yybass

That is a stunning bass I am not surprised that you are not parting with it. Try an iGig case, they are well built and built to last.

[quote name='Mokl' post='731034' date='Jan 31 2010, 08:25 PM']I've had my Monarch for about four years now, and I wouldn't part with it. It's taken me a long time to properly get into the instrument, I have never known a bass take so long to get "played in", but it is there now. It wasn't new when I got it, but only about a year old, I think. I love the sound, playability and look of it, I actually don't consider it too ostentatious looking, although others may disagree. It doesn't look as bling as the Sei I once owned, but these days I consider that a good thing. Frankly the bass delivers in all departments, sound, playability, balance and weight are all spot on. I have owned quite a few top notch basses (although not a Smith and am not keen on Alembics), and this, for me, is the best that I have played, Having said that I have had a few niggling issues with it, not least an annoying development of lacquer cracks over last winter (although we had some problems with damp and cold in the place we were living in at the time which probably didn't help). I know it is quite a valuable instrument but I take it to all my gigs - needs to justify what I have invested in it! Oh, and the case is crap. I believe my bass came to the UK through a basschat forum member, although I bought it from another. All I can say, whoever you are, is thanks![/quote]

Here's my '2 cents'.... I have owned played 15xStingray's, Yamaha JP6, Sadowsky Jazz 5(great B String), Sadowsky Fretless, Fender Marcus 4/5,2x Alembic Stanley Short scale, ken Smith 6's, Modulus & Fodera basses. IMHO Alembic's, Fodera & Ken Smith basses are in a different class to the aforementioned basses. I wondered what the fuss was about till I bought my 1st Ken Smith 4 years ago and believe me seeing, playing & hearing these high end basses is something else. The craftsmanship that is involved with basses is very painstaking and maticulous, take Fodera handmade, if the atmospheric conditions are not good at the time of rest during the build, they would have to throw the necks away.Ken Smith same again and finished off by the man himself. The sound of these basses is are characteristically noticeable in their own right. I bought 2 Stingrays 5's fret & fretless recently, I sold them both 4 weeks later (this does not mean that Stingrays are rubbish, if I could get my hands on a '76 or '77 i would be delighted). I could not go get on with them because I became spoilt with my Fodera's & Ken Smith basses.That said the sound of these high end basses is not every-ones 'cup of tea'. Living proof is that I sold a Fodera Monarch to another basschatter and he still has it to this day (Feb'09). To this end, try one I you may not leave your credit card in your wallet and yes you may have to sell 3 basses for just one.

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I had three iGig Cases from mikobass.com, sold 2 and bought a Double bag. They are very well made with good storage facilities, MP3 player, pens, cables and even a small amp. I doubt I will have to replace them for the next few years.

[quote name='jonthebass' post='701447' date='Jan 5 2010, 12:13 PM']I'm after a nice gig bag too and would like to hear people's user opinions on the above mentioned. Cheers, Jon[/quote]