Elrick Basses

[Acebassmusic]

I currently own a Cort Elrick NJS5 which is a great playing bass and I've modded the pre and pickups to my liking. The design is based on the Elrick handbuilt "New Jazz Standard" but at a more affordable price. This obviously has sent me down the Elrick rabbit hole. I believe Rob Elrick makes them all by hand himself so understandably theres not huge quantities of basses / reviews / information flooding the marketplace. I've only seen one being played live and that was a few years ago in the Bass Gallery....a certain Steve Lawson was noodling about 🤣 It sounded great, but then again Steve has the skills to make a tennis racquet not sound like a racket! 🤣

 

As I'm more likely to find a tame haggis in my garden than I am to be able to check out an Elrick local to Aberdeen I'm wondering what experience and knowledge the Basschat collective may have on the higher end Gold / Platinum series etc. Fit & finish? Sound & flexibility? Weight and balance? Playability? One trick pony or adaptable? Work horse or home bird? Any info welcomed 👍

[NJE]

I played a single-cut platinum 5 string at Bass Direct quite a few years ago so my brain is a little fuzzy on the details. However there are a few instruments that leave lasting impressions and that was one.

 

Effortless to play, crazy good construction, resonant, and a modern versatile pair of pickups and preamp. I wish I had bought it, but as comfortable as it was, at the time I wasn’t the biggest fan of single-cut basses.

 

For context I played a Japanese Sadowsky and a secondhand Alleva Coppolo that day and the Elrick was far nice than both of them in my humble uneducated opinion.

[Terry M.]

10 hours ago, Acebassmusic said:

I currently own a Cort Elrick NJS5 which is a great playing bass and I've modded the pre and pickups to my liking. The design is based on the Elrick handbuilt "New Jazz Standard" but at a more affordable price. This obviously has sent me down the Elrick rabbit hole. I believe Rob Elrick makes them all by hand himself so understandably theres not huge quantities of basses / reviews / information flooding the marketplace. I've only seen one being played live and that was a few years ago in the Bass Gallery....a certain Steve Lawson was noodling about 🤣 It sounded great, but then again Steve has the skills to make a tennis racquet not sound like a racket! 🤣

 

As I'm more likely to find a tame haggis in my garden than I am to be able to check out an Elrick local to Aberdeen I'm wondering what experience and knowledge the Basschat collective may have on the higher end Gold / Platinum series etc. Fit & finish? Sound & flexibility? Weight and balance? Playability? One trick pony or adaptable? Work horse or home bird? Any info welcomed 👍

I tried a "full fat" Elrick NJS5 in Bass Direct a while ago and while there was nothing wrong with it I would stick with your one,they even share the same preamp circuit. Anyway to answer your actual question if I can bear the heat today I plan to head to The Bass Gallery here in London to try this out https://thebassgallery.com/collections/bass/products/untitled-jun30_17-55 

 

I'll report back if I do.

[haimesy]

I have the NJs5 & it’s great , Can I ask what pick ups you put in ,  I was considering Bartolini’s in mine . I absolutely love the sound of Daric Bennets Black Elrick  J bass .cheers J 

[Terry M.]

2 hours ago, Terry M. said:

I tried a "full fat" Elrick NJS5 in Bass Direct a while ago and while there was nothing wrong with it I would stick with your one,they even share the same preamp circuit. Anyway to answer your actual question if I can bear the heat today I plan to head to The Bass Gallery here in London to try this out https://thebassgallery.com/collections/bass/products/untitled-jun30_17-55 

 

I'll report back if I do.

So I've been to The Gallery and tried the Elrick 5 string in the link. It's a very well made instrument and looks incredible but unfortunately it wasn't the bass for me. For one I struggle with the sound of Bart pickups. It was also too light for me like REALLY light and I felt the sound suffered as a result. Sorry I couldn't be more upbeat but I only present my opinions,these are by no means facts. I put it back and picked up a Stingray 5 and it put a huge smile on my face immediately in contrast. 

[Terry M.]

51 minutes ago, haimesy said:

I have the NJs5 & it’s great , Can I ask what pick ups you put in ,  I was considering Bartolini’s in mine . I absolutely love the sound of Daric Bennets Black Elrick  J bass .cheers J 

What do you feel you will gain with a pickup swap out of interest?

[Al Krow]

Great basses! 

 

My Elrick Expat Evo 5 quickly became my goto gigging bass after I acquired it from @Sibob of this parish (who is a far more capable bassist than me!) back in 2021. Not sure I would have had the confidence to acquire one new back then, given the cost, but was keen to try one out as, on paper, it ticked so many boxes for me and being able to buy one used was a godsend! I've been really delighted with it and won't be parting company with mine any time soon! 

 

Little clip of the bass in action at a recent outdoor gig - set on neck pup in active mode with tone knobs flat, with preamp EQ duties being handled by my GT1000 Core pedal:

 

LA Mixtrax - Bletchley Park

[Sibob]

9 hours ago, Al Krow said:

Great basses! 

 

My Elrick Expat Evo 5 quickly became my goto gigging bass after I acquired it from @Sibob of this parish (who is a far more capable bassist than me!) back in 2021. Not sure I would have had the confidence to acquire one new back then, given the cost, but was keen to try one out as, on paper, it ticked so many boxes for me and being able to buy one used was a godsend! I've been really delighted with it and won't be parting company with mine any time soon! 

 

Little clip of the bass in action at a recent outdoor gig - set on neck pup in active mode with tone knobs flat, with preamp EQ duties being handled by my GT1000 Core pedal:

 

LA Mixtrax - Bletchley Park

Great tone! Sits really nicely with that band/style of music! 
 

Si

[Acebassmusic]

Thank you everyone for your insights, much appreciated. I've been out all day and gigging last night so here's my follow up.....

 

18 hours ago, NJE said:

I played a single-cut platinum 5 string at Bass Direct quite a few years ago so my brain is a little fuzzy on the details. However there are a few instruments that leave lasting impressions and that was one.

 

Effortless to play, crazy good construction, resonant, and a modern versatile pair of pickups and preamp. I wish I had bought it, but as comfortable as it was, at the time I wasn’t the biggest fan of single-cut basses.

 

For context I played a Japanese Sadowsky and a secondhand Alleva Coppolo that day and the Elrick was far nice than both of them in my humble uneducated opinion.

 

Great feedback on the build and versatility. In some ways its what I would expect of a bass thats a lot of money. Not always the case so its good to get confirmation. I have a Japanese Sadowsky which I really like so to put the Elrick in the same / higher category does nothing for my abstinance, bank balance or GAS 🤣

 

12 hours ago, haimesy said:

I have the NJs5 & it’s great , Can I ask what pick ups you put in ,  I was considering Bartolini’s in mine . I absolutely love the sound of Daric Bennets Black Elrick  J bass .cheers J 

 

The standard pickups and pre combination sounded a bit dull to me with not a lot of top end snap when slapping. I picked up a set of Nordstrand NJ5F and at the same time I fitted a Mike Pope pre that I had stored. Now its full souding with the snap and clarity I was looking for. I had a listen to Daric Bennets bass sound and yep I can get that from my setup 👍

 

 

11 hours ago, Terry M. said:

So I've been to The Gallery and tried the Elrick 5 string in the link. It's a very well made instrument and looks incredible but unfortunately it wasn't the bass for me. For one I struggle with the sound of Bart pickups. It was also too light for me like REALLY light and I felt the sound suffered as a result. Sorry I couldn't be more upbeat but I only present my opinions,these are by no means facts. I put it back and picked up a Stingray 5 and it put a huge smile on my face immediately in contrast. 

 

I had seen that one on their website and was interested in finding out more. Some nice positive points (for me) on build quality and weight. How was it for knocks and dings? What didnt you like about the Barts? What would you change them for? Glad the Stingray made you smile....thats what its all about. Are you looking for a job as a "personal bass shopper"? 🤣

 

 

11 hours ago, Al Krow said:

Great basses! 

 

My Elrick Expat Evo 5 quickly became my goto gigging bass after I acquired it from @Sibob of this parish (who is a far more capable bassist than me!) back in 2021. Not sure I would have had the confidence to acquire one new back then, given the cost, but was keen to try one out as, on paper, it ticked so many boxes for me and being able to buy one used was a godsend! I've been really delighted with it and won't be parting company with mine any time soon! 

 

Little clip of the bass in action at a recent outdoor gig - set on neck pup in active mode with tone knobs flat, with preamp EQ duties being handled by my GT1000 Core pedal:

 

LA Mixtrax - Bletchley Park

 

Thanks for the positive report and nice clip which gives me an idea of the tone and clarity 👍

[Terry M.]

6 hours ago, Acebassmusic said:

I had seen that one on their website and was interested in finding out more. Some nice positive points (for me) on build quality and weight. How was it for knocks and dings? What didnt you like about the Barts? What would you change them for? Glad the Stingray made you smile....thats what its all about. Are you looking for a job as a "personal bass shopper"? 🤣

Right so for knocks and dings I literally didn't see a mark on it,I want to say 10/10 but let's go with 9.9/10 just to cover myself 😊 Barts (to me) lack openness and lean to the dark side,which is exactly what some users require so it's definitely a taste thing. What would I change them for? I have a thing for Nordstrand Big Singles if I'm being honest. Ha ha do you know that could possibly be my dream job the amount of time I spend noodling on basses in shops.The chaps in Bass Direct,BassBros,The Bass Gallery,Wunjos,Epsom, Camden and Birmingham Guitar Guitar and Andertons know me a bit too well. Dunno if I need counselling or not 🤣 I'm actually planning an Andertons visit later today!

Edited July 13 by Terry M.

[Acebassmusic]

2 hours ago, Terry M. said:

Ha ha do you know that could possibly be my dream job the amount of time I spend noodling on basses in shops.The chaps in Bass Direct,BassBros,The Bass Gallery,Wunjos,Epsom, Camden and Birmingham Guitar Guitar and Andertons know me a bit too well. Dunno if I need counselling or not 🤣 I'm actually planning an Andertons visit later today!

 

Jeez, 8 to choose from! 😮 Yes us poor Northern souls need to hire you to try out basses for us. The nearest music shop with a "bass dept" is Guitar Guitar in Glasgow a mere 290 mile round trip!

 

Glad to hear its in great condition and I agree on the Barts being in general darker sounding. I did have a Roscoe that had a Sadowsky pre in it and that was a bit brighter. 👍

[Terry M.]

17 minutes ago, Acebassmusic said:

 

Jeez, 8 to choose from! 😮 Yes us poor Northern souls need to hire you to try out basses for us. The nearest music shop with a "bass dept" is Guitar Guitar in Glasgow a mere 290 mile round trip!

 

Glad to hear its in great condition and I agree on the Barts being in general darker sounding. I did have a Roscoe that had a Sadowsky pre in it and that was a bit brighter. 👍

It's more than 8 but tell no-one 🤫 I have a Fender Player Plus V that I bought used that had been modified with a Sadowsky preamp. It's a large reason why I got it.  

[Terry M.]

Only made it as far as Wunjos today. Played a nice Ibanez BTB865 singlecut with the cheaper far eastern licenced Bart pickups,the BH2 model. Bass played and felt amazing but I'm scratching my head with regards to these cheaper Barts. I struggle with the real ones from America much less!!! 

Edited July 13 by Terry M.

[Acebassmusic]

Ok, a quick update to the situation. Thanks everyone for their feedback on Elrick basses. It seems that in the middle of July I accidentaly bought the one from The Gallery 😮 I know, I know, I should be more careful 🤣

 

So 6 weeks, a few gigs and multiple rehearsals later on I'm quite happy with my little accident! Its light, plays well, balances and works in pop / funk / soul / classic rock scenarios. It may not look as "rock" as a P-bass but really DILLIGAF? Sound wise its got a great, well defined finger style sound but is a little less top end snappy than I usually have but this has taught me a new trick......turn the treble up more....sorted! 🤣 My guess is the Bartolinis are more subdued in the top end and a change to Nordys would help but I'm in no rush to change as I have other basses that can cover that area. Not sure what the strings are on it or how old so when I do change them for a set I know the sound of that might solve the "problem".

 

Picture from the Gallery website:

 

[jonno1981]

Glad you’ve found a great bass. 
Also, I love DILLIGAF, I’m stealing that.

[Mokl]

That is very tasty indeed. Enjoy!

[Acebassmusic]

1 hour ago, jonno1981 said:

Glad you’ve found a great bass. 
Also, I love DILLIGAF, I’m stealing that.

 

Thank you 👍

I started using DILLIGAF years ago at work during a meeting where one person was using so many TAFLA's (Three And Four Letter Acronyms) that I decided to drop into the conversation both TAFLA and DILLIGAF. There ensued a slightly puzzled look but they made out they understood (but didnt) and carried on the conversation. My team members who knew what they meant had trouble keeping straight faces. 🤣🤣

Edited 10 hours ago by Acebassmusic

[Terry M.]

18 hours ago, Acebassmusic said:

Ok, a quick update to the situation. Thanks everyone for their feedback on Elrick basses. It seems that in the middle of July I accidentaly bought the one from The Gallery 😮 I know, I know, I should be more careful 🤣

 

So 6 weeks, a few gigs and multiple rehearsals later on I'm quite happy with my little accident! Its light, plays well, balances and works in pop / funk / soul / classic rock scenarios. It may not look as "rock" as a P-bass but really DILLIGAF? Sound wise its got a great, well defined finger style sound but is a little less top end snappy than I usually have but this has taught me a new trick......turn the treble up more....sorted! 🤣 My guess is the Bartolinis are more subdued in the top end and a change to Nordys would help but I'm in no rush to change as I have other basses that can cover that area. Not sure what the strings are on it or how old so when I do change them for a set I know the sound of that might solve the "problem".

 

Picture from the Gallery website:

 

Ah you bought it then in the end? You happy with the light weight? They haven't as yet marked it as sold 😊

[Acebassmusic]

30 minutes ago, Terry M. said:

Ah you bought it then in the end? You happy with the light weight? They haven't as yet marked it as sold 😊

 

Yes, I took the plunge and bought it. I tend to have a rotation on my basses as I like buying, trying and then after a while moving them on for the next flavour. Sometimes I'm impressed and keep them for longer (current longest one I have is 12 years) and sometimes it just doesnt gel for whatever reason. I'm not often badly dissapointed and its a fun learning curve. The lightweight isnt a problem and it balances well on a strap. 👍 Yeah I have noticed its still for sale. 🤷‍♂️ The Gallery tend not to update their webpages as often as they should, either for sold instruments (mainly) or new ones they have in for sale.

[Terry M.]

57 minutes ago, Acebassmusic said:

 

Yes, I took the plunge and bought it. I tend to have a rotation on my basses as I like buying, trying and then after a while moving them on for the next flavour. Sometimes I'm impressed and keep them for longer (current longest one I have is 12 years) and sometimes it just doesnt gel for whatever reason. I'm not often badly dissapointed and its a fun learning curve. The lightweight isnt a problem and it balances well on a strap. 👍 Yeah I have noticed its still for sale. 🤷‍♂️ The Gallery tend not to update their webpages as often as they should, either for sold instruments (mainly) or new ones they have in for sale.

Ah cool. Keeps things interesting if nothing else. Yes great guys in there but the shown stock isn't a true reflection. There's a bass I sold there on commission recently that's still not marked as sold yet either 😅  Enjoy the Elrick. You in a way echoed my sentiments about the Bart pickups.