photos posted in the Sold Gallery do NOT do this bass justice.

While Dominick decided to go with a BN5 tricked out to the max, Matt wanted to go with a BN4 that was more understated…but ground-breaking in its own right. Matt had been talking to me about getting a BN4 for years, and he finally decided to pull the trigger on the very nice trans red bass shown above. The unique thing about Matt’s bass is that this is the first time that George has not matched the pickup covers to the body. I thought that it was a great idea to match the covers to the fingerboard and really liked how this one turned out. This is a great look and should work equally well for blue, black, and green colors as well. In fact, I liked this look so much that I decided to apply it to the spalted topped BN5 that we currently have under construction.

Update on Custom Roscoe Projects for Kurt & Russ

2006-10-03T20:38:00.000-07:00

The finishing touches were recently added to the custom Roscoe of all custom Roscoes, featured above. Kurt opted for a custom 34" scale length for his SKB 3006, a wedge neck (wenge, yellowheart, and maple), ebony covers with exposed pole pieces for the Nordstrand Dual Coils, mini switches for each pickup, and a unique custom paint job. Per Kurt's instructions, the top is finished in a custom blueburst and the back was left natural. This one turned out great! You can see additional photos of Kurt's bass, showcasing some of it's custom features, at the Sold Basses Gallery at the Blueberry Hill site.
Russ was lucky enough to grab this top (which I was secretly hoping I might be able to keep for myself) and will soon be taking delivery of a stunning SKB 3005. In this photo, the light amber color has been applied and the clear gloss is being sprayed this week. This one isn't too far from being completed, and I guarantee it will be absolutely amazing! Russ is going to be one happy bass player when he gets his hands on this one!!!

Nickel Creek at the Ryman (or...To There and Back Again)

2006-09-26T19:43:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I drove from Chicago to Nashville, TN to see Nickel Creek at the historic Ryman Auditorium (dodging tornados and severe thunderstorms all the way down). I am a huge fan of the band (and its individual members) and never cease to be amazed at how many people are completely unaware that this great band even exists. While I know that the group is not necessarily a "pop trio", probably doesn't get much Top 40 airplay, and is not part of MTV's video rotation, they are regularly nominated for Grammy awards and are some of the most talented and accomplished musicians and songwriters to come along in decades. They have managed to create a form and style of music that is uniquely their own, and they consistently put on the most unique, inspired, and downright FUN live performances of any band that I can think of. You are guaranteed great music, great fun, and great memories at a Nickel Creek concert...hands down, every time!

While I have thoroughly enjoyed myself at ever Chicagoland Nickel Creek show that I have attended over the course of the last five years or so, I just had a feeling that this particular show at the Ryman was going to be a special one. I had only been inside the building as a tourist (the Ryman Auditorium is the original home of the Grand Ole Opry), and had never seen a show there. I figured that there might be a special guest or two (Bela Fleck played banjo on a couple of tunes during the encore), and I was excited to see some of the new material from the group's latest album played live. Needless to say, it was an amazing evening, and that evening will probably go down as one of the more memorable concert performances that I have ever seen...and I've seen a LOT of great live performances.

So...what does this have to do with bass playing and Blueberry Hill Bass, right? First, I was a bit disappointed to find out after the show that the band will be taking a hiatus to pursue solo projects once their commitments to a spring tour in 2007 have been fulfilled. I bring this up because I want to encourage everyone who loves great songwriting, acoustic music, and outstanding musicianship to see Nickel Creek when they come to your town next year. It might be your last opportunity for quite a long while.

The second reason why I decide to write about THIS topic, of all topics, is to bring some deserving attention to Mark Schatz. Even though I am not an upright player, and even though Mark is not particularly known as an electric player (or as a user of the type of high-end, hand-crafted instruments that Blueberry Hill is known for), we bass players as a group are notorious for supporting one another. Bass players and bass enthusiasts all over the world have been extremely supportive of Blueberry Hill and my efforts to bring the best gear and the best service to my customers. I am a big fan of Mark's playing and his musicianship and wanted to shed some light on his musical endeavors. While playing around on the internet and gazing at photos of fancy, high-end basses can be a lot of fun (I do a lot of that myself), it's also important to remember to get out and support our bass-playing brethren. Listening to different players with different playing styles, different influences, and different approaches is a great way to broaden your musicial vocabulary, and it's a great way to find musician inspiration.

If you have a chance this spring, get out there and check out Mark with Nickel Creek. And even if you can't, or if you're already familiar with Mark's amazing upright skills, make an effort to check out another bass player with another band who you might not ordinarily listen to. Supporting each other, and the bass playing community as a whole, is what makes bass players so unique!

Blueberry Hill and the "New" Busch Stadium

2006-09-05T20:45:00.000-07:00

In between discussions about wood, pickups, and preamps, many of you have discovered through the years that I am a big fan of N.L. baseball and, specifically, a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan. Over the holiday weekend, I finally had the opportunity to make my first visit to the new Busch Stadium. I was sufficiently impressed, and would recommend a visit to any baseball fan or to anyone spending time in St. Louis. A 1-0 loss to the Pirates was not as exciting as the bottom of the ninth, 2-out, game winning 3-run Tommy Herr home run that emortalized my first visit to the old Busch back in the summer of '85, it was still a pretty good time. While I still wish that "Old Busch" was still around, I'm certainly not one to stand in the way of progress. Besides...they would just concrete right over me and keep on going! The new stadium is here and the old one isn't coming back, so I might as well get used to it!

And now for the "bass" related part of this story. When the new stadium was under construction, I decided to participate in the "brick paver" program. Essentially, for a small fee, fans were given the opportunity to purchase a brick that they could then customize with their own message. These bricks would then be set in blocks surrounding the stadium walkways. I thought that it would be fun to immortalize Blueberry Hill Bass outside of the new stadium, so I combined BHB with Cardinal HOF announcer Jack Buck's famous sign-off at the end of each Cardinal victory: "That's a Winner!" I feel like Blueberry Hill has been a winner since it's inception, the enormously talented craftsmen that we work with are winners, and our customers are winners in the truest sense of the word.

The photo above is the view of the stadium where the Blueberry Hill brick paver resides (outside the stadium and down the first base line). If you ever find yourself outside the stadium, see if you can find the brick along the walkway. If you spot it, snap a photo, send it in, and I'll give you a free bass! Well...not really, but I'd be thrilled to hear from anyone who picks it out of the crowd. : )

Kurt's & Eli's Basses Nearing Completion

2006-08-29T20:09:00.000-07:00

Kurt's Roscoe SKB 3006 is coming along very nicely. This bass will feature a number of unique items, including a 34" scale neck, Nordstrand dual coil pickups with exposed pole pieces and custom ebony covers, and a custom finish. Kurt wanted a blueburt finish, but only on the top. The back will be natural swamp ash, and you can just barely see where the finish ends and the natural wood begins on this photo (left/end pin side of body). It's like I always say...if you're going to get a Roscoe, you may as well get one that's going to "stand out"!

Eli has been patiently waiting for his Nordstrand NJ5 Custom for quite some time, and his wait is almost over. I belive that this is the first, and only, NJ5 Custom P/J fretless, so not only is Eli getting an incredible instrument, but he is also getting a one-of-a-kind. The zebrawood top really turned out well. Even thought we thought that it woudl be good, I'm not sure if anyone (except for Eli) thought that it would be quite THIS good! I am really impressed with how this bass turned out, and the dark streaks in the top go great with the ebony fingerboard and black hardware.

Check the Blueberry Hill Sold Basses Gallery soon for completed photos of these basses.

Nordstrand Jazz Pickup Review (NJ4 vs. NJ4SV vs. NJ4SE)

2006-08-13T15:14:00.000-07:00

As promised in an earlier post, this installment of the BHB Blog will address some of the differences between the three models of Nordstrand jazz bass pickups. Other than being asked if Nordstrand pickups come with covers, the most common question I get about Nordstrand pickups involves the differences between the NJ4, NJ4SV, and NJ4SE pickup sets.

One of the most important points to make right at the top is that the differences are subtle. If you like Nordstrand pickups and are looking for improved performance and tone from your current pickups, then the chances are good that you will be perfectly fine with any one of the three models. All three models deliver that classic tone that so many of us love and crave. The differences between the models are subtle, but are still very important to many players.

The original Nordstrand jazz pickup was the NJ4. This is a true single coil pickup and sounds closest to the pickups that were used 40 or 50 years ago. The NJ4 set has a very clean, clear, bell-like tone, is balanced from top to bottom, and delivers a true vintage jazz bass tone. Of course, because they are a true single coil pickup, they are also susceptible to noise and 60 cycle hum. While the NJ4 is a very quiet pickup, any true single coil design will always be potentially vulnerable to interference. This is the "reference" for jazz bass pickups and is the most traditional sounding of the bunch. It is also the least expensive ($150 for the set), so if you are budget-conscious, the NJ4 set might be the way to go. The NJ4 pickup is the one that launched the entire Nordstrand Pickups line and has livened up the tone of many budget and overseas basses that come loaded with inexpensive pickups.

The NJ4SV is very similar to the NJ4. The NJ4SV (split vintage) is a split coil hum-canceling jazz bass pickup that is designed to sound just like the NJ4 while eliminating noise and 60 cycle hum. The SV set was designed based on feedback from players who loved the TONE of the NJ4 but wanted a pickup that was impervious to interference. For players who do a lot of gigging and recording, a quite pickup is essential. Carey spent a lot of time developing the SV to sound as close to the NJ4 as possible, given the fact that the two pickups could never be "exactly" the same due to the differences in design...single coil vs. split coil. Nevertheless, the SV set has been a huge success since its creation. Like the NJ4, the SV pickup is very balanced from top to bottom, delivers a classic, bell-like jazz bass tone, and is fat, detailed, and articulate. This pickup set deliveres what jazz bass fans have come to look for in a boutique pickup but without any of the noise or hum associated with true single coil pickups.

The NJ4SE pickup is the stand-out of the three. Where the NJ4 and NJ4SV arrive at a tone that is very traditional in nature, the SE goes beyond the "classic" jazz bass tone. Because SEs are wound differently, they feature a slight "bump" in the midrange that the other two sets do not prominently feature. Players who are looking for a jazz bass tone that gives them "a little more" tend to gravitate toward the SE set. SEs are notorious for being big, warm, and fat, but still retain clarity and detail. Unlike other vintage pickups that claim to be "warm", but also end up being muddy and lifeless, the SEs retain warmth and punch while still allowing you to cut through in the mix. SEs are also more "growly" and work great for players looking for more Jaco-like tone from their bridge pickup. Fretless players also tend to prefer the SE, as the added growl helps to bring out more "mwah" from a fretless bass.

Hopefully this will help explain some of the finer details between the three Nordstrand jazz pickup models as all three are excellent pickup sets. The NJ4 and SV models sound more like vintage pickups, and the SEs are more growly, working well in fretless basses and for players who are looking for a jazz bass pickup with slightly boosted mids. As far as I'm concerned, you can't go wrong regardless of which set you choose!

Why Does It Take So Long To Build A Custom Bass?

2006-08-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

This is a question that I am all too familiar with. Not only am I a frequent recipient of the "Are we there yet?" phone calls and e-mails, but it seems like just about everyone involved in the high-end, custom instrument business is regularly solicited for updates, in-progress photos, and estimates for completion dates. These requests can take a lot of time away from the actual "building of basses", and the following paragraphs are intended to explain why the process can take so long. It is important to note that the point of this blog is not, in any way, intended to poke fun at or belittle anyone who has ever asked these types of questions. Checking up on the progress of one's instrument it perfectly legitimate. It is part of human nature to be excited about a custom bass. I repeatedly tell my customers that the process should be fun...it shouldn't be something to worry and fret about. Further, if one doesn't have a good understanding of the process, the long waits, pushed-back deadlines, and frequent lack of progress at various stages of the game can be mystifying, if not just plain frustrating. Therefore, in an attempt to shed some light on what really goes on behind the workshop doors, I thought that I would tackle the issue of the "wait list" in this installment of the BHB blog. For those who are about to order a custom instrument, I hope that this better prepares you for the wait (whether it's 3 months or 3 years). By understanding what happens, when, and why, I hope to provide custom bass customers with a more realistic expectation of what to expect during the build process. For those who are just plain curious....enjoy!

First, it is important to remember that many custom bass shops are operated by one person. Even for the "larger" companies that advertise in bass magazines and have dealer networks across the globe, the owner may only have a handful of employees helping out in the shop, and when I say "handful", I mean two or three. When one person is responsible for keeping track of orders, answering the phone, answering a large volume of e-mails every day, attending trade shows, keeping dealers happy, keeping their spouses and children happy, occasionally taking some personal time, growing their business, AND actually building basses, it becomes obvious that there are very few hours in a day to perform all of these tasks. If you factor in a little bit of success, the hours in a day can fill up very quickly as orders begin to flow in. More orders usually lead to more demands on the builder's time (which we have already established is at a premium to being with), and when the workload becomes too much to keep up with, delays become inevitable.

When you have a situation where one person, or a handful of people, is performing labor-intensive work, and when demand far exceeds supply, keeping on top of things can be very difficult. For those economists in the crowd, you're probably asking yourselves "Well then...why doesn't Mr. Bass Builder just run out and hire more employees?". Unfortunately, it just isn't that simple. The cost to do so is not offset by the increased output. When you factor in the cost of downtime to train new employees couples with the increased cost of paying those employees, the numbers often don't add up. The increase in output does not always couterbalance the increase in expenditures for most small shops. Keeping quality high is a major consideration when work starts to be shared, which is why you see many small builders turn to CNC machines. These machines enable smaller, low-output builders to keep quality high while still maintaining control over every aspect of what they do.

The other main factor that often contributes to long build times is the wait list itself. Many customers feel that progress should begin immediately as soon as a deposit is placed with a builder or a dealer. If you're first in line and the builder you have chosen does not have a backlog of orders, then I agree with you. But...if there is a waiting list (per our discussion above), then you must wait your turn. Again, it is unfortunate, but implementing a waiting list to organize backlogged orders seems to be the only fair way to do things. Therefore, even though you have submitted your deposit, have speced out your bass, picked out your top, etc., the reality of the situation is that Mr. Bass Builder will probably not even think about your bass for several months. It isn't that he doesn't care...it's just that he is busy devoting his time and attention to the order that was placed three or four months before you placed yours. Several months down the line, your turn will finally come up and then a lot of attention will be devoted to your instrument while the person who placed an order a week ago patiently waits until all of the basses that were ordered before him/her are finished.

For most bass builders, it generally takes little time to craft a bass body. Instrument necks take a lot longer. If they are being made by hand, they must be glued up, rough cut, and then sanded to perfection. Then the fret slots must be cut, frets must be installed, leveled and crowned. Then, the nut must be cut, and the neck will also need to be sprayed with a finish at some point as well. These steps are far more intricate and detailed than what is normally involved in making a body. So...you may receive photos from your builder very early on that shows the body of your bass very near it's completed stage. This is great, but keep in mind that the REAL work is involved in crafting the neck. Until you see photos of a neck that looks like it could be immediately attached to a body, your bass is still a long way from finished.

Ultimately, there are an infinite number of reason why a custom bass project might be delayed. I have attempted to describe some of the more common reasons and hope that this has given you a better understanding of the challenges that small shops face. But even though the wait might be lenghty, it will most certainly be worth it!

Nordy VJ4 Review (Pt.1)

2006-08-06T18:00:00.000-07:00

The first Nordy VJ4 recently arrived at Blueberry Hill, and I was so impressed I thought that the bass warranted a review. While a more comprehensive review should be appearing in an issue of Bass Player magazine around the end of the year, I was so thrilled with how the Nordy project turned out that I had to share the news.

The idea of the Nordy line was first discussed about two years ago when Carey mentioned an interest in building a line of jazz basses. I not only thought that it was a great idea, but was interested in all of the various possibilities that such a project presented. Carey was largely involved in building custom basses based on specs submitted by customers...their choice of woods, pickups, preamps, etc. While this was satisfying work in itself, Carey also had very clear ideas as to what he felt made a good bass and was looking for a way to establish more tonal consistency from instrument to instrument. His goad was to define the "Nordstrand sound". I thought it was a great idea because I wanted to offer a world-class Nordstrand bass to my customers who were not able to wait for a custom to be build and/or who were looking for a more affordable option without sacrificing quality and performance. By standardizing many elements of the Nordy line, we are able to offer a bass, build by Carey in his California shop, that is more affordable and more accessible than a "built to order" custom instrument. Based on what I have seen so far, the goal has been achieved in spades!

First, the materials used in the construction of this bass are outstanding. The swamp ash body is very light and resonant, the maple used for the neck and fingerboard are blemish-free, and the entire bass just feels solid. The nutwork and fretwork are perfect, and the bass came set-up with super-low action. The neck profile is outstanding as well. I have played and owned many jazz basses, and I instantly fell in love with the shape of the neck. It feels silky-smooth on the back and is ultra-fast. The first time I plugged the Nordy in, I experienced one of those magical moments where everything about the instrument just felt RIGHT. The Nordstrand NJ4SV pickups deliver a classic, vintage single-coil jazz tone, but without any noise or hum, and the Audere preamp offers up a versatile array of useful tones. I was able to quickly and easily dial in everything from deep, fat, warm vintage tones to ultra-crisp and clean modern slap tones.
Overall, I am extremely impressed with this bass and am proud of the success of the new line. We are expecting to have other Nordy basses in soon, including an alder/rosewood VJ4 and a modern VJ5 with Fat Stacks and the new Nordstrand 3-band preamp. Keep an eye on the Basses page at www.blueberryhillbass.com for photos when they arrive, and when they do, I will follow up this review with Pt.2.

How Do I Know What's In Stock?

2006-07-28T07:48:00.000-07:00

Well, you look at the Basses page, of course. But…it seems as if there might be some ambiguity floating around out there in the “bass world”, with due cause, as to how often the Blueberry Hill Bass site is updated. So, I thought that I would clear things up.

Any bass that you see photos of on the “in stock” page at the Blueberry Hill site is physically “in stock” and is available for purchase. Similarly, if you do not see a bass listed, then we do not have it. With only one or two rare exceptions, we only carry products from the builders that we represent (Benavente, Dingwall, F Bass, Mike Lull, Nordstrand, and Roscoe), and do not carry anything else. So…if you’re looking for a Warwick Thumb, a Monster cable, or an Eden combo, we probably aren’t going to be able to help out. In addition to basses that are in stock, we also list basses that are on order on the Basses page, but indicate that these instruments are in the process of being build by adding “coming soon” near the top of the spec list. These basses are also available for purchase, and we list them because occasionally someone will want to buy an instrument before it is completed, ensuring that they don’t lose out to someone else once the bass is completed.

Likewise, if a bass is listed in the Sold Basses Gallery, it has been sold and is no longer available. This page serves as an inspirational source for custom projects. It enables players to see what has been done in the past and what might be possible for future projects. It also gives us a chance to display custom order basses commissioned by customers that otherwise would not be featured on the Basses page.

Most importantly, the key thing to understand is that the Blueberry Hill website is regularly updated and maintained. New photos are posted as soon as a bass arrives (usually within hours), and photo and specs are moved to the Sold Basses Gallery as soon as an instrument is sold. This is the most equitable way to do things, so that everyone has the same fair shot at any given bass until it is actually sold. I realize that the vast majority of music store sites are poorly designed and are not updated in a timely manner. In fact, some may be months, if not years, out of date. This is irresponsible, is indicative of poor customer service, and is obviously not in line with being focused on the customer and his/her needs. I develop all of the content and make all of the updates for the Blueberry Hill Bass site myself and want to ensure that my customers have the most accurate, up-to-date information as possible. This goes hand-in-hand with an overall commitment to customer service and satisfaction that has made Blueberry Hill so successful and so valued by bass players and bass enthusiasts around the world.

Fralins vs. Nordstrands

2006-07-20T20:46:00.000-07:00

The eternal question....what are the differences between Fralin and Nordstrand pickups! I have probably been asked this question a hundred times (if not more), and since I have already given a hundred answers (if not more), I thought that this blog would be the perfect place to post a general overview of some of the similarities and differences between these two boutique pickup manufacturers. I have posted similar comments and opinions on various on-line forums, PMs, and e-mails over the course of the last few years, but hope that this will serve as a resource for those who may be thinking about upgrading the pickups in their bass or basses and would like a little clarification on the issue.

First and foremost, both pickup brands are excellent. Even though I am a Nordstrand dealer and am not a Fralin dealer, I would not even try to make the argument that Nordstrands are far superior to Fralins and that one should ONLY buy Nordstrand pickups. Not only would that be completely irresponsible on my part, but it also would not be true. I think that BOTH pickup lines are excellent. Up until relatively recently, when Carey Nordstrand decided to make his pickups available to the public, Fralins were widely regarded as one of the premier aftermarket pickup options available. I routinely spec out Mike Lull basses with Fralin pickups and readily recomend them to customers of mine who order custom Lull basses through Blueberry Hill where I think that Fralins would be appropriate for the type of tone they are looking for. The bottom line is that, while there are differences between the two brands that many players feel are significant, both pickup lines are excellent, and I like both pickups lines a great deal. But...let's talk about some of those differences.

Speaking in very general terms here, both pickup brands are essentially shooting for the same goal, but each takes a slightly different approach. Both Fralins and Nordstrands (whether we're talking about single coils, hum-canceling jazz pickups, MM-style pickups, split-P pickups, etc.) are attempting to recreate the sound of vintage bass pickups from the 1960's and 1970's. Both use alnico V magnets and traditional pickup winding materials and techniques. While Fralins are handwound, Nordstrands are "simulated hand wound". In the case of Nordstrand pickups, the master pickup for each model was handwound by Carey and then the process by which that pickup was made was coded into a winding machine that reprocess the handwound pattern. Many vintage purists and pickup enthusiasts believe that a handwound pickup sounds more sonically pleasing due to the way that the scattered windings impact the upper frequencies reproduces by the pickup. But...when you handwind a pickup, every one will be just a little bit different. By creating a "master", Carey has chosen the precise characteristics of a single pickup that he feels captures the ultimate tone for that one model. By using a simulated handwound process to make that pickup, he can now reproduce that handwound pickup over and over again, retaining the sweet tonal properties of the handwound master, but ensuring that there will be no deviation from pickup set to pickup set. Being able to make more sets faster and with precision accuracy over time yields a more consistent result. In other words, everyone knows exactly what they're getting right out of the box!

So, now that we know how pickups from the different brands are made...how do they SOUND? In my experience, Fralin P and J pickups tend to have a very "raw" tone to them. I have used this descriptive term a lot, and am seeing other Fralin owners use the same term in posts on on-line bass forums to describe the tone that they perceive from Fralin pickups as well. I tend to like this "rawness" in certain situations, but the effect tends to also create a bottom end that is a little loose and open. Again...this can be a good thing, depending on what you are looking for. The entire line makes for a great approximation of what vintage pickups sounded like 40 or 50 years ago, but they definitely have their own flavor.

The Nordstrands, by comparison, tend to have a very full, balanced sound from top to bottom. They have great string-to-string balance, and they also tend to have a tighter, fuller bottom end. As with the Fralins above, whether or not these traits are desirable depend on what you, the individual, perceive as "good tone". I have received a lot of feedback indicating that players really like the midrange punch and sweet high-end response of the Nordstrand line, and many players also appreciate the balanced nature of the pickups as well, with the tighter low end standing out as a positive attribute that a lot of players appreciate. Whereas the Fralin pickups have a more rough, "raw" edge to them, the Nordstrands also tend to be very warm, but without losing clarity and detail. Many vintage pickup companies lose the plot by overwinding pickups too much and by trying to make them too "warm" sounding. The end result is often a mid-heavy, muddy pickup that lacks low-end punch and detail. This seems to be where the Nordstrands really excel...they deliver vintage warmth without losing detail and clarity.

I hope that this very broad overview will help you decide which set of pickups might be right for you. Of course, you might also decide that neither pickup company makes a pickup or pickup set that is right for your situation, depending on what you are looking for. I am also planning on adding another post describing, in more detail, the differences between the three Nordstrand jazz pickup models. This seems to be another source of much debate and contemplation among bass players. For more of my thoughts on these two pickup brands, and to read comments and reviews from many other bass players who have tried these and many other aftermarket pickups, do a search in the Talkbass Pickups Forum. You can search under Nordstrand, Blueberry Hill, JPJ (my user name at Talkbass), or by the model name of the pickup or pickup set you are interested in. Good luck with your research!

Summer NAMM '06 Review

2006-07-15T21:40:00.000-07:00

Summer NAMM is in full swing this weekend, and I checked in with Carey Nordstrand for our usual mid-NAMM "state of the convention" discussion. First, for those who are not aware, NAMM stands for the National Association of Music Merchants. The NAMM convention is a trade show that is held twice a year (typically, the smaller show is in the summer and the larger show is held during the winter), and is usually where music manufacturers debut new gear, showcase their product lines, and rub elbows with folks in the music industry (artists, dealers, distributors, etc.). I generally hit the summer show, as the winter show in California is an all-out free-for-all circus. But, this year I was unable to attend. Admittance at NAMM conventions was historically limited to industry members only, but this has changed in recent years. More and more people are showing up from the "general public" as the admittance policy continues to evolve. So if you get a chance, I would recommend that you check it out. Whether you go to a summer or winter session, it is an interesting experience and is a great chance to pilfer tons of great gear. Plus...it's just plain fun!

But...enough about some silly convention and back to the original point of this post! I was really encouraged to hear the excitement and optimism in Carey's voice. Risking your welfare and the welfare of your family on the success or failure of a small business is stressful, and taking on a couple of hard-working and extremely valuable employees (as Carey has done in recent months) due to the success and growth of said business, while a necessary step in the growth process, just seems to increase the stakes and level of responsibility! One of Carey's main purposes in attending the show this year was to officially debut the new line of Nordy basses that are currently available at Blueberry Hill. We have been working on the Nordy project for almost two years now, and it is great to see things finally coming to fruition. We wanted to offer a Nordstrand bass that didn't take so long to build and that was also more affordable to more players. Based on the rave reviews Carey has been getting at the show, we seem to be succeeding. Ed Friedland, Senior Editor of Bass Guitar magazine, stopped by and had some extremely positive things to say about the Nordy line. The reaction from everyone who has actually picked one up and played it has been very encouraging, and I would guess that these basses will be putting a lot of smiles on a lot of faces in the months and years to come. My friend Dan just recently took possession of one of the first Nordy NJ5s ever made. You can read his review here.

Now...if Carey would only finish MY Nordy! Patience, self....patience!