Bell SuitCaseBass

The Bell SuitCaseBass is a great sounding EUB, without a lot of bells as whistles. Features include: Passive Fishman single coil under-the-bridge pickup, 5/8 inch black pipe tailpiece with rubber stopper, mahogany neck, luann body and handy brass handle for quick and easy toting. The SuitCaseBass also features the Bell 'best-of-both-worlds' tuning system "Grotohs? Shallers? Can't decide? Bell uses a few of each! Sound: This bass has deep rich woody sound which can't be matched without spending thousands more. I play mostly Bluegrass/DeathMetal fusion and Streisand covers. Amplified for live venues, the tone can be mixed warm and clear for the Bacharach set, or edgy and grungy. I've run it through my MXR Tube Screamer, Boss Flanger and backwards through a Dr. Q 'quack' pedal for some real interesting tones, reminiscent of Rooster from the FlemWad Munky Diddlers.Fit and Finish: The action is low and superfast, with no buzzes. The neck meets the body, and in turn, the body meets the neck. It's uncanny! The fit and finish are tight and professional, just like my Bell kitchen cabinets. I'm also impressed with Bells use of drywall screws. Oh yeah, did I mention it has a handle?Reliability/Durability: The Bell SuitCaseBass is built like a tank. I can't imagine ever needing a backup. Last winter, the kids took it sledding, I shot an eight-point buck with the 'A' string, and played two jobs at the White Circle all in the same weekend.Customer Support: The folks at Bell are the greatest. As I said above, this thing is built so well, I never needed to use customer service. But I've been dealing with Bell since Elvis died, literally. Yep, we mourned the King together over ordering a Bell 2X10 cab. I also have a pair of Bell 1X15s and a kitchen-full of birch. If I ever need service, I'm sure they'll be there for me.Overall Rating: I love this bass to death. It's simple and functional with great sound.

One improvement I would suggest the inch jack sticks straight out of the back of the body, and more than once, I've bent the jack. Of course, being a bit of a showman, I like to 'spin' it at the end of my bass solo in 'The Way We Were,' so this may not be an issue for most of you. Also, I wish Bell would consider a smaller, more portable bass, perhaps a carry-on? If somebody stole this bass, I would definitely replace it . . . if only there were another one out there.

Great sounding instrument.