AZOLA BASSES Handcrafted in California, USA: OUR CUSTOMERS SPEAK (Cont'd)
OUR CUSTOMERS SPEAK (Cont'd)
Many visitors to our site have asked us to publish a sampling of the letters and emails we receive from our customers. It's been very gratifying and fulfilling to provide tools of creative expression to so many gifted bass enthusiasts.
The letters and emails from our customers continue to express their feelings about Azola Basses ...
Howard S. in southern California about his Acoustic BugBass named "Buster" -
"I've had several chances to play my new 5-string (high C) Acoustic BugBass in several venues. Trio,quartet, 17-piece big band, 8-piece and 9-piece show band / inside, outside ... all with the same great result. My new Acoustic BugBass is wonderful. The best sounding bass I've ever owned. And the easiest to play. The sound is great from the low E all the way to the high register on the C string. The sound is even and balanced, with great clarity and tone. Wow what a bass. The other musicians all compliment me on the big acoustic sound it gets. A piano player that I work with said he loves the clear, clean, centered, big, bold sound the bass gets. Some of the guys make jokes like, "Hey Howard, did you put your bass on a diet?" or "Where's the rest of your bass?" ... UNTIL they hear the sound, then they all brag and say what a wonderful sound it gets ... the best they have heard.
The bass is very light, (around 13 lbs), easy to haul around, beautifully finished, with a magnificent sound that any bass player would be proud to be coming from his or her instrument. Thank you Steve and Jill for my new best friend."
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Luis in Caracas, Venezuela about his BugBass II from Bass Central -
"Hi Jill, I write you to say that my BugBass II arrived, and I am so thankful that such a good instrument was made for me. I had the opportunity to use it with different bands with which I work, and I can say that I feel that it sounds better every time. I must add the design is beautiful - it always causes a sensation whenever it appears. Once again, thanks for such a great instrument. Thank you very much. Here are photos of the day it arrived."
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Joel L. in NY about his used Scarab -
"You helped me several times with a couple of used Azolas I've had. You helped me spot a really great deal on a used Azola on eBay a little while ago, and then you hooked me up with replacement body bumper. I'm loving the bass. It's a wonderful instrument and I get compliments on it everywhere I take it. The bass has one heck of a low end kick to it. I can easily EQ it so that there are nice highs and clear midranges. Thus, while the bass is capable of rattling the fillings in your mouth, each note stands out clearly and the bass doesn't muddy up. Truly amazing. Every time I play in a fusion situation that's my main bass. The people I play with always go nuts for it, and everyone wants to just get their hands on it and try it. I feel really lucky to have such a wonderful instrument on which to play. Thanks. Hope all's well in California."
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Nick T. in MA about his Acoustic BugBass -
"Hey there, The bass came in Tuesday and I've spent every free moment playing it since. It's gorgeous, I haven't had the opportunity to plug it in yet, but everything seems perfect. I plan to be using it on the 7 recitals I have in the next few weeks, it's going to save my life ... lol. Playing it is so much easier than my other bass.
Thanks for everything your help has been absolutely priceless."
And a while later on ...
"I love the bass. So far, it's done everything I've wanted and more. I'm still working on my sound combination, but I'm beyond pleased thus far. And everywhere I play people comment on it. I've recommended it to a couple of the other bass students at my school who've expressed interest. Take care."
And a while after that ... "Hey Jill, I love this bass! I can't get enough of it. It's finally turned me into an upright player who plays electric bass on the side. It's completely turned my interests. Thanks a bunch!"
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Eric S. about his Lightning Bug -
"Dear Jill and Steve,
The bass is fantastic. I wish I had had one twenty-five years ago. As I had mentioned, I used it that first weekend without really giving it a workout. On the way to the gig I considered the possibility of the strings stretching and going out of tune. No problem. I tuned at the start of the gig and only did a little tweaking after the first set. And that could have been caused by the air conditioning. What a difference from the Ampeg. A couple of years ago I bought a Carvin bass amp to use in place of the Ampeg amp I had gotten with the Baby Bass. The Azola and the Carvin sound fine together. And, while I made an oath that I would never again schlep that eighty or ninety pound monster around, I couldn't resist trying it with the Azola. Needless to say, there is something to be said for a tube amplifier and speaker system such as the Ampeg. The sound is remarkable. The area in which I live in eastern Pennsylvania is part of what is known as Pennsylvania Dutch (actually Pennsylvania German) country. While there are are many adjectives that could be used, I will use a "Dutch" expression to describe your bass: Nix Besser! (None better!) Thank you for the fine instrument."
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Mike C. about his new Lightning Bug -
"Hi Jill, Yes I made it home just fine last night, much easier drive without all the traffic that I encountered on the drive down. Your hospitality was greatly appreciated, and very generous. Thanks!
So after making the over 300 mile round trip to the "rancho" and back home with the bass I was dog tired. I had a bite, then had planned to go to bed, and then play the new bass in the morning. But I just had to give it a quick try before calling it a night. Once I began I couldn't put it down until 4: 00 AM in the morning! Feels great and sounds wonderful. I'm quite confident that my new Lightning Bug will be of great service to me in Hong Kong, and on many more traveling gigs in the future. The figured top that Steve added is beautiful and and is the perfect complement to the black ebony board. The bass is set up very well, and I've found that all the notes throughout its full range sing out as they should and in an uncannily "natural" manner, very impressive for a solid bodied EUB. Steve has really nailed it, in terms of getting the fingerboard's "scoop" just right. The notes remain good and fat, yet I can still get plenty of "mwah" and sustain if I want it. I wouldn't change a thing about the bass's fingerboard, it allows for a big sound but with comfortable string height, it's perfect for me! Thank you for a wonderful bass."
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The George family in AZ about Leslie's new Acoustic BugBass -
"First of all it's not an instrument it's a piece of ART !!!!!! It arrived yesterday around 3 PM and Leslie and Lana opened it and were blown away. The sound is amazing...She didn't get much chance to play yesterday 'cause it was football night and she had to be at school at 5 but I'm sure it will be played all day today.
We had her orchestra teacher over for dinner last night who happens to be a bass player and she was just in awe!! She kept telling us how lucky Leslie is...(I think she meant spoiled) It really is a piece of ART. I might even have her teacher give me lessons !!! We are sure she will get years of enjoyment...(and hopefully a college scholarship at UCSC). I'll take a couple of pictures of Leslie and the bass and send them... We couldn't be any more thrilled ... Thanks for everything. - Les, Lana and Leslie
Thank you so much for the bass! It's really cool and sounds awesome. I know I'll get years of use and enjoyment out of my new bass. My band teacher will be really excited about my upright electric bass! Thanks again! Leslie
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Jeronimo L. in Paris about his Gypsy -
"I'm very happy with the bass, it's just the best instrument I've ever played. The sound is unbelievable and even in my dreams I never imagine how delightfull it will be to play this bass. Everybody agrees that it is an incredible work of art... (It would take me hours to tell you how happy I am and what I think about the bass but happily my English doesn't allow me to continue...) Thanks again for everything."
and later ...
"I just heard the bass plugged in today and it's just incredible... I love everything from this instrument. Once again, thank you sooo much for all you've done."
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Dave S. in PA about his Limited Edition Gypsy -
"I LOVE IT! It showed up yesterday, and I really was taken aback by the quality, tone, look, construction... pretty much everything about it, even the case.
I play in two bands, a nine piece hip-hop/ funk band and a hippie jam band, for lack of a better term, so it will definitly be put to great use tonight, as well as days, months and years to come.
Without a doubt, worth the wait. Thanks for everything and I will let you know how things go with it as time goes by. Thanks again for everything, and for making music even more fun to play."
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Dave B. (while he was chillin' in Venezuela, on his way to recording in Peru?!)about his Limited Edition Gypsy -
"Howdy folks, So I am totally digging the bass. At some point (on a day when I am not going to the beach) I will give a full report ... but it is just beautiful, with a very distinct personality, making it not nearly just a convenient travel version of a full bass, but something with a very unique and cool voice."
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Mario L. in So Cal about his Limited Edition Gypsy (with a prototype of Steve's new muting device for the "on-demand" option of Latin-style percussiveness) -
"The Gypsy is thumping really well (better than I expected). I tried it in different settings and rooms and it has not failed in its "thumpness". Everyone loved it, and they can't believe how something that small can produce a sound so huge. The bass is super light, and it doesn't kill my back when carried for long periods of time. It took some time to get used to, and when I switch (between 34 and 41.5" scale), it feels a bit weird, but "Still" (my BugBass - named after STeve + jILL : ) is still my baby. I know I've thanked you enough times, but I have to keep saying and writing it because my basses are the best things I've ever had in my life. You guys are the best and I really do consider you my IDOLS. Please stop bringing in new models or I'm gonna have to sell my car to buy another one.
PS Coincidentally the person I play with in a jazz band was talking to another bass player about how great the Azola basses are, and he just had to have one. He is left-handed, and I think he called you guys about it. I'm telling you, everybody wants one."
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Brad N. in MN about his Acoustic BugBass -
"It just arrived. It's beautiful. Everyone in the place thinks it's beautiful. The only problem is one I should have foreseen...it's taken my breath away, so I'm right back where I started... I gotta take up meditation or something... Thanks, Jill. I'm thrilled, and I haven't even plugged it in yet."
*************************************** Andy A. in LA about his used Bug II -
"Hi Jill & Steve, I did my first recording session last Sunday with the BugBass. It was with a Latin Quartet (not the larger latin band I usually play with) and went very well. The bass sounded awesome - I damped the strings with a small towel at the bridge and with minimal eq it was right there with that 'latin sound.' Made me look very good - almost as if I knew what I was doing : ) "
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George P. in New Zealand about his Lightning Bug -
"The special Lightning Bug has arrived safe and sound. Thank you very much. It is beautiful! Such a lovely finish and attention to detail. The neck and fingerboard are fantastic, so easy to play and I am amazed at the sustain generated by the bass. I love the Maple top to the Ash body. The sound is fantastic. So far I've only played it to friends and family and they are amazed at the sound this incredible looking instrument makes. So thank you for all your work on this bass and all the years of work getting them to this stage. The case is excellent, and the stage stand it is most helpful. It's great to have an Azola bass in New Zealand. Keep in touch and if you are ever down this way please look us up."
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Cliff H. in So Cal about his Limited Edition Acoustic Baby Bass -
"All I can say is WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks again."
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Jamey B. in TN about his Lightning Bug -
"The bass pretty much rules!!!! I love it. It sounds so good!!"
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John S. in So Cal about his Gypsy -
"It's been over a month since I met my little Gypsy and the honeymoon is still going strong. I love it. I haven't used my electric in a month. If you're ever in the LA area on a weekend, come hear it with the Latin Jazz group "www.bobdesena.com" that I play with. Thanks again folks."
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Matt B. in Worcester, MA about his "Chubby Jackson" tribute model Acoustic Baby Bass -
"Thanks again. I'm now actually able to play my new Baby Bass, which has turned out to be all that I expected and more. I'll be playing a lot of gigs on it in September with Trouz Bras and I'm looking forward to them all the more because of this wonderful instrument. My bass teacher, Bruce Gertz (of Berklee College of Music) said it was "the most natural sounding" of any EUB he'd ever heard."
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Pat M. in Southern California about his Bug II -
"Steve and Jill, Hello! I've been meaning to write so here it is. I just wanted to let you know how much I love this bass! When I first got it, I could see it was going to be a challenge (not having played upright before)but it's been a very fun one. I figured that I would use it for a few songs a gig but I'm using it for all but about 3 songs. The other guys in the band love the sound and I've gotten several comments from listeners about the 'cool bass'. Anyway just wanted to sing the praises of Steve's work. It's a beauty to look at too. The more I play the BugBass II, the more I love it. I keep forgetting to send a picture. We have a gig in a couple of weeks. I'll be sure to bring a camera and have my wife get a picture to send.
PS We played a gig in Altadena a couple weeks ago with Berkely Hart from your neck of the woods. Jeff Berkley recognised the bass and said he was a friend of yours."
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Lisa L. in Sweden about her Vintage Style Baby -
"Hello there! Hope everything is going great for you with business, family and dog : ) Here it's still very cold, but at least the sun is shining! I just wanted to tell you that I LOVE my bass! It's amazing! The sound is just too good to be true! We made our first show with Zarandea in Stockholm some time ago and we filled the house! The Baby looked great on stage and everyone is really impressed by the bass!
Zarandea is going just great. We´ll go to Paris in July and have gigs all summer. We are really excited of the future : ) Just wanted you to know that I´m VERY satisfied!!!!"
*************************************** Bob T. in Australia about his Lightning Bug -
"Greetings from Perth, Western Australia.
I’d just like to report from a very satisfied customer here - the Lightning Bug has been a pleasure to play with and to transport around the country. Everybody is impressed with the sound and I’ve found it particularly good when playing in loud bands where feedback problems and lack of sound quality has always affected my acoustic upright playing. The neck is very good to play with and very nicely finished and I love the on-board eq/volume controls. Thanks again for your efforts in getting the LB to me before I left for the eastern states. Cheers!"
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Ed S. about his new Bug II from Bass Central -
"Hi Jill, First of all, I wanted to let you know that I did indeed buy the sunburst Bug II from Bass Central and I love it. It's great to not have to bring my $10,000 upright bass to outdoor gigs anymore and still get a great jazz sound that pleases everyone on the bandstand as well as the audience."
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Ruddy B. in Toronto about his used Ampeg re-issue Baby Bass -
"Hello Jill, I just wanted to send a quick email, letting you know I finally got my Ampeg re-issue made by Steve. And all I can say is WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not enough words for the sound and quality of this instrument. I am speechless. Thank you so much for your help. Gracias."
************************************* Richard H. in TX about his EuroCoustic Baby Bass -
"Jill and Steve, Wow, I Love it!! Play it everyday. Beautiful bass, great sound, the setup is like I was there telling you what to do and showing you my playing style. Good job Steve. I am the envy of my bass friends. I will send photos when I get the chance. Thanks again."
************************************** Attila B. in Canada about his Ltd Ed hollow-body Ltg Bug from Bass Northwest -
"Hello Jill,
Thank you for the beautiful instrument. It exceeded all my expectations. Plays very well, I just cannot put it into the sleep mode. I'm very happy with the acoustics as well. I can practise now without having it plugged in.
Thank you again."
*************************************** Massimo B. in NY about his Ltd Ed hollow-body Ltg Bug -
"Hi Jill, The bass has arrived. I love it. So much better than the old one (an early solid-body Ltg Bug with the old pickup configuration that was stolen from him)! Thank you so much. Will be taking it on tour very soon. All the best to you and Steve and wish you that all goes back to normal soon. Ciao!"
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Skip N. in WA about his used BugBass -
"Wow, what service. You are very thoughtful to respond so quickly and in such detail. I love my old Bug Bass, have ever since I sat in using one years ago in Grand Junction, Colorado. Took years to find this guy on ebay from a bassist in NYC who's pals snubbed his use of other than a traditional stand-up bass. I have 2 of them, including an 1850 East German copy of a Prescott, but I use the BugBass more often. Keep up the good work."
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Quim R. in Barcelona, Spain about his special BugBass II -
"Hola Jill y Steve , Después de nueve interminables dias , hace dos horas han traído el bajo a mi casa y todo está perfecto. El bajo estaba muy bien empaquetado y no ha sufrido ningun daño , en principio no parece que los cambios de temperatura hayan afectado al mastil y está muy bien ajustado. El bajo está impecable, es muy bonito, es agradable de tocar y tiene mucho sustain. Ahora necesitaré un poco de tiempo para conocerlo y sacarle todas las posibilidades que seguro tiene. Si necesito alguna información adicional ya os la pediré. Felicita a Steve por su trabajo Gracias por todo Un abrazo Quim"
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Gene P. in NY about his Ltg Bug -
"Hi Jill, Wow! I just walked in from a session. So I was not here at noon when it arrived. I wanted to greet it personally when it got out of the truck. lol It is beautiful. I really love the way it looks. And in a bit I will play, play and play till I drop. I am really appreciative of the extras you and Steve have done. The mute, the darker shade. And all its fine details. And especially the different woods which will no doubt give it an extra bite. That was totally unexpected. Thank you for your professionalism & the TLC you give to your creations. Thank you, thank you, thank you..... Jill & Steve."
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Tim P. about the used Bug flight case Bob P. was selling on eBay -
"Thank you Jill!! I was the only bidder on the case - and "won" it. This is the first item I've bought on ebay. I am immensely impressed, astounded really, you took the time to let me know about a case on ebay. Great people like you make for great companies. Thank you again, Jill."
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Charlotte D. in MA about her used early model Acoustic Baby Bass -
"Hi Jill,
You sent me a really nice note a couple of weeks ago regarding the used bass I bought from Jay in New Jersey. I just wanted to let you know I am extremely happy/psyched/thrilled with the instrument. While driving to New Jersey to check out the instrument a month ago, I kept telling myself not to be impulsive and that if it didn't feel right, don't get it. I expected, after trying the bass, to have to drive around and think about if it really was what I wanted. However, without sounding cliche, the second I saw Jay pull the bass out of the back, I was like "yes, that's mine." and then when I played it in the completely limited way that I could, I felt very sure that it was for me and I didn't need to think about it at all.
I am equally happy that I believe I have found a good teacher (not so easy a task!)
So at this stage of the game, I am busy getting some finger strength and just getting to know the instrument. Thanks for your kind note again. I am really looking forward to my summer vacation which I will spend learning the bass."
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Pete L. in about his Ltg Bug from Bass Central -
"Hello Jill & Steve, My name is Peter, and I purchased a Lightning Bug bass a couple weeks ago and would like to tell you how happy I am with the instrument. After unpacking, adjusting and tuning the bass I could tell, just playing it unplugged, it was something very special. I ran it thru my Walter Woods 450 watt and a 1-15" cab, and I've had this silly grin on my face ever since. The bass sounds excellent. It sounds so fat and clean, plenty of thump and growl if I need it. It's a joy to play. It's also a joy to look at. The wood grain pattern with the bridge in the center of the grain is beautiful. A very organic looking instrument and like Mose Allison sang, "A first rate example of function of design." Thank you so much for this bass."
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Mike H. in Hagersville, Ontario Canada about his used Ltg Bug from Bass Central -
"Hi Jill, I just wanted you to know that you can take my name off your waiting list. I went searching on the internet and found one of your "toys". I called Bass Central in Florida, and they had a (slightly) used Lightning Bug. It just arrived on the UPS truck a few minutes ago. It's beautiful and I was even able to play it a bit. (I have some practicing to do before I take it out). The folks in our band are coming over for practice tonight and they don't even know I ordered it - should be fun. Thank you for the personal attention you gave my enquiry."
And a few weeks later ...
"Hi Jill, I got my first chance to play 'out' tonight. My group (Gospel According To Country) was playing at a retirement home tonight. I pulled out my Lightning Bug and got so many positive comments about this great instrument! My wife, Dorothy caught this picture with me (Mike H.) and the leader of the group (Bill Forrest) on his Dobro. I have to work on strengthening my left hand a bit. It takes a little more pressure to get a good sound than it does on my Martin B40, but it's worth it. Thanks a lot - it has a good home here."
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Thom B. in southern California about his Ultracoustic BugBass -
"Hi Jill and Steve, I just wanted to write and tell you just how much I LOVE my new bass. It was definitely love at first sight! It exceeded my dreams of how great it would look or play. It is a work of art, and it was worth everything for me to get it! It is one of the best decisions I have made, and it is inspiring me constantly!
Never doubt that what you are doing makes a difference in people's lives. You being there, doing what you're doing, has made a profound impact on my life. May 2008 lead us all into a deeper understanding of our place in the world. Bless you all! And once again, thank you , thank you, thank you."
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Sid H. in Asheville, NC about his Ltd Ed hollow-body Lightning Bug -
"I am so very amazed at the quality and sound of this bass that I just don’t know what to say…I’ll try: I just finished a couple of hours of rehearsal with my LtgBug and the band. How could such a little thing like this have the sound (growl) of an upright? I am so taken by how close it sounds to an acoustic upright. I guess it kind of is an acoustic with its hollow body. This is the sound I was looking for.
The physical beauty of it is striking. Love the stripes! Beautiful wood! The workmanship is nothing but the highest quality. I am so pleased. This bass goes beyond what I expected. The case is great and I’m very excited! I’d like to go on the road just to take this bass but I guess downtown Asheville will have to do. Gig Saturday night…Can’t wait!
As my 17 year old daughter says about something she loves…,”It’s the Bomb!” I feel very fortunate to own it and I am proud to be a part of the family. I got this off of Talk Bass and it sure does apply to you…..
A man who works with his hands is a laborer; A man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; But a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.
I Love my LBug and I thank you…. (often impatient) Sid H. 12/07"
