I was looking for a Smith fretless 5 string bass in NYC while I walked into Rudy's music store at 48st. There was one on the wall, together with a strange unusual bass - also fretless. This was the first time I played a Curbow bass. I always admired Ken Smith for his great basses, and I still do. But when I heard the Curbow - switching back and forward with the Smith bass, I was completily blown away. The Curbow sounded four times bigger and had a BEAUTIFUL tone. I switched again and again and it didn't go away. I realy wanted a Smith bass...

I hope you got the general idea. I didn't buy it on the spot. Instead I made contact with Greg Curbow himself and bought one directly from him.

Good stuff: I can't tell you enough on the good sides. The bass WON'T get out of tune for weeks!! Ever have I seen a more stable neck then this. The wide-fletten profile and wide string spacing are also perfect for me. The bass feels like a dream, looks and sounds like one. Top of the line craftmanship! If you can get around one - you must check it out. It's something different!

There are some down sides too, to my opinion, part of are only my taste as a player: The bass is very heavy especially the neck due to the Rockwood it is made of (Visit Curbow's web site to get all information and specifications. Very unusuall bass!! www.curbow.com) However - this is mainly what gives the bass it's great great sound. The body is very small and VERY thin on the upper side - where I rest my right hand. This is not so comfortable to me, but that's the Curbow design - it's a metter of taste and how you play.

BUT, this is a small price to pay (without the cash..) for a unique perfectly made bass.

I highly recomend!

(Bass Player magazine had reviewed these basses - I don't remember when though. Try to find it)

Construction	100%
Playability	92%
Appearance	100%
Sound	100%
Value	100%
Cust. Service	95%
Overall	98%