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 expression to so many gifted bass enthusiasts.

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We will continually add to these pages as we receive correspondence from Azola bassists around the world.

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Jeffrey K.(Santa Barbara) about his EuroCoustic Baby Bass -

"Hi Steve and Jill,
I had a couple of gigs on the weekend. The new bass was awesome. Besides the sound, everyone complimented the appearance. It really is a beautiful bass. Also, it plays wonderfully. Another player in town here kept saying (over and over) how beautiful and perfectly set up the neck was. I'd have to agree with him. Sound wise, the thing is a monster. The low notes are thunderous and distinct, and the sound is even all across the fingerboard. I just wanted to say thanks again for everything. I really love the bass.

Hope everything is well at Rancho Bajo."

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John P. (NY) about his Scarab -

"Hi Jill and Steve,

I am writing to tell you that I love my Azola Scarab bass. I bought it in January of 2002(from Jacks Drum shop in Salt Lake City) and you sent it and the case to me in Hawaii.

The bass sounds wonderful and feels nice and easy to play. The craftmanship is superb and the hardware is first rate. It is a work of art (my Modigliani bass) No! Its an Azola.

Steve your design, engineering and workmanship is excellent!!! Jill thanks for all of your help in getting the bass in time to take it to South America.

I was a professional musician during the late 50's thru the early 70's. Then I got a "Day Gig" for 30 years and I retired in January 2002. Now, I can be a musician again.

I took the bass with me to Chile and Patagonia, Argentina in January and Feburary of 2002 where I practiced using a Rockman Bass Ace amp. The travel case has held up fine and it is somewhat of a hassle to handle but it is really worth it. I have had no problems with the airlines but in December of 2002 they reduced their oversized baggage dimensions and I have to pay oversized baggage fees (still worth it!!!).

In July, 2002 I took the bass to Tours, France where I studied French for one month. I played every Thursday and Friday in a club with a French jazz band. The bass sounded great and people were very interested in it. In August 2002, my wife and I rented a small canal boat and cruised the canals of Burgundy, France. The bass went along and I practiced it every day.

In September, 2002 we went to Cornwall, England where my wife was the recipient of a 4 week art residency at Land's End (she is a painter). Again the bass went with us and I practiced there.

In January, 2003 I took the bass with me to visit a friend in Reno, NV who was having major surgery.

In February, 2003 I took the bass with me to Miami, FL when we visited my wife's son and his family.

The bass has been on many airplanes, high speed French trains, low speed French trains, English buses and numerous cabs(the size of the case requires a station wagon cab or a mini-bus cab).

I now play in a "Blues" band in upstate New York where we live (near the Catskills). I use an Acoustic Image "Contra" amp and the bass sounds great!!!

I am so pleased and thankful that you took the time and trouble to come up with your wonderful unique AZOLA bass."

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Sam R. (Fresno, CA) about his BugBass II -

"Hey Steve & Jill,
I recently purchased a BugBass II from Music Unlimited in Monterey, and I love the bass! I have been losing sleep because I stay up and play the bass at night. I have taken it to a few gigs so far, and it has turned heads and certainly fulfilled my needs in an EUB!! Thank you for building me such a quality instrument. Glad to have joined the Azola bass family!!"

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Martin R. (Miami Beach) about his custom Acoustic Baby Bass -

"I've owned lots of custom instruments over the 28 years I've played bass. Some of the better instruments I've owned included NS Design, Steinberger, Zon, Ken Smith and Fodera. Yet there's no question that the finest of them all is my Custom Acoustic Baby Bass by Azola. From the exquisite craftsmanship, to the incredible tone, to the wonderful communication and support from Steve and Jill, this is not merely an instrument, but an heirloom. I'm afraid to say it makes other instruments seem a bit overpriced. I do have some experience in fine woodworking, both as it's performed today and as it was done in times past. This is a level of workmanship that I didn't know existed anymore. I'm very happy it does. As an additional bonus, Azola is the only custom builder I've had that delivered the month he said he would. Now that's truly unique!"

And later ...

"Yes, the Baby is all I said it was. Best yet, I have a jazz trio to use it in. Just had the second rehearsal and I had the "fingers" to play it without switching to a lesser instrument. I was worried it might take me weeks or months to build up the strength, but I'm just about there already.

Here's some new comments:

1) It's really a fabulous instrument - it sounds like a fine bass violin, but it's easy to carry around - not much bigger than a bass guitar. It balances really well in the case so it's a pleasure to load up and go.
2) This is the sound I've always wanted, but was too chicken to devote myself to. So it's a huge thrill to play. I often get distracted listening to the sound while playing and thinking it can't be me - it must be an old Blue Note session! (OK, I'm not that good, but the sound is!) I can't tell you how long I've wanted, but avoided being a double bass player. The arrival of the Baby coupled with finding this group is incredible. Note that we are playing mostly 60's style jazz - Coltrane, McCoy Tyner, Wayne Shorter, with a few choice standards thrown in. The drummer was a student of Elvin Jones and he sounds it!
3) I expect that when I get the Hybrid (big bass), I'll keep it at home and set up ready to practice, while taking the Baby out most of the time. I don't have a bass that's setup and ready to go - all are carefully stored. But I don't have anymore storage room and I do want to have a bass that's always ready to play. I'll keep it on the stand and covered with a cloth. That will get me Azola-ready at home and Azola-ready for the road.
4) My other basses are gathering dust. I still like them a lot, but the Baby is what I've wanted for decades, without ever fully admitting it.
5) The position markers are a dream come true.
6) We play at the pianists house. His son has recording gear. While our direction is to play live, we will probably make a recording. I'll send you a copy so you can hear how good the Baby sounds in this setting.
Thanks for everything."

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Matt B. (Los Angeles) about his solid body Lightning Bug -

"Hey you guys, how are ya?? It's funny, I almost called you guys from my gig tonight. I did a gig on Sunday night with these jazzbo guys and it sounded amazing. The hall was big and boomy so it was hard to tell what the bass sounded like. It was really easy to play, but tonight at the private George Thorougood party it was unbelievable. These guys I played with are wacky jazzers and they flipped out over the bass. I'm not kidding, I was playing a solo on the first tune and I heard the sax player say to the piano player, "that's the best bass sound I've ever heard. " I was kind of worried at first
replacing the acoustic upright, but it was awesome.

I talked to Bob Birch (Elton John's bass player) I told him to go on line to check out your website, and he freaked out about the (acoustic) Baby Bass.

Thanks again you guys, the acoustic bass curse is lifted."

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Ron B. (WI) about his Scarab -

"After playing at church this morning, I thought I should let you know how pleased I am with my Scarab. This is really a terrific instrument. I play regularly at church, running through a Fender Bassman and then through the church sound system. With bow or without, it sounds great, and adds such a solid bottom to the music. It's been about six months now, and it's everything I had hoped it would be.

I get tons of comments on the bass, and even some on the player. It's a curiosity to many, who have never seen anything like it, and fellow musicians and the choir really appreciate it. I'm having a ball on all kinds of music. I seldom use my acoustic upright anymore.

Once again, many thanks to you for creating such a great instrument! "

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Richard E. (NY) about his 5-string BugBass -

"I am very happy with the Azola BugBass ... just the thing for most of the jazz gigs I play. I can now stroll in with the axe under my arm like a horn player. The instrument has certainly turned some heads with its striking appearance. Sound-wise, the low register and incredible sustain knock me out, and once I optimized my amp settings (pretty much leave everything flat across the board), I have enjoyed a nice response in the upper register and am getting used to arco which works really well.

So bravo to you and to your marvelous instrument!"

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Don Johnson (Nashville, TN) about his BugBass -

"Here is a copy of Kate Campbell's latest CD on Compass Records. Kate really likes the bass, and that is all I use with her live. I thought you might enjoy the CD. I used the BugBass that I got from Joe Compito's family on most of it. That is a truly wonderful instrument. Joe was going to loan it to me for the project anyway, and I am blessed that I can keep the flow of music moving through it. I know that Joe was glad to count you two as friends."

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Larry K. (St. Louis, MO) about his MiniBass -

"My MiniBass is intensely musical and inspirational, awesome in both tone and appearance. It is a real show stopper. Thanks!"

And later ...

"Once again, thanks for all your help. The MiniBass has already become a major part of my career, and I owe a lot to you for providing me with such a fine instrument. Enjoy the CD - the MiniBass sounds totally killer on it!"

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Juan de Marcos Gonzales about the Afro-Cuban All Stars' Latin + Piezo Lightning Bug -

"The bass is excellent. I have played it (Jorge Reyes, one of the top Cuban players as well) in a studio recording with my ALL Stars and sounds much like the old Ampeg '67, but cleaner than the one I had. The real advantages are, besides the sound quality, the size and weight. I am very satisfied. Next year you will see the All Stars playing California (SF or LA) with your bass."

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Bernie Minoso (NY) about his BugBass -

In March 2000 ...

"First of all I would like to say your Bugbass is quite awesome and everybody loves it.

I recorded a live record with Tito and the band back in August '99. The album is called "Mambo Birdland". The album won a GRAMMY for Best Tropical Performance. And your bass is on that album. The Bug is so extraordinary that it hardly needs any EQ adjustment in the studio. Well, this week we are recording with Eddie Palmieri. This is history! They never recorded together before. And the Bug is already the talk of the session. I would like to send you the album signed by Tito and me. If that is okay. Love ya both. Thanks from the bottom of my heart."

And in May 2001 ...

"Your bass sounded so great on the "Masterpiece" album that the Tito Puente band won another GRAMMY!!! I know that it is kind of late, but I thought I would let you know. Anyway, from the bottom of my heart I thank the both of you not only for your professionalism, but for your kindness and devotion. Thanks again."

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Steve O. (IL) about his BugBass -

"My BugBass is the coolest instrument I've ever owned. Thanks again for everything...+++"

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Jeff B. (Vancouver, BC Canada) about his Deco Bass -

"I have owned over thirty basses in the last twenty-five years and my Deco Bass is the finest. Compliments from everyone on its sound. It has wonderfully clear articulation over the whole instrument and is a joy to play, hear and see. This bass bridges gaps and fills voids I was sometimes only dimly aware existed. I feel like the search for my true instrument is over and now I can get on with finally learning to play it. Thanks for everything you guys."

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Kurt O. (WV) about his BugBass -

"I have been an electric bassist (fretted and fretless) for over 14 years and have always wanted to take up the upright bass, but never had the opportunity until recently. After getting an acoustic upright and falling in love with it, I decided I needed an electric upright for live performance. A local music store just happened to have a BugBass in stock. This bass is incredible! Playability, tone and feel are all excellent. I have hardly touched an electric bass in weeks, and am not entirely sure when I will find time to return to it. This BugBass has become my instrument of choice.

I just thought you would want to know that your craftsmanship is admired and appreciated. The thought and care with which you build these instruments is readily apparent.

Thank you for a wonderful product!"

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Tim P. (ND) about his special Scarab -

"My grandmother just gave me this bass for Christmas. With the help of my dad she ordered it from Eckroth Music. I love this instrument ... and will cherish it forever. Thank you for your fine craftsmanship. Merry Christmas."

NOTE: We received Tim's happy email on Christmas morning ... that's what makes it all worthwhile!

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Juan D. (PR) about his Vintage-Style Baby Bass -

"I am very grateful because you have made such good work with my Baby Bass. Steve is a great luthier. I am very very very very HAPPY with my bass. It shines very elegantly. I like the active pickup which is very powerful. I have never played a Baby Bass with so powerful a sound as this. Thank you to be so responsible. I consider that you are my friends."

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Eric R. (NY) about his 5-string Floating Top BugBass -

"The response from musicians I work with and audiences who hear me play has been very positive. Kudos on building me such a beautiful and versatile instrument."

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David L. (Spain) about his BugBass -

"The bass has arrived safely and ALL IS PERFECT!!! It looks cool, and has a very potent sound (pickup). The travel case is very strong ... PERFECT! Thank you very much for all your work."

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Rick B. (CA) about his Mini Baby Bass -

"I am in awe of the beauty and craftsmanship of my new Azola bass. I played it yesterday from the time I got it until bedtime. It is a dream come true for me.

I must say that the instrument surpassed all of my expectations. She has a very strong voice, but prefers a gentle touch. It's going to take me some time to figure out all her little nuances, but it is a journey I will truly enjoy. I've named her "Canelita" (that's a little bit of cinnamon) in one word.

I will always be thankful to you guys for creating this bass and for being so nice to me. I only hope I can do justice to your work by playing it as best I can.

Very thankful indeed ... !!!!"

And later ...

"Canelita is working out just fine. She sounds great. The other band members are somewhat jealous because they don't have anything that can rival the look of my bass on stage. In particular, the ladies seem to be drawn to it and they always want to take pictures standing next to the bass. You guys take care and thanks again for a wonderful instrument."

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Craig R. (CA) about his used Floating Top BugBass -

"Thank you so much for the custom bout; what a wonderful surprise to find this in my mailbox! It does indeed do the trick for me, and I can't think of any way to make it better. Works great standing - I have complete access to all the strings with the bow, and the position behind the bass is more natural for me for pizz, too, since that is how I play my acoustic. Sitting (I usually sit on a stool for performances, I'm not as young as I used to be.), also feels natural - but then I have to support the left side of the bass with my knee - the same as I do with my acoustic!

Please thank Steve for the great job he did, and for taking the time to make such a beautiful piece.

I will certainly add this to my comments when I tell people about your great service. (I already have, actually, and everybody just goes "wow".)

The bass has been getting a lot of use now, and one sax player who had never seen an electric upright (and called it a "contraption", though not in a derogatory way), admitted he liked the sound. In fact I haven't heard a negative comment yet. I'm very pleased. Thanks again, for everything."

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Dave M. (WA) about his BugBass after we sorted out a sonic mystery -

"I wanted to pass on my thanks to yourself and Steve in getting my electronics issue resolved. I don't know what the problem was but when I plugged it in after replacing the parts you sent me, it was like I had bought a new bass, the sound was a lot tighter, more dynamic, and much better defined.

The gig on Friday went just great and it was important because we had several influential music industry types on our guest list, so couldn't afford to mess up.

Once again, thanks for standing by your product."

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Jyrki Kangas (Pori Jazz Festival Director, Finland) about his special Vintage-Style Baby Bass -

"Real professional sound ... you must check it! I'm sure that Azola is the best choice for outdoor and well amplified concerts. Azola Bass is an excellent choice for very sensitive and technically challenging music ... and it fits in the airplane!"

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Matt B. (CA) about Mission Viejo High School's BugBass -

"I can't get over how great the arco sound is!"

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Toshihiro W. (Japan) about his special MiniBass -

"The green MiniBass has beautiful color and wonderful sounds ... I feel it express my heart directly ... I'm very pleased."

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Josue E. (Neth. Antilles) about his Vintage-Style Baby Bass -

"Great craftsmanship - I'm a violin restorer myself."

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Paul O. (NJ) about his BugBass -

"The BugBass is great! It was playable and set-up perfectly out of the box. A lot of compliments on my sound and the appearance."

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Fred R. (MI) about his special six-string MiniBass -

"My MiniBass is the coolest instrument on the planet."

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John C. (CA) about his BugBass -

"The bass *always* gets great comments on its looks and its sounds!"

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Andy H. (UK) about his BugBass -

"I've been very busy recording, gigging, and traveling ... a lot of the time with my new Azola BugBass. The Bug has made my life so much easier and less stressful.

The BugBass has been described by my fellow musicians as my "audience reaction bass", as they have never seen so many people after shows talking to the bass player.

Thank you very much again!"

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Ruddy B. (Toronto, ON Canada) about his Latin model BugBass II -

"I just wanted to thank you for creating the bass of my dreams. I picked it up last week from Joe's Music.

Well, I played one note and I knew right away that the bass I had just purchased sounded even better than the original Baby Bass (no offense to those owners).

I have just become the luckiest bass player around. Thanks so much!!!!!!!

I am so happy to have chosen your bass, rather than others I already tried."

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DC (CA) about his used BugBass II -

"Please forward my thanks to your husband and all the crew at Azola for making such a fine product."

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Carl N. (TX) about his special 5-string Acoustic Baby Bass -

"It was a family affair opening the box here at my house yesterday. Everybody standing around, waiting to see.When we finally got it unpacked, it took my breath away. I still can't believe my eyes. I have to say, you guys really out-did yourselves on this bass! This bass is a flawless work of art. I love the color so much it's killing me. Don't you love the way the red in the Coco Bolo matches the paint job? It's just way too cool. I'm still kind of freakin' out about the look of this thing. I think it's the best bass you've ever made. For sure the best one I've seen on your website. I love the big sound. And I'm learning how to blend the pickups.

I would like to say thanks for definitely exceeding my expectations. on my custom Azola. I'm still in shock. It's the coolest thing I've ever seen, and the coolest thing I've ever owned. I promise to take extra good care of it.

Thanks again Jill. And Steve ... you rule man! I'll let people know how cool it was doing business with y'all."

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Conrad K. (NY) about his Floating Top Lightning Bug -

"So I debuted the bass last night with the band Mojo Mancini that I've been telling you about, and it sounded and worked great. Paul Schaeffer (from the David Letterman band) was at the gig, along with many other heavies, and dug it. Also, a lot of bass players were asking me about the new bass.

The band is funny because some of them are snobby about the visual of having a real acoustic in the band, and some dig the modern look. Either way, when they first saw it, they were concerned about how it would sound, but after I played like two notes, their faces lit up and ALL of them dig the sound a lot. I thought you'd like to hear that. I think it's the perfect axe for the MOJO gig, and I'm going to start using it with Everett Bradley as well.

Thanks again."

And later ....

"Thanks for following up about the bass. It's working out great. I'm really happy with it, and I get lots of compliments on it. The most often repeated phrase out of my mouth is "I can't believe how good this thing sounds. It sounds like a real bass!"

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Joe L. (CA) about his Carved Acoustic Baby Bass -

"I am so happy with my lady (Baby). She sounds excellent! I am studying jazz at UC Berkeley (all I play is the Baby Bass). I have grown so much musically, and I want to thank you for being awesome! People always ask me about "Lady", she is truly a beautiful instrument. I've been getting studio work, and everybody loves the sound."

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Danny R. (NY & PR) about his Vintage-Style Baby Bass -

"Thank you for creating this wonderful instrument which is perfect for the music that I play. "

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Sue C. (CA) about her special Scarab -

"I LOVE it! Tell Steve he really made something great. Oh, and by the way, even though I was sitting far from the audience during the musical, people kept coming up to the musicians closer to them and asking about my bass."

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Kenneth G. (The Netherlands) about his special Vintage-Style Baby Bass -

"My Baby Bass has arrived here this morning .... Wowwww!!!!... what a beautiful instrument!!!! I already expected a lot from this bass, but this is so much more than I expected. What good looks, and what a beautiful sound!!!! .... Everything is PERFECT on this bass. My housebell was ringing at 10:00 am (Holland time) in the morning, I heard that it was UPS, and my heart went: BOEM, BOEM, BOEM...

We (myself, my wfe, my daughter, my son) opened the box very careful. It was a whole happening that took ten minutes. It was so exciting, even my two little ones were excited. Then I opened the box, and then the gig bag .... wowwww!!!...words cannot describe that moment. Please say 1000x thanks to Steve for building this wonderful instrument for me. I really want to do something special in my music career, and this instrument, that Steve built for me, is very special and important for my plans. I hope that I can visit your shop in the future so I can personally thank you and your husband Steve. Thanks for everything."

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Jim B. (CA) about his special BugBass II -

"Steve, both Penny and I have a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and artistic talent. Your bass is not only functional and excellent in sound but your craftsmanship and dedication to excellence is evident in this instrument. Value is fleeting but excellent craftsmanship is eternal. Thank you for your dedication to excellence and your desire to make an old man happy. Thank you, thank you, thank you ... with deep affection."

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Massimo B. (Italy) about his special Mini Baby Bass -

"Aqui todo bien ... no muy bien!!! He recibido esta manana el bajo - acabadito de sacar del nylon - como se dice en Cuba ... y no tube el tiempo de hacer otra cosa que ... tocarlo!

Al final llego ... y es bellisimo.

Ahora te mando un abrazo y un saludo para ti y para Steve.

Gracias. Muchas gracias."

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Thomas Z. (Germany) about his BugBass -
(from an email sent by his friend) -

"His bass arrived well in Germany. He is enjoying the bass very much. He is completely happy with his BugBass and with the service provided by you."

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Bruce M. (MN) about his Scarab -

"We played a little wine tasting party in January, and the Azola got lots of admiring comments. Your bass has changed my life. At last I'm truly challenging myself: new instrument, playing with real musicians, playing the music (songs) I really love. Thank you!"

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Marco Antonio & Rui Miranda of the Lucky Duckies (Portugal) about their special Acoustic Baby Bass -

"We received the Baby Bass, and believe me now it's *our* Baby. It�s very beautiful and charming. Rui told me that his fingers touch it very smoothly. Pressing the strings it's not so hard. It�s nice, we are very very happy.

Thank you so much for your professionalism and personalism.
As soon we got a beautiful photo we'll send you. Next year will be a good year for us The Lucky Duckies.
Thanx again, and a big hug for you and for the most artistic luthier in the
whole world-Mr. Azola!"

And later ...

"We did that big gig perfectly. It was great, we feel the swing of that Baby
Bass. The sound engineer that operated in that gig told us that the sound was splendorous. We are very happy, thank you one more time.
Happy holidays (Boas Festas)
Happy Christmas (Feliz Natal) and a Happy New Year (um Feliz Ano Novo)

I'm sending you 2 fotos from the gig where you can see your creation
working."

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Greg B. (FL) about his custom 5-string Jazzman -

"It was love at first 'slap'."

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BASSBEGRUVEN!