The Electric Lutist

A 6-string, fretless electric/acoustic bass built for Rod Ungleich in 2005. The neck is from Moses Graphite, the pickup is a "Realist" Acoustic Transducer (available from David Gage), and the tailpiece tuning system was custom made by Hipshot Music in Interlaken, New York. The body is a semi-solid style,with the sides cut from black walnut, approximately 3/8" thick. The top and back are cedar with graphite-reinforced braces coupled with two soundposts under the bridge, which is ebony with a bone saddle. This arrangement permits the back to act as a second soundboard, and provides the maximum "wooden" sound, without the feedback problems created by a large air chamber. The design and size of the instrument also allow it to be played standing up on a (retractable) tailpost, like a double bass, or in the manner of an electric bass.