Is The Bace hand-built?
Yes it is, but I’m using existing cello bodies that I take apart and rebuild to suit the needs of the Bace.
How do you amplify The Bace?
The Bace has an undersaddle piezo pickup that catches the vibrations of the strings that forms the base of the sound. for added color and ‘acousticness”, a second piezo sensor is registering the vibrations of the top of the body, and a dynamic microphone cartridge picks up the sound inside the body. These three sound sources are mixed with the three volume plus master volume controls in the on-board preamp. A clean sounding bass amp is recommended.
Can I bow on the Bace?
The Bace is originally designed to be played, and feel, like a bass guitar. The fingerboard is less curved than those on bowed instruments, and the bridge is much lower. However, since this is an often asked question, I’m working on a bow-able variation of the Bace with a rounder fingerboard, larger neck angle, and a higher bridge . Stay tuned for updates on that.
What type of strings are installed on The Bace?
On the standard 4-string Bace, I install Thomastik Spirocore 1/4 size upright bass strings. They have the right length for the instrument and their construction and gauges are helping in a big way to make the sound of The Bace as close to an upright bass as possible with a 34″ scale instrument. (https://www.thomastik-infeld.com/en/products/orchestral-strings/double-bass/spirocore-orchestra)
On the 5-string Bace I use the D’Addario NS710 set + NS716 B-string. These strings were developed for the Ned Steinberg stick bass/cello, and sound amazingly rich. These extremely supple strings have a more bass guitar-like feel, but sound way more upright bass-like than bass guitar strings. These strings are made for 34″ basses, so I install an extra long tailpiece to make up for the shortness. (https://www.daddario.com/products/orchestral/bass/ns-electric-bass-cello/ns-electric-basscello-string-set-44-scale-medium-tension/)
On the Thinline Bace, I install a fine generic brand 1/4 size upright bass string. Thomastik Spirocore strings can be installed as an upgrade.
Why a bass guitar headstock?
I designed The Bace with a typical bass guitar headstock to make a statement: this is an acoustic bass guitar with a cello body.
But who knows, perhaps in the future I might build a Bace with a scroll. I’m considering that for a possible bow-able version. Keep an eye on these pages
What does The Bace cost?
Please contact me at zandveld@xs4all.nl for information prices of the various Bace types. VAT might apply on EU countries, unless you have a registered company with VAT number. Customs duties may, or may not, apply in your country.
Can The Bace be shipped to me?
You’re always welcome to make an appointment to pick up your instrument personally, but more often I ship them to my customers. I’m using UPS for shipping The Bace from The Netherlands to any country they are operate in. In fact, most of my customers are abroad and most have been sent this way to USA, Japan, and European countries both in and outside of the EU. The cost of shipping varies according to where you are located. Typically, around € 60 in Europe, and around € 250 to USA, Japan and other countries outside of Europe.
Is there a case for The Bace?
The Bace has a longer neck than a cello, so cello cases or bags won’t fit. I’ve had a cello bag extended, but it’s not ideal because it’s not in good balance, and the costs were considerable. Currently, I’m working with a supplier on developing a custom sized heavy duty gigbag. Keep an eye out for updates.
For air travel, I use a SKB 3424 flight case (https://www.skb-europe.com/3i-3424-12b-e/), which has the right size for the Bace with the neck detached. The Bace was designed with this handy feature for this purpose.
Can The Bace be customised to my wishes?
A lot of thought and experimentation went into the development of the Bace, and every feature is the way it is for a reason. But to a certain extent I am open to specific wishes. So far I’ve accommodated these: fret lines, partial fret lines on the bass side of the fretboard, a 2+2 headstock instead of the original 4-on-one-side, antique finish without the “wear” spots.
How long does it take to get my Bace?
I usually quote a build/wait time of 10-12 weeks; often, it’s quicker depending on orders and work schedule. With some regularity, I have completed Baces in stock for immediate orders. You can find those here. Shipping is usually a matter of a few days, unless your country’s customs hold it longer for inspection, which I try to prevent as much as possible by including trade invoices, and Lacey act forms (USA).