Gear Watch: Boulder Creek Koa Acoustic Bass Guitar
Boulder Creek’s display at NAMM this summer featured a nice array of acoustic bass guitars, including their new Koa model.
One of the unique things about these basses, as well as their other basses, is the Boulder Creek Suspended Bracing System. The system utilizes tone bars with a brace instead of traditional bracing to support the top. The “SBS” works to prevent the top from bowing under string tension, and by doing so in a manner that doesn’t use the traditional X brace, allows the top to vibrate more.
The bass includes an AB4-T pickup that has a 4-band EQ and tuner built in.
Also new for 2010 is their Fretless 5-string, featuring a cedar top with mahogany back and sides. For more info, visit the Boulder Creek website.
I purchased my Boulder Creek Bass a few months ago. I got the EBR3-N5. That is the Cedar top 5 string. The bass has an amazing tone. I am really impressed. Reminds me of my old Tacoma but a bit louder. My buddy has a monster acoustic bass collection and always raves about the Boulder Creek line. I purchased mine from Loviesguitars.com. Every Boulder Creek bass they had was at least $50-$100 cheaper than anywhere else I found. I am playing through an Ampeg and it sounds even better plugged in. Also mixing live is super easy with the dual outputs. Only thing I did not like was that is comes without a case. So I talked to the dude at lovies and he discounted one heavy:bassist: I would recommend these basses to anyone.