The 5-String Resonator Bass Fund
Donation protected
Who am I?
I'm Lucas Warford from the band Three For Silver based out of Portland, OR.
I am a singer, songwriter, and bassist.
I have always been inspired by rhythm and percussion, and with Three For Silver I have become known for my unique approach to bass instruments, pushing their boundaries. This has led me to find new forms for the instrument itself.
In 2012, I collaborated with bass luthier Ed Davies to help him build the 5-String Bass Banjo, an instrument that allows me to use electric bass techniques while also taking advantage of the tonal and percussive qualities of a banjo.
In 2013, luthier Tom Fenallosa built for me his first production-quality Contrabasin, an upright bass with the body of a metal washtub that allows me to expand beyond the typical slap-playing into using the entire instrument as a percussive engine.
As fans of the band know I have worked hard to not just play these instruments, but to develop unique playing styles around them. It isn't sufficient that the instruments should be played as other basses might, that would just make it a wacky novelty, but that each one must be approached with its own original technique.
Still I found myself looking further. The Bass Banjo in particular has proven to be very rewarding but also challenging to take on the road, being delicate in nature. It is a dark and mellow instrument, and I felt that a different style could be created to serve as its counterbalance.
It was with that in mind that I approached National Reso-Phonic Guitars about my idea for this new instrument. After some preliminary discussion, they have decided to design and construct their very first 5-string Resonator Bass.
The Instrument,
The 5-string Resonator Bass will be a first for National and, so far as I am aware, unique among resonators instruments. Though resonator basses in general are not uncommon, and National themselves offer a 4-string model on a custom basis, this will be the first to utilize my preffered tuning of EADGC along with a setup that is tailored to my idiosyncratic technique. Resonator guitars, wherein the sound is carried by string vibration through the bridge to one or more metal cones (resonators), offers disctint acoustic advantages in terms of volume, tone, and a wide dynamic range. Known for their bright and punchy sound, I believe it will be an excellent fit for my percussive and rhythmic style.
The instrument itself is being based off of National's Style "O" model , and will have a steel body, mahogany neck, ebony fretboard, and will also be the first of my unique basses to be fretted, which I am doing to further distinguish it in tone and style from the Bass Banjo. Additionally, metal bodied resonator instruments are notoriously sturdy, and the 5-String Resonator Bass will be able to accompany to places the Bass Banjo cannot.
About National Reso-Phonic Guitars,
National is simply one of the most well respected creators of resonator instruments in the world. The company was formed in 1989 by Don Young and McGregor Gaines. They measured old resonator instruments of all makes and designs, and produced reproductions under the "National" brand name and trade mark, as originally used by the National String Instrument Corporation for the very first resonator instruments. I believe there is no better custom shop that understands the resonator as an acoustic instrument, and will be able to alter its typical design for the 5-String Resonator Bass.
About Kalium Strings,
I am also proud to announce that Kalium Strings is crafting strings specifically for this instrument. Kalium is the most innovative producer of strings that I know of, and they have been the sole producer of strings for the Bass Banjo. They are dedicated to creating the highest quality strings for absolutely unique instruments. Without them my basses would make no sound at all.
Where will your funds go?
First and foremost, your funds will go to National to pay for the design and creation of this one-of-a-kind instrument.
However, one of the major reasons I am pursuing crowdfunding for this particular project is that it is about much more than the instrument itself. Three For Silver performs over 200 shows years, and I want to make sure the 5-String Resonator Bass is ready to hit the road with us.
This means the funds will also be used to fabricate a custom flight case for the instrument and to purchase the right on-stage gear to ensure the best possible live sound. I'll be working with Adam Lansky of Lansky Sound , as well as National, to find the right solutions to the instrument's unique on-stage needs.
Video by Level Mediatrix
levelmediatrix.com
and on Facebook
I'm Lucas Warford from the band Three For Silver based out of Portland, OR.
I am a singer, songwriter, and bassist.
I have always been inspired by rhythm and percussion, and with Three For Silver I have become known for my unique approach to bass instruments, pushing their boundaries. This has led me to find new forms for the instrument itself.
In 2012, I collaborated with bass luthier Ed Davies to help him build the 5-String Bass Banjo, an instrument that allows me to use electric bass techniques while also taking advantage of the tonal and percussive qualities of a banjo.
In 2013, luthier Tom Fenallosa built for me his first production-quality Contrabasin, an upright bass with the body of a metal washtub that allows me to expand beyond the typical slap-playing into using the entire instrument as a percussive engine.
As fans of the band know I have worked hard to not just play these instruments, but to develop unique playing styles around them. It isn't sufficient that the instruments should be played as other basses might, that would just make it a wacky novelty, but that each one must be approached with its own original technique.
Still I found myself looking further. The Bass Banjo in particular has proven to be very rewarding but also challenging to take on the road, being delicate in nature. It is a dark and mellow instrument, and I felt that a different style could be created to serve as its counterbalance.
It was with that in mind that I approached National Reso-Phonic Guitars about my idea for this new instrument. After some preliminary discussion, they have decided to design and construct their very first 5-string Resonator Bass.
The Instrument,
The 5-string Resonator Bass will be a first for National and, so far as I am aware, unique among resonators instruments. Though resonator basses in general are not uncommon, and National themselves offer a 4-string model on a custom basis, this will be the first to utilize my preffered tuning of EADGC along with a setup that is tailored to my idiosyncratic technique. Resonator guitars, wherein the sound is carried by string vibration through the bridge to one or more metal cones (resonators), offers disctint acoustic advantages in terms of volume, tone, and a wide dynamic range. Known for their bright and punchy sound, I believe it will be an excellent fit for my percussive and rhythmic style.
The instrument itself is being based off of National's Style "O" model , and will have a steel body, mahogany neck, ebony fretboard, and will also be the first of my unique basses to be fretted, which I am doing to further distinguish it in tone and style from the Bass Banjo. Additionally, metal bodied resonator instruments are notoriously sturdy, and the 5-String Resonator Bass will be able to accompany to places the Bass Banjo cannot.
About National Reso-Phonic Guitars,
National is simply one of the most well respected creators of resonator instruments in the world. The company was formed in 1989 by Don Young and McGregor Gaines. They measured old resonator instruments of all makes and designs, and produced reproductions under the "National" brand name and trade mark, as originally used by the National String Instrument Corporation for the very first resonator instruments. I believe there is no better custom shop that understands the resonator as an acoustic instrument, and will be able to alter its typical design for the 5-String Resonator Bass.
About Kalium Strings,
I am also proud to announce that Kalium Strings is crafting strings specifically for this instrument. Kalium is the most innovative producer of strings that I know of, and they have been the sole producer of strings for the Bass Banjo. They are dedicated to creating the highest quality strings for absolutely unique instruments. Without them my basses would make no sound at all.
Where will your funds go?
First and foremost, your funds will go to National to pay for the design and creation of this one-of-a-kind instrument.
However, one of the major reasons I am pursuing crowdfunding for this particular project is that it is about much more than the instrument itself. Three For Silver performs over 200 shows years, and I want to make sure the 5-String Resonator Bass is ready to hit the road with us.
This means the funds will also be used to fabricate a custom flight case for the instrument and to purchase the right on-stage gear to ensure the best possible live sound. I'll be working with Adam Lansky of Lansky Sound , as well as National, to find the right solutions to the instrument's unique on-stage needs.
Video by Level Mediatrix
levelmediatrix.com
and on Facebook
Organizer
Lucas Warford
Organizer
Portland, OR