Waterstone basses

[dzordz]

hello!
i need some opinions about Waterstone tp series basses,
especially tp-8 model.
http://www.waterstoneguitars.com/bass.shtml
standard version is medium scale(32").
i have short scale and long basses,but i never try medium.
is it big difference between medium,and long scale?
maybe anyone can help?
regards!

[OldManC]

I had a first generation 12 string and it sounded great. I didn't realize they were on the third generation model now. Looks very interesting. I think they're good quality instruments but they do benefit greatly from a proper setup on initial purchase.

[hieronymous]

I've never played a Waterstone, but I've played a couple of 32" scale basses. If you can switch between 30" and 34", then I don't think 32" should be a problem. I think what is more significant is the way the bass hangs when you play - this is related to the body shape, where the strap attaches, where the bridge is placed, where the neck attaches to the body, etc.

[Psycho Bass Guy]

I've got a 1st gen 34" scale TP 12 string.  Part of the reason they don't offer it in this scale anymore is that the higher tension of the strings from the longer scale length makes it harder to fret than shorter scale models. Even with a good setup, you'll definitely feel playing these multistring beasties in your forearm, though they are by far the easiest to play among the 8 and 12'ers I've ever come across. They're wonderful instruments. Also, an advantage of the 32" scale is that you can get a case included with it new. You can't even get a hard case AT ALL to fit the 34" scale bass, and have to use the Waterstone gig bag.

[Psycho Bass Guy]

Here's pics:

[Highlander]

You can't even get a hard case AT ALL to fit the 34" scale bass...

Not even something that would fit the Bach-Bird...? 

(Multi stringers are not my cup of tea - which is odd considering I used to "chord" a lot, BITD - but I have to admit, that looks like a sweet ride..." )

[Psycho Bass Guy]

The angle of the lens doesn't really present the body that well. It is HUGE, much larger than a T-Bird silhouette. It's wider than the OUTSIDES of a few cases. Add a 34" scale and that enormous headstock, and it just doesn't fit anything that I've found. I keep it on a Hecules multi-stand. You could haul a Barrett .50 in its gig bag, so I just keep that folded up in my studio closet.

[leftybass]

I got my first "multi-string" bass in 1980, a Hondo 8-string, it sucked but it got me close to the sound I wanted. Replaced that with a '60s Hagstrom 8-string, which was fine but I really wanted a 12-string like Tom Petersson's on "Budokan", the short-scale Hamer. Took me to 1990 for things to work out but I finally got a black Hamer B12S. It became a huge part of the 3-piece band I was in, so much so I decided I needed a back-up 12-string as we were touring the country pretty heavily by then. So, I got another Hamer B12S, in "Salmon Blush", the neck was slightly thinner and it had the larger logo on the headstock. It became my main bass. Those two basses had their own "fan club", there would always be a crowd of guys at the front of the stage staring at them on their stands. Anyway, band broke up and I sold the black one, no use having two 12-strings sitting in the closet. But I still have the other one, here 'tis:

[Highlander]

I thought your Hamer would come out of the closet, Ronn... 

Is it Tom that has/had a really purdee dragon-green Hamer V8 or was that just an old posting...?

I'd like to see that one again... 

Uwe's got a Les Paul 8...?

Mark's got a pink NR T'bird 8...

Scott was building one...

Has Rob got an 8...?

err... there's lots of em out there...

[SKATE RAT]

i would love Mark's T8 bird!

[leftybass]

I thought your Hamer would come out of the closet, Ronn... 

I wish I could find a band to play it in so it could come out of the closet!

[Highlander]

Just write to Macca and persuade him to take up 12 string...

[leftybass]

Just write to Macca and persuade him to take up 12 string...

I'll give him a call later. 

[Pekka]

I have a first gen TP-2 and yes, it has a wide neck but I've accustomed to it. The 32" model must feel like a breeze. I have only tried one other Waterstone (a 2nd generation TP-12 34" with a 48mm width at the saddle). Fine basses anyway.



Mine has a new bridge pickup made by Rami Hakala (www.mikkihouse.fi) and it's also wired in stereo. The neck PU is the original but has a new "face".

[luve2fli]

IIRC, Amy Humphreys from Clatter is/was a big Waterstone endorser.

http://clatter.com/