Author Topic: Taking pride in making bass guitars (Read 247 times)

blazer · « **on:** July 24, 2004, 05:53:49 PM »

I admit to taking a good thing for granted when working every day to make a good thing happen. But after completing yet another dream instrument I'm filled with pride in what I do.

For nearly seven years and counting I've been with Knooren handcrafted, making basses and learning the craft. We work with only three people and the use of CNC routers is a taboo, we live up to our name of handcrafted

And during that time we've made instruments for people like John Pattitucci and Bian Bromberg (who can be seen with a five string Knooren on his bass instruction Video)
http://www.knooren.nl/about/bromb.jpg
http://www.knooren.nl/basses/instr06/voor.jpg
This custom four string was shipped to Bromberg four years ago and he has since used it on both Wood and Jaco Most notably on Slang-ish where he does a solo duel with his fretless Peavey B-quad.
Bromberg actually proposed us to make the absolute top of the line version of his Dean signature, knowing that we couldn't meet the demand we declined. We also have an agreement with Bromberg which says that we don't built basses with the Bromberg shape unless it's for Bromberg himself.

But then again, that doesn't mean that our Stock instruments are less exciting. The pictures are from basses that I helped making and I'm really proud of having my signature (not litterarly of course) on them too.

Fretless five string.
NECK 1 Piece Quatersawn Flame Maple
FINGERBOARD Black Ebony (28th Fretless)
BODY Tochi Top & Platanus Back
ELECTRONICS Haussel Custom Pickups w/ Aguilar OBP-3
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~KSB/stock/instock/knooren/HM5F-JPl03.jpg
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~KSB/stock/instock/knooren/HM5F-JPl02.jpg

This was an unusual order. The guy who ordered it wanted us to make a five string with a more Fender P-bass vibe, he figured that the bigger body and the deep insert of the neck would give the Bass a much better responce, he was right.
NECK 1 Piece Quatersawn Flame Maple (by far one of the prettiest necks we ever made)
FINGERBOARD Black Ebony (20th Frets)
BODY Tochi Top (look at that figuring!) & Beetree Back
ELECTRONICS Haussel Pickup without Preamp (Passive Only)
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~KSB/stock/instock/knooren/IS5-EJBe02.jpg
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~KSB/stock/instock/knooren/IS5-EJBe04.jpg
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~KSB/stock/instock/knooren/IS5-EJBe03.jpg

Well without Bragging, it makes me really proud to have had a hand in the making of these beauties.

bob · « **Reply #1 on:** July 24, 2004, 07:08:49 PM »

The liner notes for Wood state that ... he showcases his remarkable talent exclusively on upright bass..., and it sure sounds that way to me.

eastcoastepic · « **Reply #2 on:** July 24, 2004, 08:50:26 PM »

Well, while it's nice to see examples of other fine basses, and while I genuinely appreciate your pride in your talents, is a Knooren advertisement appropriate for this forum?

Absolutely no offense intended, honest, I just thought it was a bit unusual, that's all......

the_mule · « **Reply #3 on:** July 25, 2004, 12:59:03 AM »

Wouter, those Knooren basses look great and I can understand your pride in being part of the creation, but I have to agree with Chris on this subject. This better should've been posted in the Misc. section, if anywhere...

Wilfred

blazer · « **Reply #4 on:** July 25, 2004, 05:16:46 AM »

Well it wasn't my intention of marketing the basses of the company I work for but I just wanted to celebrate my seven year anniversary and share it with all of you. And since I didn't know where to put it I put it here. Mods are free to re-locate though.

And as for the Brain Bromberg Wood CD you guys were right, he played that one on his double bass but he bought that one of my boss so we were in some way on that one. The CD I meant was you know that feeling

dannobasso · « **Reply #5 on:** July 25, 2004, 03:02:39 PM »

So did Brian split any cash from Dean with Knooren? Perhaps the design was all his?
Looks to be a very similar design. I saw him walking around NAMM and demoing it in January.
As to celebrating,
We are all a bit defensive and protective of this company. Perhaps a link to another site would have been more appropriate.
Danno

blazer · « **Reply #6 on:** July 25, 2004, 04:23:12 PM »

Our Bromberg, the Dean Bromberg and the Peavey B-Quad are all similar in design but differ in details.

kayo · « **Reply #7 on:** July 26, 2004, 09:11:01 AM »

Blazer

I am chiming in a bit late - but it seems the consensus is unanimous that elucidating about another luthier in this context on the Alembic Club is not the most politically correct thing to do.

By the way - congrats.

stoney · « **Reply #8 on:** July 27, 2004, 11:17:35 AM »

harrumph!