David King Bass

[echo008]

I thought some of you may like to see this. I came across a very nice David King bass not too long ago and had to pull the trigger, these are pretty rare birds. It is absolutely beautiful, Thick claro walnut top, sassafrass back with maple neck and purple heart laminates. it even came with a nice compact flight case and has the onboard whitman tuner which is pretty cool to have, very unobtrusive. David has also been known to use alembic electronics as well.
Anyway...

[gtrguy]

Very pretty bass, built in Oregon, right?

[echo008]

Yes Oregon.

[peoplechipper]

Beautiful woodwork and design except for the headless thing; it throws me off in every way not to have a headstock...

[echo008]

Thanks
I understand some may not like the headless aesthetic  on a design like this. 
Just to note there is a little flare out or type of volute right at the head cap so it does feel familiar down there.

[rv_bass]

Thanks for sharing, nice bass!  I use his wooden knobs on some of my basses, nice guy and does nice work

[echo008]

Thanks. Definitely, even the knobs are wonderful.

[chrisalembic]

This Bass is so nice! I love David King's Bass designs. Unfortunately they are so rare that I have never played one (never even seen on in Europe). But I do own two Leduc headless Basses and they have the best ergonomics for me. Headless Basses really make sense to me, and I think if more people would give them a try they would realise the benefits. It totally takes away any stress from your shoulder and left hand, absolutely no neck dive whatsoever. How I wish Alembic would have a go at a Headless Design,..now that would be something...the Alembic electronics and construction genius in a headless package....my ultimate Dream Bass

[echo008]

I think David studied with Johnny Morch in Denmark. I agree I do love headless designs.

[echo008]

Also I Love Leduc designs!

[hieronymous]

Very nice! I used to lust after those - I even met David King once, not sure if I had expressed interest in his basses somehow (this was pre-internet for me, probably around 1994) - I think our own Edwin was there too and I got to try his fretless (of course this was a long time ago and I may have the details messed up). I love that ridge that allows you to anchor your right-hand thumb anywhere instead of just on the pickup.

[echo008]

Nice. His stuff has mostly remained under the radar, but from what I've read his building techniques are obsessive in a very good way. He literally makes everything including truss rods and bridges etc. That ridge on top is very nice for sure makes for a nice playing experience. The top is so thick it's as if half the bass is claro walnut which in part is why he can do all the carving to the top.
T

[hieronymous]

You know, just now looking at the picture of the front of yours - Mike Gordon has at least one David King bass, in kind of a reverse V shape - I think there's a picture of Mike onstage with Edwin both playing bass and that's what Mike is playing.


And that reminded me - when I met David King he mentioned that he was doing some work on Mike's 5-string Languadoc bass in those days. So I'm also thinking that this meeting happened closer to '92.


Sorry for the walk down memory lane! I enjoyed it though, thanks to you and your bass!

[echo008]

Love hearing it.
There is this

Mike playing one of David's "travel" sized models looks awesome!

[edwardofhuncote]

That is an extraordinary example of luthiery. Very nice work.