Steve Swan Guitars Swan

Samuel Shen Basses

Sam Shen emigrated from China to Windsor, Canada in 1989 and opened his first violin shop. Sam studied violin performance and business at the University of Windsor. In 1993 he established Shen's Musical Instruments Co., Ltd. in Suzhou, China, manufacturing violin family instruments for export. In 1998 Sam Shen moved back to Suzhou fulltime to train his staff and to oversee and maintain his high quality standards for instrument manufacture.

I've been looking critically at basses coming from China for over 20 years. What I have most often seen has been instruments with odd designs, poor workmanship, and unstable green wood. Working with bassist Paul Strelau to develope a complete line of basses, Sam Shen is dedicated to making fine student and professional grade instruments. I've been very impressed with the solidly conceived designs, the clean and accurate workmanship, and the fully seasoned woods used in Shen basses.

There is a Shen model for nearly every budget and playing style. I keep nearly all of these in stock and have multiples of the best selling models.
 LAMINATED: SB 80 (Red brown lacquer), SB 90 (Vintage Yellow Lacquer), SB 100 (Oil varnish)
 HYBRID with solid spruce top and oil varnish: SB 150, SB 180, large 3/4 size (Rogeri) SB 190
 SOLID WOODS FLATBACK: SB 200 3/4, Gemunder (SB 200)7/8 with X-braced back
 SOLID WOODS CARVED BACK: Rogeri Willow, Rogeri Maple (300 or 800), Panormo Maple

The dimensions for the violin corner 3/4 models SB 80, 90, 100, 150, and 180 are: Top length 43 1/2", Upper bout width 20", Middle bout width 14 1/4", Lower bout width 26 1/4", Depth at neck 6 1/2", Depth at upper bout bend 8", String length 41 1/4".

Coming Soon: Used SB 80, New SB 80, New SB 90, New SB 180, New SB 200 3/4

For more complete description or questions, please email steve_swan@earthlink.net or call (650) 515-1014.
NEW SB 90 (2012-6-73) Shen's popular blonde finish plywood model. Spruce ply top, Maple ply back and sides, Maple neck, Embossed gold and black halfplate tuners specific to this model, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Ebonized tailpiece, Aubert bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, Replacement 10 mm rod endpin, Blonde lacquer finish. Dimensions as listed above. This bass has a very powerful pizz voice. With cover. $1675
New SB 100 Gamba (2012-4-80)
 An exceptionally well balanced example of Shen's deluxe plywood model. Spruce ply top, Maple ply back and sides, Maple neck, Deluxe brass single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Replacement Wittner composite tailpiece, Aubert bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, Gotz aluminum rod endpin, Red-brown oil varnish finish. Dimensions as listed above. This bass has a complex and balanced voice with excellent volume. With cover.
          $1950
New SB 100 (2012-01-86) A superb example of Shen's deluxe all-laminate 3/4 model. Spruce ply top, Maple ply back and sides, Maple neck, Brass single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, tailpiece saddle and replacement Hill style tailpiece, Replacement  Gotz aluminum rod endpin, Aubert bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, Red-orange oil varnish finish. Dimensions as listed above. A fine rich sounding example. With cover. $1950
New SB 180 (2012-6-103) Shen's deluxe 3/4 size hybrid model with a stiff solid Spruce top. Flame figured Maple ply back and sides, Maple neck, Brass single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, tailpiece saddle, and replacement german tailpiece, Replacement Gotz deluxe aluminum rod endpin, Aubert Luxe bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, Red-orange oil varnish finish. Dimensions as listed above. An especially clear voiced example with a lot of power. With cover. $2495
New SB 200 3/4 (2012-6-114) Shen's best-selling all-solid woods 3/4 size flatback model. Willow back and sides, Spruce top, Maple neck, Brass single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, tailpiece saddle, and replacement german tailpiece, Replacement upgrade 10 mm rod adjustable endpin, Aubert DeLuxe bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, Red-brown oil varnish finish. Dimensions as listed above. This bass performs quite well in both arco and pizz settings.The complex voice from the exceptionally nice spruce top makes this one my favorite of the last batch of three SB 200 3/4 basses. With cover. $3375
Used SB 100 (2010-9-70) A huge sounding example of Shen's deluxe 3/4 size oil varnished plywood bass. Spruce ply top, Maple ply back and sides, Maple neck, Deluxe brass single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Ebonized tailpiece, Maple bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Jeff Sahs, 10 mm steel rod endpin, Dark red-brown oil varnish. Dimensions as listed above. Played for the last two season in a high school orchestra, this bass has developed a lot of depth and has tremendous volume for a plywood bass. Currently strung with a broken-in set of Thomastik Spirocore strings. With cover. $1595
New SB 180 (2012-6-102)
 A versatile example of Shen's deluxe hybrid model. Fine to medium grain Spruce top, Flame figure Maple ply back and sides, Maple neck, Deluxe brass tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Ebony replacement Hill style tailpiece, Aubert bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, Gotz aluminum rod endpin, Red-brown oil varnish finish. Dimensions as listed above. Good strong projection and balanced tone. This bass is versatile for either jazz pizz or arco play. A fine workhorse instrument. With cover
    $2495
New SB 180 (2012-5-106)
 A bold, and clear voiced example of Shen's deluxe hybrid model. Medium grain spruce top, Flame-figured Maple ply back and sides, Brass single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Replacement ebony Hill style tailpiece, Aubert bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, Replacement Gotz aluminum endpin, Red-brown oil varnish finish. Dimensions as listed above. An especially fine example for arco use. With cover.
 $2495
New SB 150 (2012-6-120)
 A deep-voiced example of Shen's entry level hybrid model. Medium grain Spruce top, Maple ply back and sides, Single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Ebony replacement Hill style tailpiece, Replacement Aubert bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, Replacement Gotz aluminum endpin, Red-brown oil varnish finish. Dimensions as listed above. This bass a penetrating quality that will provide a solid foundation for jazz or orchestral settings. With cover.
 $2250
New Gamba shape SB 100 (2011-11-57)
  Shen's optional gamba shape of the top level plywood model, for those who prefer not to have violin corners. Spruce ply top, Maple play back and sides, Brass single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Aubert Luxe bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, Wittner composite tailpiece, Gotz endpin with aluminum rod, Red-brown oil varnish finish. Dimensions as listed above. An especially fine example of this deluxe ply model. Versatile for pizz or arco play. With cover.
                  $1950
New Oil Varnish SB 80 (2012-5-65)
 Shen's new upgraded oil varnish finish version of their entry level plywood model. Maple ply top, back and sides, Single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Aubert bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Mike Olivola, Ebonized tailpiece, Replacement endpin with 10 mm steel rod, Red-brown oil varnish finish. Dimensions as listed above. The oil varnish upgrade allows greater response and tonal richness. An especially fine pizz bass. With cover.
  $1695
New Oil Varnish SB 80 (2012-5-64) Shen's new upgraded oil varnish finish version of their entry level plywood model. Maple ply top, back, and sides, Single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Aubert bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Mike Olivola, Ebonized tailpiece, Replacement endpin with 10 mm steel rod, Red-brown oil varnish finish. Dimensions as listed above. The oil varnish upgrade allows greater response and tonal richness. An excellent pizz bass. With cover.
 $1695
New SB 90 (2012-4-73)          
Shen's blonde intermediate level plywood model. Spruce ply top, Maple ply back and sides, Maple neck, Embossed gold halfplate tuners specific for this model, Ebony nut, fingerbaord, and tailpiece saddle, Aubert bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Mike Olivola, Ebonized tailpiece, Endpin with 10 mm steel rod, Amber-blonde lacquer finish. Dimensions as listed above. This bass is an excellent pizz instrument. A fine instrument for playing in a group.
 $1675
New SB 90 (2012-4-71) Shen's blonde intermediate level plywood model. Spruce ply top, Maple ply back and sides, Maple neck, Embossed gold halfplate tuners specific for this model, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Aubert bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Mike Olivola, Ebonized tailpiece, Endpin with 10 mm steel rod, Amber-blonde lacquer finish. Dimensions as listed above. This bass has an incisive, clear voice. A great choice for loud jam sessions. With cover.
 $1675
New SB 80 Another fine example of Shen's entry level plywood model. Maple ply top, back, and sides, Maple neck, Single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Aubert bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Mike Olivola, Ebonized tailpiece, Replacement endpin with 10 mm steel rod, Red-brown lacquer finish. Dimensions are as listed above. This bass has a bold voice, versatile for pizz or arco playing. With cover.
 $1395
New SB 80 Another great example of Shen's entry level plywood model. Maple ply top, back, and sides, Maple neck, Single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Aubert bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Mike Olivola, Ebonized tailpiece, Replacement endpin with 10 mm steel rod, Red-brown lacquer finish. Dimensions are as listed above. This bass has a strong, penetrating pizz voice. With cover. $1395
New Shen SB 200 Rogeri (2012-2-115) An especially deep-voiced example of Shen's large 3/4 willow flatback model, affectionately called the "Steve Swan model" by Jon Sprague. Willow back and sides, Medium to fine grain Spruce top, Maple neck, mid-grade brass single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, tailpiece saddle, and replacement Goetz Hill style tailpiece, Despiau bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, Deluxe replacement steel rod adjustable endpin, Red-brown oil varnish. DIMENSIONS are: Top length 45 5/8", Upper bout width 20 5/8", Middle bout width 14 1/2", Lower bout width 26 1/4", Depth at neck 7 1/4", Depth at upper bout bend 8 1/2", Depth at tail 9 1/4", String length 41 1/4". This bass already has a rich, mature tone that sounds great in a jazz setting. Strung with Spirocore orchestra strings.  With cover. Call or Email for Special Pricing
New Shen SB 200 Rogeri (2012-2-124) A colorful and balanced-voiced example of Shen's large 3/4 willow flatback model, affectionately called the "Steve Swan model" by Jon Sprague. Willow back and sides, Fine grain stiff Spruce top, Maple neck, Brass single unit mid-grade tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Rosewood Goetz Hill style tailpiece, Old german bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, Deluxe replacement steel rod endpin, Red-brown oil varnish. DIMENSIONS are: Top length 45 5/8", Upper bout width 20 5/8", Middle bout width 14 1/2", Lower bout width 26 1/4", Depth at neck 7 1/4", Depth at upper bout bend 8 1/2", Depth at tail 9 1/4", String length 41 1/4". This bass has a complex voice whether used for pizz or arco settings. Strung with Superflexible  strings. With cover.
Call or Email for Special Pricing
New SB 180 (2012-2-109) Shen's deluxe grade 3/4 hybrid model. Spruce top, Flame figured laminated Maple back and sides, Maple neck, Brass single unit tuners, Ebony nut, Fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Replacement Goetz Ebony tailpiece, Replacement Goetz aluminum endpin, Replacement Despiau bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, Oil Varnish finish, D'Addario Helicore hybrid strings. DIMENSIONS as listed above. Gael McKeon has brought out the rich, balanced voice of this bass. Equally suited to pizz and arco playing styles. $2450

New SB 200 Rogeri willow flatback (2011-8-105)		 An exceptionally powerful sounding example of my favorite Shen model with the same 41 1/4" string length as all the Shen standard 3/4 size models. Willow back (with Shen X-brace) and sides, Fine to medium grain Spruce top, Maple neck, mid-grade brass single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, Hill style tailpiece, and tailpiece saddle, 10 mm steel rod endpin, Old Maple bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Allan Droyan and Gael McKeon, Dark red-brown oil varnish. Dimensions are: Top length 43 7/8", Upper bout width 20 5/8", Middle bout width 14 1/8", Lower bout width 26 3/8", Depth at neck 7 1/4", Depth at upper bout bend 8", Depth at tail 9 1/4", String length 41 1/4". A very fine jazz pizz bass and a particularly fine performing orchestral bass. With cover. Special Discount Price

1998 SB 300 7/8 carved back                    		 A superb example of Sam Shen's early work. Heavily flame figured european Maple back, sides, and neck, Fine to medium grain Spruce top, Gotz gold quarter plate tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, tailpiece, and tailpiece saddle, Maple bridge with adjusters added, Gotz endpin, Golden varnish really shows off the flame figured Maple. Dimensions are: Top length 45 3/4", Upper bout width 21 1/8", Middle bout width 15", Lower bout width 27 1/8", Depth at neck 7", Depth at upper bout bend 8 1/2", Depth at tail 8 3/4", String length 42 1/8". Carefully kept in fine clean condition, this bass has seen a lot of gigs and has developed an immense, penetrating voice. With cover.                          
 $6500.00

Used SB 190 Hybrid (2010-2-95)                		 Shen's Rogeri patttern mid-size Hybrid model between the standard 3/4 and the Gemunder 7/8. Laminated back, Sold Willow sides, Solid Spruce top, Maple neck, Single unit brass Suzhou tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, tailiece, and tailpiece saddle, 10 mm Steel rod endpin, Maple bridge with adjusters added as part of a full setup by Jeff Sahs, Red-brown oil varnish finish. Dimensions are: Top length 44 5/8", Upper bout width 20 5/8", Middle bout width 14 1/2", Lower bout width 26 1/4", Depth at neck 7 1/4", Depth at upper bout bend 8 1/2", Depth at tail 9 1/4", String length 41 1/4". This bass has a large, bold voice with good harmonic complexity. Strung with Helicore Hybrid strings. With cover.        
$2800

2002 SB 300 7/8 (2002-2-4)		 A magnificent early period gamba shaped carved back orchestral 7/8 instrument. Medium flame figure Maple neck and carved back (sides have lighter figure), Even medium-fine grain spruce top, Gold plated half plate tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, tailpiece saddle, and tailpiece, Beautiful red-brown oil varnish, Gotz endpin, Adjustable bridge, set up for arco playing by Hammond Ashley of Seattle. Dimensions are: Top length 45 1/2", Upper bout width 21", Middle bout width 16 1/4", Lower bout width 27 1/2", Depth at tail 8 3/4", Depth at upper bout corner 8 3/4", Depth at neck 7 1/8", String length 42". Huge voice with a lot of power and depth for orchestral section work. The bottom string will speak with great authority when run down to a C note. Purchased by a student and not used very much, this bass remains in very clean condition with only a few small scratches and no edge wear on the plates. The grand voice will probably develope even more with another year of regualr play. Potentially a great jazz instrument for a larger player. With original Shen cover.
 $4950

Used SB 200 7/8 Willow (2008-3-89)
Willow back and sides, Medium to fine grain Spruce top, Plain figure Maple neck, Slightly arched X-brace flatback, Single unit Brass french-style tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard and Hill style tailpiece, Bridge adjusters added as part of Jeff Sahs setup. Dimensions are: Top length 45 5/8", Upper bout width 21 1/8", Center bout width 15", Lower bout width 27 3/8", Depth at tail 9 1/4", Depth at upper bout bend 7 1/4", Depth at neck 7 1/4", String length 42". Strung with Helicore Hybrid strings, this responsive bass has a huge voice. It is equally at home in jazz or orchestral settings. Especially rich tone in the bottom end. With cover.
$3150.00

Previous Offering

New SB 190 Rogeri (2010-2-95)		 The slightly larger 3/4 size of this hybrid model rewards with a much larger voice. Maple laminated back, Willow sides, Spruce top, Mid-level single unit brass tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Ebonized tailpiece, Old german Maple bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, 10 mm endpin, Oil varnish finish. Dimensions are: Top length 45 5/8", Upper bout width 20 5/8", Middle bout width 14 1/2", Lower bout width 26 1/4", Depth at neck 7 1/4", Depth at upper bout bend 8 1/2", Depth at tail 9 1/4", String length 41 1/4". Very powerful voice brought out with the exceptional setup by Gael McKeon. With cover.          
New SB 200 3/4 (2012-6-109) Another fine example of Shen's best selling all-solid woods model. Medium grain Spruce top with very bold grain lines in the bridge area, Willow back and sides, Maple neck, Brass single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, Replacement German tailpiece, and tailpiece saddle, Aubert Luxe bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, Replacement endpin with 10mm steel rod, Red-brown oil varnish. Dimensions as listed above. An especially responsive bass for pizz playing. With cover.

Used SB 200 Rogeri will flatback (2011-4-99)		This is the other prototype for the flatback willow model in the Rogeri size, right in between the 3/4 and 7/8 Gemunder. Willow back (with Shen X-brace) and sides, Spruce top, Maple neck, Single unit brass tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, tailpiece, and tailpiece saddle, Old stock Despiau maple bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, Oil varnish finish, 10 mm steel rod endpin. Dimensions are: Top length 43 7/8", Upper bout 20 5/8", Middle bout width 14 1/8", Lower bout width 26 3/8", Depth at tail 9 1/4", Depth at upper bout bend 8", Depth at neck 7 1/4", String length 41 1/4". This second example has an even larger voice than the first one that I sold. It has the response and volume of pre WWII era bass with the playability of the modern 41 1/4" string length. Another superb example of this new model. With cover.

2008 SB 150 (2008-6-70)              		 A very clean used example of Shen's entry level hybrid 3/4 model. Plain figure Maple plywood back and sides, Medium to wide grain Spruce top, Maple neck, Quarter plate tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Painted hardwood tailpiece, 10 mm endpin, Maple bridge with adjusters added as part of a complete setup by Jeff Sahs, Oil varnish finish, Realist pickup added. Dimensions are as listed above. Just a few stray playing marks here and there. Strung with Spirocore weich, this bass has a clean, quick voice. Ideal for jazz gigs. With cover.                   
New SB 180 (2012-2-108)Shen's deluxe grade 3/4 hybrid model. Stiff Spruce top, Flame figured laminated Maple back and sides, Lightly figured Maple neck, Brass single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Replacement Goetz Ebony tailpiece, Replacement Goetz aluminum endpin, Replacement Despiau belgian style bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, Oil varnish finish, D'Addario Helicore hybrid strings. DIMENSIONS as listed above. Gael McKeon has brought out the sparkling colorful voice of this bass. Particularly well suited for arco playing. With cover.
New SB 200 3/4 (2012-6-113)A very versatile example of Shen's best-selling all-solid woods model. Stiff medium grain Spruce top, Willow back and sides, Maple neck, Brass single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, Replacement german tailpiece, and tailpiece saddle, Aubert Luxe bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, Replacement 10 mm steel rod endpin, Red-brown oil varnish. Dimensions as listed above. A particularly fine arco bass. With cover.

New SB 100 (2012-01-82)		 Another fine example of Shen's deluxe all-laminated model. Laminated Maple back and sides, Laminated Spruce top, Mid grade brass single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Ebonized tailpiece, Maple bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, 10 mm endpin, Gorgeous red-brown oil varnish finish. Dimensions as listed above. The voice is balanced and bold. With cover.
New SB 180 (2011-12-99) Shen's deluxe hybrid 3/4 model. Medium grain spruce top, Flame maple laminated back and sides, Maple neck, Mid-grade brass single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Ebonized tailpiece, Despiau bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, 10 mm steel rod endpin, Red-brown oil varnish finish. Dimensions as listed above. Very complex midrange makes this one an especially nice jazz bass. With cover.
New SB 100 (2012-3-85) Shen's deluxe 3/4 all-laminated model. Laminated Spruce top, Laminated Maple back and sides, Maple neck, Brass single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Replacement Wittner composite tailpiece, Replacement european steel rod endpin, Replacement Maple Aubert bridge with adjusters added as apart of a comprehensive setup by Michael Olivola, Oil varnish finish, D'Addario Helicore hybrid strings. DIMENSIONS as listed above. Michael Olivola has brought out the large, forceful voice in this fine laminated bass. A great choice for outdoor music jobs this summer. With cover.
New SB 150 (2012-3-125) Shen's standard grade hybrid 3/4 model. Solid Spruce top, Laminated Maple back and sides, Maple neck, Standard grade single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, tailpiece saddle, and replacement tailpiece, Replacement aluminum Goetz endpin, Replacement Despiau bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, Oil varnish finish, D'Addario Helicore hybrid strings. DIMENSIONS as listed above. Gael McKeon has brought out the rich, insistent voice in this bass, a fine choice for jazz pizz work. With cover.
New SB 100 (2012-3-60) Another great sounding example of Shen's deluxe model all-laminated bass. Spruce ply top, Maple play back and sides, Maple neck, Mid-grade brass single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Replacement Wittner composite tailpiece, Replacement Aubert bridge with Shen's wooden adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, Replacement steel rod adjustable endpin, Red-brown oil varnish finish. Dimensions as listed above. This bass has a rich, throaty response and is quite versatile as a pizz or arco instrument. With cover.

Used SB 200 3/4  Willow Flatback (2010-6-) 
My best selling new all-solid woods model from any company. Willow back and sides, Spruce top, Maple neck, Single unit brass suzhou tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, tailpiece saddle, and tailpiece, 10 mm steel rod endpin, Maple bridge wtih adjusters added as part of a full setup by Jeff Sahs, Red-brown oil varnish finish. The moderately stiff fine to medium-fine grain top provides a balanced voice with good strong fundamental and rich harmonic character. Equally at home with arco or pizz play. With cover. Dimensions are: Top length 43 1/2", Upper bout width 20", Middle bout width 14 1/4", Lower bout width 26 1/4", Depth at neck 6 1/2", Depth at upper bout bend 8", depth at tail 8 7/8", String length 41 1/4".  

SB 150 (2010-8-78)            		 Shen's basic 3/4 hybrid model. Laminated Maple back and sides, Fine to medium grain Spruce top, Maple neck with mild flame figure, Basic level single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Dyed Maple tailpiece, Maple bridge wtih adjusters added as part of a complete setup by Jeff Sahs. Dimensions are: Top length 43 1/2", Upper bout width 20", Middle bout width 14 1/4", Lower bout width 26 1/4", Depth at neck 6 1/2", Depth at upper bout bend 8", Depth at tail 8 7/8", String length 41 1/4". Rich, dark voice. With cover.       

New SB 100 (2011-11-49)		 Shen's deluxe laminated model. Maple laminated back and sides, Spruce laminated top, Maple neck, Mid-grade brass single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Ebonized tailpiece, Maple bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, 10 mm endpin, Oil varnish finish. Dimensions as listed above. This bass has a rich, throaty, mature voice. Gael McKeon consistently brings out the very best in these basses with his great setups. With cover.

Used SB 180 (2010-7-80)                       		Shen's highest level standard 3/4 hybrid model. Spruce top, Laminated european Maple back and sides, Maple neck, Single unit brass tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Steel rod endpin, Maple bridge with aluminum adjusters as part of Jeff Sahs' complete setup, Oil varnish. The stiff fine to medium-fine grain top adds a lot of harmonic detail and note definition to the sound. With cover. Dimensions are: Top length 43 1/2", Upper bout width 20", Middle bout width 14 1/4", Lower bout width 26 1/4", Depth at neck 6 1/2", Depth at upper bout bend 8", Depth at tail 8 7/8", String length 41 1/4".                                 

New SB 200 Rogeri willow flatback (2011-8-104)		 Another fine example of my favorite Shen model. Willow flat back (with Shen X-brace) and sides, Medium grain Spruce top, Maple neck, Medium grade brass single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, tailpiece, and tailpiece saddle, 10 mm steel rod endpin, Old Maple bridge with adjusters fitted as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, Beautiful dark red-brown oil varnish finish. The large 3/4 size fits neatly between the Shen SB 200 3/4 and 7/8 sizes. Dimensions are: Top length 43 7/8", Upper bout width 20 5/8", Middle bout width 14 1/8", Lower bout width 26 3/8", Depth at tail 9 1/4", Depth at upper bout bend 8", Depth at neck 7 1/4", String length 41 1/4". With the intermediate Rogeri dimensions and the contemporary 41 1/4" string length, this bass has a volume and presence of a pre-WWII german or Czech instrument with the added fundamental tone that willow provides. With cover.

New Cosmetic 2nd SB 180 (2011-10-86)		 A long side-to-side gash in the C-bout area of the outer ply of the back makes this great sounding bass a crazy good deal. Flame maple laminated back and sides, Spruce top, Maple neck, Mid-grade brass single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Ebonized tailpiece, Maple bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, 10 mm endpin, Oil varnish finish. Dimensions as listed above. Powerful, rich voice. With cover.

New SB 200 3/4 (2011-8-100)		 Still my best selling new all-solid woods doublebass model by any maker. Willow flat back (with Shen X-brace) and sides, Medium grain Spruce top, Maple neck, Middle grade brass single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, tailpiece and tailpiece saddle, 10 mm steel rod endpin, Old Maple bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, Dark red-brown oil varnish finish. Dimensions as listed above. The bass has a lot of focus and drive, making it a great workhorse jazz instrument. With cover.

New SB 180 (2011-6-52)		 An extra nice looking example of the deluxe hybrid model. Spruce top, Flame figured Maple laminate back and sides, Maple neck, Middle grade brass quarter plate tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Ebonized tailpiece, 10 MM steel rod endpin, Maple bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, Oil varnish finish. Dimensions as listed above. A rich voiced example that performs equally well pizz or arco. With cover.

SB 200 (2010-5-95)             		My best selling new all-solid woods doublebass from any maker. Fine to medium grain width Spruce top, Willow bck and sides, Maple neck, Mid-grade single unit brass tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, tailpiece, and tailpiece saddle, 10 mm steel rod endpin, Oil varnish finish, Maple bridge with adjusters added as part of a complete setup by Jeff Sahs. Dimensions are: Top length 43 1/2, Upper bout width 20", Middle bout width 14 1/4", Lower bout width 26 1/4", Depth at neck 6 1/2", Depth at upper bout bend 8", Depth at tail 8 7/8", String length 41 1/4". Full voice with great volume. With cover.     

New SB 150 (2011-6-71)		 A brighter than usual example of the basic hybrid model. Extra stiff Spruce top, Maple ply back and sides, Maple neck, Gold standard style quarter plate tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Ebonized hardwood tailpiece, 10 mm steel rod endpin, Maple bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, Oil varnish finish. Dimensions as listed above. Colorful upper end. A good combination pizz and arco bass. With cover. 

SB 100 (2010-9-70)       
Shen's deluxe laminated model. Midlevel brass single unit tuners as found on SB 180 and 200 series, Oil varnish finish as found on SB 180 and SB 200 series, Maple neck, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailiece saddle, 10 MM steel rod endpin, Maple bridge with adjusters added as part of a complete setup by Jeff Sahs. Dimensions are: Top length 43 1/2", Upper bout width 20", Middle bout width 14 1/4", Lower bout width 26 1/4", Depth at neck 6 1/2", Depth at upper bout bend 8", Depth at tail 8 7/8", String length 41 1/4". Very solid voice with good presence. With cover. 

New SB 100 (2011-4-41) 		Shen's deluxe model laminate bass. Laminate Maple back and sides, Laminate Spruce top, Maple neck, Mid grade single unit brass tuners as found on SB 180 and all SB 200 models, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, painted hardwood tailpiece, 10 mm steel rod endpin, Maple bridge with adjusters fitted as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, Oil varnish finish. Dimensions as listed above. This bass has a strong fundamental oriented voice. With cover.

Used SB 200 3/4 (2008-8-90) 		Willow back and sides, Medium grain spruce top, Maple neck, Single unit brass tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, tailpiece, and tailpiece saddle, Maple bridge with adjusters, Full setup by Jeff Sahs. Dimensions are: Top length 43 1/2", Upper bout 20", Middle bout 14 1/4", Lower bout width 26 1/4", Depth at neck 6 1/2", Depth at upper bout bend 8", Depth at tail 8 7/8", String length 41 1/2". A well balanced voice capable of expressive solo work as well as solid foundation playing. With cover.

New SB 190 (2010-2-94)                         		Shen's large 3/4 hybrid model. Spruce top, Willow sides, Maple laminate flat back, Maple neck, Single unit brass tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, tailpiece, and tailpiece saddle, Steel rod endpin, Maple bridge with aluminum adjusters as part of Jeff Sahs' complete setup, Oil varnish. The medium to wide grain flexible top gives this bass a very easy response and a rich, mature voice and good volume. An excellent pizz jazz bass. With cover. Dimensions are: Top length 44 3/4", upper bout width 20 5/8", Middle bout with 15", Lower bout width 26 1/2", Depth at neck 7 1/4", Depth at uper bout bend 8 1/4", Depth at tail 9 1/4", String length 41 1/4".                                         

New SB 200 Rogeri Willow Flatback   (2011-4-100)              
This is the prototype for the Rogeri willow flatback model, sized right in between the SB 200 3/4 and 7/8 models. Willow back and sides, Maple neck, Spruce top, Brass single unit tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, tailpiece, and tailpiece saddle, Belgian style Despiau bridge with adjusters added as part of a comprehensive setup by Gael McKeon, 10 mm steel rod endpin, Reddish brown oil varnish finish. Dimensions are: Top length 43 7/8", Upper bout width 20 5/8", Center bout width 14 1/8", Lower bout width 26 3/8", Depth at tail 9 1/4", Depth at upper bout bend 8", Depth at neck 7 1/4", String length 41 1/4". This first example is everything that I could have hoped for when I started talking with the Shen folks about it 3 years ago. Strung with Spirocore mittel strings, this bass has a very large and penetrating voice on the jazz bandstand, with nice complex tone in the upper ranges for soloing. With cover.

New SB 200 7/8 (2008-3-92) 		Willow back and sides, Medium grain Spruce top, Maple neck, Single unit brass tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, tailpiece, and tailpiece saddle, Maple bridge with adjusters, Full setup by Jeff Sahs. Dimensions are: Top length 45 5/8", Upper bout bout width 21 1/8", Middle bout width 15", Lower bout width 27 3/8", Depth at neck 7 1/4", Depth at upper bout bend 7 1/4", Depth at tail 9 1/4", String length 42". A huge voiced example that works equally well in the orchestra section or as a dark-voiced jazz instrument. With cover.

New SB 200 3/4 Willow (2008-3-86)
This is my best selling all-solid woods Shen model. Medium grain Spruce top with wings at lower bout edges, Willow back and sides, Maple neck, Medium brown oil varnish, Brass quarter plate tuners, Ebony nut and fingerboard, Ebony tailpiece, Notched adjustable endpin, Bridge adjusters added by Jeff Sahs as part of the complete setup. Dimensions are: Top length 43 1/2", Upper bout width 20", Center bout width 14 1/2", Lower bout width 25 3/8", Depth at tail 9", Depth at upper bout bend 8", Depth at neck 6 5/8", String length 41 1/2". This bass has the rich, dark vintage voice of a mature bass. Equally at home on the jazz bandstand as it is in the orchestra, this is another very versatile Shen. With cover.

2004 SB 180 hybrid (2004-4-28)       		A clean and great sounding example of Shen's deluxe 3/4 hybrid solid top model. Medium flame figured Maple back and sides, Medium to tight grain spruce top, Plain figure Maple neck, Gold plated halfplate tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece saddle, Dyed maple tailpiece, Replacement Maple bridge with adjusters as part of the original complete setup by Lemur. Dimensions are: Top length 43 1/2", Upper bout width 20", Center bout width 14 1/4", Lower bout width 26 1/4", Depth at neck 6 3/8", Depth at upper bout bend 7", Depth at tail 8 5/8", String length 41 1/2". Full Circle pickup added for stage used. The nice setup, developed voice from play, and pickup make this bass performance ready. With Shen cover.                          

New SB 180 Hybrid (2010-7-81)        		 Shen's midline solid spruce top hybrid model. Figured Maple laminate back and sides, Solid spruce top, Maple neck, Single unit brass Suzhou tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, tailpiece, and tailpiece saddle, Steel rod endpin, Maple bridge with adjusters added as part of a complete setup by Jeff Sahs, Medium red-brown oil varnish finish. Dimensions are: Top length 43 1/2", Upper bout width 20", Middle bout width 14 1/4", Lower bout width 26 1/4", Depth at neck 6 1/2", Depth at upper bout bend 8", Depth at tail 8 7/8", String length 41 1/4". This bass has a complex, rich voice with a lot of presence. Strung with D'Addario Helicore Hybrid strings. With cover.            

Used SB 200 3/4 (2008-8-91) 		Medium grain Spruce top, Willow back and sides, Maple neck, Single unit brass tuners, Ebony nut, fingerboard, tailpiece, and tailpiece saddle, Maple bridge with adjusters, Full setup by Jeff Sahs. Dimensions are: Top length 43 1/2", Upper bout width 20", Middle bout 14 1/4", Lower bout width 26 1/4", Depth at neck 6 1/2", Depth at upper bout bend 8", Depth at tail 8 7/8", String length 41 1/2". Very clean except for abrasion on middle bout. Very full, deep tone from play. A very broad vintage voice. with cover.

New SB 150 (2008-6-70)

The entry level hybrid model with solid spruce top. Maple plywood back and sides, Solid Spruce top, Maple neck, Quarter plate tuners,
Ebonized tailpiece, Ebony nut, tailpiece saddle, and fingerboard, Oil varnish, Bridge adjusters added as part of Matt Bohn's complete setup. Dimensions are standard Shen 3/4 size. Loose open tone and response is great for pizz playing. With cover.


New SB 300 Rogeri (2007-3-92)

Carved back Maple version of the violin corner large 3/4 size Rogeri shape. Figured Maple back and sides, Medium grain Spruce top, Flame figured Maple neck, Deluxe brass single unit tuners, Ebony nut, tailpiece, tailpiece saddle, and fingerboard, Bridge adjusters added as part of Jeff Sahs' complete setup. Rogeri dimensions are: Top length 44 3/4", Upper bout width 20 5/8", Middle bout width 15", Lower bout width 26 1/2", Depth at tail 9 1/4", Depth at upper bout bend 8 1/4", Depth at neck 7 1/4", String length 41 1/4". The carved Maple back and deep ribs give this bass a larger voice than one might expect from a large 3/4 size doublebass with an easy playing string length of 41 1/4". Set up with Pirastro Obligato strings for a strong and complete pizz voice and a clear, projective arco voice. A greatly rewarding versatile instrument. With cover.


New SB 100 (2008-6-61)		 The deluxe laminated model. Maple plywood back and sides, Spruce plywood top, Maple neck, Brass single unit tuners, Oil varnish, Ebonized tailpiece, Ebony nut, tailpiece saddle, and fingerboard, Bridge adjusters added as part of Matt Bohn's complete setup. Dimensions are standard Shen 3/4 size. This bass has an especially rich sounding midrange and is quite versatile for either pizz or arco play. With cover.

New SB 200W Rogeri (2007-8-87) 		Carved back Willow version of the violin corner large 3/4 size Rogeri shape. Willow back and sides, Spruce top, Maple neck, Brass single unit tuners, Ebony nut, tailpiece, tailpiece saddle, and fingerboard, Bridge adjusters added as part of Jeff Sahs' complete setup. Rogeri dimensions are: Top length 44 3/4", Upper bout width 20 5/8", Middle bout width 15", Lower bout width 26 1/2", Depth at tail 9 1/4", Depth at upper bout bend 8 1/4", Depth at neck 7 1/4", String length 41 1/4". The carved Willow back and deep ribs help to give this bass a stronger fundamental and larger voice than one might expect in a large 3/4 size doublebass with the easy playing string length of 41 1/4". Set up with D'Addario hybrid strings this instrument is exceptionally effective as an arco instrument that can credibly double as a dark voiced jazz bass. With cover.

New SB 200 I 3/4 Rogeri Willow carved back (2007-2-83)
Willow sides and carved back, Spruce top, Brass single unit tuners, Maple neck, Ebony fingerboard, Bridge adjusters and full setup by Jeff Sahs. Dimensions are: Top length 44 5/8", Upper bout width 20 1/2", Center bout width 15", Lower bout width 26 1/4", Depth at tail 9 1/4", Depth at upper bout bend 8 1/2", Depth at neck 7 1/2", String length 42". The deep ribs, large 3/4 pattern, and willow sides and carved back give this bass a great deal of power and rich, dark presence. This instrument is a real standout in an orchestra section and I personally like the jazz response with Spriocore Weich strings. With free cover.

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