"Hi,
just wanted to write and say, first of all thank you so much for deciding to start making basses, and for taking the path you have! I just purchased one of your Chronos Klimt basses from Frederic at Frays Bass Corner, and the best way I can tell you how I feel is that I am in love with it... A 5 string with a high C is essential to my vision for the instrument and when I found Fray's... the images of the Chronos took me in right away, but I didn't think I could afford it... I had just put a deposit on a Marleaux, when Frederic emailed with the price, and it was within reach. He was great to work with, as I am sure you know, and set aside the bass for me and let me know I could take the time I needed to pay it off as it was the one I really wanted. Well, I got the bass yesterday, and I just had to write and let you know it is an amazing a very special instrument. I could not have found a more perfect instrument for what I am trying to do, and already the bass is opening my imagination... and I am now thinking about putting together a trio for bass, drums and horn with me on bass! I played A LOT of basses before I came to yours (just to mention a few... Rob Allen, Modulus, F bass, MTD, Pensa, Sukop (sp?), Warwick, Elrick, Fodera, Sadowski, Lakland, Ken Smith, Ritter, Pedula, Fenders new and vintage.... and those are just the ones I remember off the top of my head), I knew what I wanted... and nothing I played was just right... I also should mention that I went to school to make classical guitars, so I appreciate craftsmanship on a deeper level. My bass is far and away the best bass guitar I have played, and the construction is incredible. The acoustic quality of this instrument is amazing, especially for a solid body--it has better acoustic response than my Rob Allen which is chambered and has a brazilian rosewood tone block. Ergonomically it is amazing too, and just fits my body perfectly, so I can keep my posture and arm position where they should be.
I don't want to just go on and on, but I wanted you to know how much I appreciate your art and work, and that one of your basses is going to be played everyday in NYC...
Your bass is bringing out the bassist that has been hidden in me for many years!
I started out wanting a fretless, actually, but I am really glad that I have frets for now... I will likely want a fretless in the future, and I won't have to look anywhere else.
And what is it with Italian artisans? I also play drums and guitar, my snare drum is from Adrian Kirchler in South Tyrol, and my classical guitar is from Andrea Tacchi in Fierenze (same story as with the Chronos... I looked and played MANY classical guitars but found nothing like the Tacchi), and my cymbals are either old Zildjian or by Roberto Spizzichino outside Fierenze... It seems like for me, the best always ends up being Italian! Okay... back to playing... Best Regards"
Michael Lowe - NYC, November 2008