Rockabilly bass players are known for their eyecatching stage antics - including slap-bass techniques, spinning the instrument around, and some very acrobatic shape-throwing - which can prove to be too much for upright basses that are constructed and set up in the conventional manner. Enter the Thomann Rockabilly Sparkle Flames: This instrument features a sufficiently stable construction to allow it to stand up to the rough-and-tumble of Rock & Roll shows and comes properly set up with Gut-A-Like strings. Equally important considering the musical application for which it is intended is that this bass features a cool 50s-style finish, a world away from the rather staid image of classical double basses.
The Thomann Rockabilly Sparkle Flames is constructed in the popular 3/4 size and features a laminated basswood body. A particularly noteworthy feature - and one that is anything but typical at this price point - is the ebony fingerboard, and the spike (endpin) is height-adjustable and stable enough to withstand even rough use. The Gut-A-Like Vintage strings with which the bass is strung are specially designed for slap-bass techniques, and the scope of delivery includes a composite bow and a gig bag. A custom setup to provide the player's desired string action is also carried out at Thomann's stringed instrument workshop.
One thing is immediately clear: The Thomann Rockabilly Sparkle Flames is designed for musical styles with "billy" in the name (i.e. Rockabilly, Psychobilly, etc.), players of which are generally not fans of the look of "traditional" double basses. And while beginners will of course be attracted by its affodable price, the instrument is also sure to find favour with more advanced players on the hunt for an extremely eyecatching bass. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that its laminated construction makes this bass robust enough to get through those energy-laden live shows without suffering any mishaps.
Thomann-brand instruments, which are exclusively built by renowned manufacturers, now constitute a large part of Thomann’s product range alongside numerous big-name brands. With unbeatable price-performance ratios, Thomann string instruments are the obvious first choice for students and beginners – and others too. The technical features and uncompromising sound quality they offer are usually reserved for much more expensive instruments found in the professional market segment.
The Thomann Rockabilly Sparkle Flames has a look that will make players want to get out and perform right away, and it will be at home wherever both a cool 50s-style look and the typical slap-bass sound of the era are needed. And thanks to the laminated construction mentioned above, the bass will easily get through a hot and sweaty Rock & Roll gig without damage from acrobatic moves or high-heeled shoes. It is also a great choice for beginners taking their first steps on this kind of instrument, however, helped all the more by the comfortably smooth Gut-A-Like Vintage strings. Needless to say, finding a good teacher will also be extremely helpful!