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Shen “Classic” 3/4, Willow.  $4,800

I’ve been carrying Shen basses for about 20 years now, and one thing that surprises me is that they are constantly experimenting with new models or combinations of materials. If you go to their website, https://cscproducts.com/products.html you won’t find this one listed, exactly. I’ve owned many basses of this pattern (size and outline) which is Sam Shen’s earliest model developed around 25 years ago. They’ve always come in a carved round back and flat backed x braced version, the former usually in maple back and sides and the latter in willow back and sides with the willow model in a gamba shape and the maple normally with violin corners. 

This bass is built just like the “classic” maple round back but in willow.  It reminds me of Italian walnut round back basses I’ve had the pleasure of playing. Really warm and responsive even though it’s not yet had 20 minutes of warm up playing. 41.5” string length, D neck. The price is low because it’s a “second” due to a small knot in the front, kind of a Marilyn Monroe beauty mark more than anything else to me. 

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