Electric Upright Bass Database

Azola® Basses - Bug Floating Top

• Vintage: 1998
• Number of Strings: 5
  • Double bass strings compatible
• Bowable: Yes
• Thumb Reference: E♭
• Position Markers: Yes
• Balance While Playing: (8/10)

Greetings,

  This 5-String Floating Top is my second Azola. The first was a standard Bug 4-String. Although the 4 was alot of fun, it just couldn't match the floating top design. The sound is altogether different. The bridge composition (Electronics/Wood) is the same with the addition of a passive tone pot. The acoustic attributes of the floating top are amazing. I play the Bass thru' all Eden amplification and there are times where those around me cannot tell the difference between this Bass and an URB.

  When I have to time to set up and coordinate the tone with the room I am playing in this Bass is just amazing. I play it mostly Arco (bow). It is as sweet as can be.

The second most important change from the 4 was the addition of an ebony fingerboard. The 4 F/B was pau ferro, and although a beautiful piece of wood, it didn't have the playability this ebony F/B does. I have played several EUB's and URB's and none have had as nice an F/B as this one. It find it awesome that Steve took the time to find such a nice piece for this Bass. It's hard to do these days. Ebony is a fast-vanishing species.

  I have known Steve and Jill for over two years now and they are nothing but the best when it comes to understanding a players needs ( it helps that Steve is an active player himself. A pretty dang good one, too!) and they have ALWAYS bent over backwards to meet those needs. I take my Bass back "Home" once a year for a check-up and new strings. What a joy! Steve goes over it with a fine-tooth comb and replaces anything that needs it, adds any little upgrades that have come along and just makes sure I leave with a perfectly healthy Bass. I am looking to replace my electric bass and will definitely go with Steve and his new Jazzman. I can't think of anybody else out there that I would want to work with.

F.Y.I. The floating tops come with Thomastik, Spirocore strings. No need to change them out unless you have a special purpose. They are great both Pizz and Arco.

Best Regards,

GFC