The Nordic Bass fest on September 26-28 in Gotheburg, Sweden, was an eye- and ear-opening event. A number of top bassists representing all styles convened for three intense days of lectures, workhops, performances and gear testing. Thank you, Nisse Palm, for organizing the Fest!
Toob was invited as an exhibitor, among a select few. Despite the workshop relocation, we (Markku and son Tuomas) managed to haul in our entire line of bass cabinets, including the new Metro 8BG (still a prototype) and Toob 12EB for electric bass. Just a table, no fanfare. As top-brand bass cabinets and amplifies began to stack up along the opposite wall, we felt like the Empire was readying to strike back.
On the contrary, basist.se, an up-and-coming Swedish bass specialist, is now our reseller, too! Our Metro 6.5BG+ and TOOB 12B cabinets were used on most free tests and demonstrations on the last day, almost exclusively in the upright position. The Metro was a perfect match to another star of the show, the Italian Travel Bass.
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What we have learned over the years is that double basses, their preamp/pickup systems, and their players, are all great individuals. A double bass, given the chance, is a beautifully-sounding and versatile solo instrument. Our philosophy is that amplification must enhance rather than override its natural voice.
The main bass speakers we use, SICA 6L 1.5SL and Celestion BN12-300S, extend to 4 kHz and above and are rich in harmonics. The acid test is playing with the bow, and this is where they really shine.
Listening to requests for more bottom punch, we have developed the felt-ported 12EB, with some secret sauce inside, for electric bass. It’s still in the process of testing the enclosure with different speakers. The 400W LaVoce NBASS 12-30 does the job commendably but brings the total weight to 6 kg, a lot by our standards. Other candidates/alternatives include a 250W LaVoce WSN 122.50 and the Celestion BN12-300S in the louder 4 ohms version. We’ll know more soon, and will add the model to the website once the final specs are there
As for the Metro 8BG, a lot is still open: speaker, rims, cost – and the target audience. Will it offer enough extra for bassists versus the Metro 6.5BG, or is it rather a high-powered alternative to the Metro 8GP for jazz guitarists? It will take some time to find out. A clue: the only existing sample was instantly grabbed by a German bassist living in Sweden.
What we were unable to display, again due to the relocation hurries, was a sample of our telescopic bass cabinets. Built to order, they’re just like their users: all great individuals.
Here’s a link to a short video by Tuomas Pietinen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otiKTuuMv-U