Eminence RN4 Portable Double Bass/Upright Bass/Contrabass (Removable Neck)

Unlike other electric upright bass models with a solid body, the Eminence Portable Upright Bass is a real acoustic instrument. It's smaller and more compact than a standard-size acoustic upright bass. But: the acoustic body has an arched top and bottom, a bass bar and a soundpost - the same structural design as a standard-size double bass. That's why the Eminence sounds and plays like your standard-size double bass, and not just like fretless bass guitar. The unamplified sound of the Eminence is great for practising in the hotel room or if you have sensitively neighbours. Played amplified, the Eminence with its acoustic body sounds like a larger acoustic double bass.The Eminence has a detachable waist extension, and an anti-rotational endpin, the Steady-Foot. That's why it stays very easy in playing position. The string length of 105 cm (= 41-1/4") and a standard-size neck deliver a familiar playing feel and an easy transition from standard-size double bass to portable upright bass.

It comes with a full size gig bag, for gigs where you don't need to break it down, but the neck is removable, and the whole thing can fit into a golf club hardcase for flying/longer journeys/smaller cars.
Set up/take down takes about 10 mins.

I'm selling it because I'm simply not using it enough, and have a project on the horizon that will need some funding, so finding it a good home feels like a win win!

I've given it a bit of TLC prior to sale – it has a brand new soft case and waist extension from the original manufacturer, and a brand new Realist Copperhead pickup (I checked with original pick-up manufacturer David Gage which pickup would be most appropriate as a replacement).

It is in a “gigged” condition! It's done a lot of travel, so it has some cosmetic wear especially on the scroll and sides (where you'd lay it down), but nothing beyond damage to the finish – and nothing that impacts its playability. You can see this in the pictures.

Production was halted on these during COVID, and for now at least they're no longer being made. I got it new from the UK distributor a little over 10 years ago.

The only thing missing is the neck case, which you only use when you've taken it apart to go in the flight case. However, as I've recently replaced the full size soft case, you can use the old one for the neck which will provide more than enough protection, and reduce the empty space in the flight case minimising movement in transit.

The original flight case clips were flimsy and have broken off - it's a standard golf club hardcase, so could be easily replaced/upgraded. I tend to use the luggage straps (pictured) to hold it shut, which works well as one of them is lockable. These are included.

The current strings are fine, but not super fresh. I didn't like to replace them prior to sale as I don't know what the buyer's tastes will be. They're currently Helicores (I think!).

The item will be shipped insured to the value of £2,500 (maximum possible) with Parcelforce express24 - including tracking and signature upon delivery - hence the large shipping cost. I will not ship this uninsured. Collection/meet-up is possible!

Long story short, I'm only selling it cause I'm not using it. It's a fantastic instrument and a very clever bit of engineering. I hope I can find it a good home!