December 2009 Jazz Instrument News

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December 2009 Jazz Instrument News

Thursday, 26 November 2009 13:53

Innovation 140H (Honeys) upright bass strings

Compared with Thomastik rope core Belcantos run on an old 1860s German model, the Honeys are much stiffer at the top end of the string and I had to be careful not to kink or twist the string, which made it a little difficult when locating them in the box. The bottom end of the string has a brass bar rather than the usual ball/nut and it is essential that this should be in line when holding the tension and wind up as if it’s not, the string will pop out. Strung up, it is clear that the Honeys come to pitch at a slightly higher tension than the Belcantos, which is great for those players who pull hard, as it all but eliminates any rattle on the low E. Response on the A and E strings is certainly greater than on our Belcantos and the Honeys are certainly louder with good sustain. Tonally these are warm strings and there is a definite soft, nylon sound, particularly on the D and G. The D and G are also mellower than the bottom two strings and it almost sounds as though they have reverb at the top. If you’re looking for a rich, warm bottom end or if your bass is lacking down at the bottom, these Honeys will definitely help. If you’re into swing, try a set. You won’t be disappointed. (DG) For more go to www.innovationstrings.com

Headway EDB-1 direct blend acoustic equaliser

The EDB-1 has been getting some really hot press recently, so we thought it was time we checked it out to see what all the fuss is about. And yes, this is a seriously amazing piece of kit and it’s built like a tank. Power comes from a DC 18-volt in with a regulated supply, or two 9-volt batteries. The well insulated battery compartment has been really well thought out, with substantial connectors and overspec’d cables and the locking screw which has a very useful coin nut. The 18volt power supply gives a tremendous amount of power; in a small hall I didn’t need to push the Master beyond a quarter. Also reassuring was the strength of the EQ knobs, which noticeably clicked on to zero. The ‘Range’ switch was also very useful, in that it is already tuned and on the bass setting cut off at 47kh, while also cutting off the top end that you don’t need. Channel 1 has three settings with Channel 2 set for passive pickups and stereo or XLR mike with phanthom power. But perhaps most useful of all was the Notch Filter that allows you to find and cut out any noise that you hear on your instrument that you don’t like, in my case, plenty. A low battery light and recessed threaded stand mount to the back plate come as standard. But what is surprising is the amount of detail and user information that appears in the manual. Not only is the EDB-1 a remarkable all-in-one pre-amp and equaliser and direct injection box, but Headway could even deserve a plain English award. (DG) For more go to www.headwaymusicaudio.com

Meinl Professional African-style djembe

Meinl has launched a new range of djembes that offers the kind of superior build quality, sound and looks not always found on handmade traditional style models. Though of African origin these Professional African Style Djembes are made in Indonesia and come in two solid mahogany models with different carved finishes. Standing 24in tall with a 12in head diameter, each drum is carved from a solid piece of plantation grown mahogany and comes in a choice of ‘village’ carved shell or traditional hewn shell, both with polished finishes. The drum is fitted with a high quality goatskin head and the bearing edge is smoothly sanded with a soft deep roll that is decidedly hand friendly. Both drums have the traditional Mali-weave tuning system with thirty vertical runners, all made from prestretched 5mm HTP black nylon rope, that keeps the head properly balanced. Straight from the box and correctly tensioned at the factory these drums immediately impress with a bright cutting slap, a deep resonant bass tone in the centre and clean open tones. The tone and fullness of sound is amongst the best I’ve tried in traditional djembes, with a broad spectrum that goes from firecracker rim slaps to a deep bass that really projects and is a testament to the high quality heads and the accuracy of the tuning system – often weak points on most cheaper models. Priced at £226 and £198 respectively they come with a tuning instruction booklet and rope strap. (JN) For more go to www.meinlpercussion.com

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