Clevinger Bass, Inc. - Deluxe
Reviewer: Glenn Harris
Amplifier Used: Gallien-Kreuger (150W, 12" spkr.)
- Vintage: 2001
- Number of Strings: 4
- Double bass strings compatible
- Bowable: Yes
- Thumb Reference: E♭
- Playable Seated: Yes
- Balance While Playing:
(8/10)
This is a 4-string instrument that looks very similar to the black 6-string Deluxe that's on the Clevinger web page, with one difference. At my request, Mr. Clevinger substituted the keyhole shape body and added a black finish. I bought the instrument in mid-2001.
The result has been a very fine instrument that has more punch and "crispness" than the first keyhole-shaped Clevinger (built circa 1985-86) that I had. The instrument doesn't have the good "woody" sound of a first-rate acoustic, but, on its own terms, it's very good and very versatile. I sometimes play in a wedding band that often goes directly from a Glenn Miller medley to a Motown medley, and this instrument covers both styles quite well.
For arco playing, I wouldn't recommend it as a solo instrument because its arco sound is a little on the edgy side. However, in an ensemble setting like a church service with a combination of traditional and contemporary music, and requirements for both pizz and arco playing, the Clevinger will get the job done nicely. I've found it helpful to use a Boss "stomp box" equalizer for arco playing, and I set it to cut back the output level in general, and the high frequencies in particular.
Text copyright © Glenn Harris.
