Brian Bromberg

 

My BSX Allegro Acoustic Series is a great instrument. What I love most about it is that in addition to being a superb stand-in for my acoustic bass, it has it's own unique identity and voice-which makes it a key part of my bass rotation. Live, I used it most recently on a U.S./European tour with Lee Ritenour, Patrice Rushen, Ernie Watts and Alex Acuna, and it sounded fantastic; a lot of people came up to me wanting to know what it was. When you amplify and mike it at an outdoor jazz festival or in a large club, it sounds huge; it has a really big, growly, modern sound, and it's flexible enough to get a great, traditional, woody, jazz acoustic bass tone, as well. In the studio, I've used it on a number of CDs because, again, it has its own personality. It's way bigger than a fretless-with a lot more bottom and growl-and it has a more focused, present sound than an acoustic bass-plenty of clarity and sustain without sounding too airy. You can hear me using it on "When I Look In Your Eyes," from my CD, Choices. Another great quality, considering how difficult it is to take an acoustic bass on the road these days, is that it's so travel-friendly. I took it on a cruise to Alaska and played it in my cabin while watching the glaciers go by! Thanks Dino, my BSX is pure fun to play!

-Brian Bromberg, Solo artist, Chris Botti, Stan Getz, Dave Grusin, Michael Buble, Nancy Wilson, Billy Cobham

 

Mike Pope

 

When I joined the Manhattan Transfer, I knew I'd need an electric upright that would travel easily, be able to be played loud in large venues, and have a sound that was easy for the production crew to mix. At the same time it would have to play like an acoustic bass and be adaptable to styles ranging from early Fletcher Henderson to Miles Davis. Finding an instrument that would do those things, and weigh less than 50 lbs., including a flight case, was easy once I found Dino Fiumara and BSX! My Allegro Acoustic Series is versatile and flexible enough to get a wide array of sounds out of it, from thumpy, old-school swing, to a modern, sustaining, more-electric sound. It's just a very musical bass. It plays effortlessly, the neck feels great, it adjusts easily, it was well set-up on delivery, and it packs up small and light. Thanks again, Dino!

-Mike Pope, Solo artist, David Sanborn, Chick Corea, Manhattan Transfer, Bill Bruford's Earth Works, Mike Stern

 

David Santos

 

My BSX [fill in model name] is incredible! It's by far the most acoustic-bass-sounding electric upright. It rings loud and true, and it has that nice booming thump. I've used it on sessions and gigs, and people are amazed. I also love the electric side of it, being a fan of people like Eberhard Weber and Sting. You can get a really distinct, rich electric upright sound and the EQ is very flexible. Playability-wise, it's very easy to adjust the angle of the neck for comfort, and to raise and lower the action. On top of all that, it's great to travel with-compact, strong and road worthy. Thanks, Dino, I don't know what I'd do without my BSX!

-David Santos, Crosby Stills & Nash, Billy Joel, John Fogerty, The Neville Brothers, Elton John, Billy Preston

 

Verdine White

 

My BSX Series 2000 is a great electric upright that really adds to my bass arsenal. The bass is white; the tone is tight and right! I use it on jazz and Latin grooves. I love my BSX!

-Verdine White, Earth Wind & Fire

 

Dave Pomeroy

 

"The BSX T4 is a great sounding electric upright bass. It emulates the complex sound of an acoustic bass incredibly well, yet still has its own unique character. The electronics are clean, punchy, and versatile, and the individual gain controls for each string are a great feature. I have never played any other electric upright that has such a smooth transition from pizzicato to arco playing. On top of all this, it's a great value, too. I love this bass and would recommend that anyone interested in electric uprights, check it out!"

Personal Letters From Around The World To Dino Fiumara

 

Ron Monroe

 

DINO I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR TRULY MAKING SUCH A GREAT INSTRUMENT, AND MOST ALL WORKING WITH ME. MY MAIN GOAL AT THE NAMM 2003 WINTER SHOW WAS TO CHECK OUT ALL THE ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC UPRIGHT'S ...AND I DID. YOUR ALLEGRO BASS CAME OUT ON TOP!! IN ALL FAIRNESS THERE WAS A RUNNER UP, BUT YOUR CRAFTSMANSHIP, SOUND CONCEPT AND PRICE BLEW YOUR COMPETITOR OUT OF THE WATER! THE ALLEGRO IS A WORLD CLASS BASS. THIS BASS IS BUILT WITH AN ACOUSTIC PRINCIPAL HENCE A TRUE UPRIGHT SOUND AND FEEL. THIS IS NOT A TOY OR A QUICK REPLACEMENT THIS IS THE REAL DEAL...BE HEARD, FELT AND SEEN. ON ALL INSTRUMENTS THE PLAYER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS OR HER SOUND, EITHER ARCO OR PIZZACATO, THE ALLEGRO ALLOWS YOU TO BE IN CONTROL OF YOUR PLAYING AND SOUND. IT'S A VERY EVEN BASS, NO MORE DEAD SPOTS OR CRAZY FEEDBACK...YUK! ASSEMBLE/DIS-ASSEMBLED, ACTION ADJUSTMENT AND PORTABILITY ARE HEADACHE AND HASSLE FREE...SILKY SMOOTH!!! RIGHT ON DINO...A GREAT PRODUCT, RON MONROE NYC PERFORMED WITH: PHAROAH SANDERS CARRIE SMITH TROPIQUE JIMMY WITHERSPOON

Ron Monroe

New York City

Kalimbo1@yahoo.com

 

Carlos Bermudez

 

"Thank you very much for a job well done. I appreciate you being always there to back your work up". Take care

Carlos

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

 

Alec Brindell

 

"I've played the electric bass for 15 years and recently decided to take on the challenge of learning the upright. I did a lot of research across the internet and found Dino Fiumara's EUBs to the best insofar as quality for the price, BAR NONE. How could you go wrong when you are able to speak with Dino-the creator of the bass himself? Before purchasing I called repeatedly and asked many questions of which Dino always answered with utmost patience and respect. I never felt like I was in a hurry to buy anything. Now, my Allegro 4 string EUB is the only thing I play. It has an incredible sound and the transition to a much longer scale was easier than I thought! Thanks for making an incredible instrument!" I LOVE that bass. It has the most beautiful sound. It practically plays itself. !! I know you said to play the bass in good health but if I play this bass in much better health, I'd be a saint!

Alec Brindell

Macon, Georgia -USA

brindell@cox.net

 

Dave Pomeroy

 

Hi Dino. I hope you are well. I have been meaning to write you for a little while now. The live album I did in Italy last fall with James Talley is finished and your bass sounds great. My good friend Cheryl White of The Whites, a great country/bluegrass act (Grand Old Opry members) was over at my house last week singing on my wife's record, and asked about my BSX. I showed it to her and she loved it, the neck the sound, everything. She has looked at Eminence and some of the others but has not been impressed with any of them.She plays upright and Fender and is a sweet wonderful person as well as a great bass player and singer. They play the Opry almost every week and also tour. Thanks for everything, as always.

God Bless.

Dave Pomeroy

Nashville, Tenn

 

Jeff Sabin

 

Morning Dino. Just want you to know that I was reading an advance print of our Santi Debriano feature and noticed that JT plugs the fact that Sant's using a BSX Custom 5 string Electric Upright...pretty cool! Have a good weekend...

 

Jeff Sabin

General Manger Jazz Times, Inc.

Silver Spring MD

www.jazztimes.com

 

Marla Micoley

 

Hello, My son who is 15 is a huge jazz fan and plays in the high school jazz band as well as the orchestra and just loves the 4 string allegro electric. My husband and I would love to get him one for Christmas, but can't seem to find one. Is this something we could purchase from you directly? He has such a love of music and the bass that we really would love to make his Christmas wish come true.

 

Sincerely,

Marla Micoley

 

Hi Dino,

Jordan absolutely loves his new bass!!! You should have saw his face on Christmas morning-he was so happy!! It really sounds fantastic and has such a cool look on top of it. He starts jazz band next week and is so excited to bring it. Thanks for helping us out, you made Jordan's Christmas!

Have a great New Year!

Marla

 

Wayne and Gabby

Australia

Dear Dino, Bass arrived 5th July and I'm rapt. I love the feel, love the style, love the finish, it's a great bass.Been playing it all afternoon, can't wait for the next gig! (unfortunately I have to wait another fortnight), and I'll need some fliers because this will blow people out! Thanks so much for everything, all the best,

Wayne

shortcrustkid@yahoo.com.au

 

Glenn Harris

 

A note of appreciation. I've had my BSX Allegro since December, 2005, and it's become one of my two favorite instruments. The instrument has always drawn compliments for its sound, and I've concluded that it's something close to the ideal compromise between a ¾ size or larger string bass and the solid-body "stick" basses, such as yours, the NS Design, and the Clevinger. I always tell people that the BSX is the way that I can simultaneously afford to have both a string bass and a sports car. I appreciate your time.

Regards,

Glenn Harris

1-F Gardenway Greenbelt, MD 20770

301.441.4975

 

Steve Harper

 

Dino: Hello from rainy St Louis. I picked up the Allegro around 2 this afternoon and just put it down (6:00PM). I have just been breaking out old LPs and playing along w/ Joni Mitchell and Lee Ritenour stuff. The bass is the coolest thing I have ever had besides my family, and I have had a lot of toys. I know I would have ben happy with my other choice (a Lightning Bug) but I absolutely love the Allegro. I bought another Briefcase as I sold my first one to buy a suitcase and it really does sound good with your bass. I kept the suitcase for my electric basses and also bought the 4B extension cabinet, it moves serious air for a small package. Even being in the AV business I still always gravitate to my Linn turntable, Linn Speakers, and my old McIntosh tube gear when I want to listen to music. Jeannie has been kind enough to relenquish a large part of our house to instruments and such. It's nice to be married to your best friend. I also convinced her a long time ago that I could be blowing my money on a girlfriend instead of my toys. How is your son's music going? I'll trade you a signed print from my daughter for a signed CD. Anyway, take care my friend and may God bless you and your family:

Steve Harper (I am still trying to get Jeannie to do a New England road trip)

 

Dan Rogers

 

Hi Dino The allegro bass is great! I'm really pleased with it. It feels and sounds very like my upright, and also has a unique sound to itself. Someone commented that it sounded like a well miked upright bass. I've found it really useful for carrying to rehearsals, as well as using it on higher volume gigs without any feedback. Its image turns a few heads too! Sorry it took me a while to say this, I kept meaning to send an email but got delayed.

Thanks Dan

 

Ross Trattler

 

Dino Ross Trattler in Australia here. You may also be getting contact from a Bass player friend, Dorian...he loved my Allegro and wants one.

Thanks Dino!

Ross Down Under

 

Robert DiBlanco

 

Hi Dino; Hope all is well - I have finally gotten a good picture with me playing my Mini Allegro. The picture was taken during a show at the Astrodome in Houston, TX. by Amy Floyd. Feel free to use the picture on your website (if you want to).

Thank you very much for a great instrument !

robert@diblanco.com

 

Bobbi Pruneda

( Allegro Purple People Eater )

 

Dino here are some pictures of Junior before PPE with his K Bass and the next three are him with his Alegro Purple bass and just for fun I threw in a picture of me so that you could picture who you are speaking with the next time we are speaking by phone.This is a jam session we do every summer near our home. As you can see, in this photo he is behind me playing his Fender precision electric. His K and P are wonderful sounding instruments but the Alegro outshines all of them. I don't think he ever thought anything could ever outshine his favorite upright, but the new kid kicks ass ( pardon the language). It's exciting to hear so I can only imagine how incredible it must to actually play it. To say he is happy with it would be a gross understatement. He lookes forward to each forthcoming gig with anticipation. Tonights gig was at one of the most prominent Art Galleries in the area and the bass got almost as much attention as the paintings. Even from non-musicians. Actually it looked as though it was piece of the art works. We both love it. Thank you so much.

Bobbi & Junior Pruneda

 

Patrick Martin

 

Dino,It is so good to find you on here. I've been wanting to write you for some time and tell you how happy I have been with my Allegro bass. I play in a independent touring band based out of Nashville, TN. I play my Allegro extensively on every show. I can't tell you how pleased I have been with the sound, playability and durability of the bass on the road. The bass is also visually pleasing on stage and has actually become an important part of my "image". Time and time again I have been approached by sound engineers and other musicians raving about the sound of the bass. My allegro has really started to set me apart in the industry. In the coming year, I will be touring even more, in colleges and clubs in the midwest and south. We will also be performing on cruises with Lynard Skynard, Lyle Lovett, Emylou Harris, Sean Colvin, Sean Mullins, John Hiatt, and many more. My allegro will be proudly played on them all. Thanks again for a great bass that has helped me get to new heights as a player.

Patrick Martin

 

Geoffrey Dietrich

 

Dino, Thanks for providing me with the information. I just wanted to let you know that, even though I am at least the third owner of this bass, it still plays very well. All of the the components are functioning properly, including the end pin mechanism. It plays very well, it is the first EUB I have played on for any length of time, but I have been playing upright bass (classical and jazz) for twenty years, and this bass feels very good under my fingers. I look forward to playing some of your more recent models next chance I get. Well, thanks again. Geoff

 

K R Wettering

 

Greetings Dino... just wanted to send a note of Kudos... My Allegro SB4 has made it's debut here in the Tucson AZ music scene. Lots of positive remarks - from girls who think the blue satin finish is cool, to established musicians in town who are impressed with the styling as well as the sound. One musician in particular took me aside after a recent gig and told me that it was probably the best investment I had made in an instrument. The guys in my band are equally impressed with the stand up sound I get out of it. (I play primarily in a bluegrass band, and I can't help but give credit to the SB4 for helping secure a regular gig at the pub who's owner loves bluegrass music AND the bass!) Anyway, I have been sending them to your website..As soon as I can conjure up a digital picture of the SB4 in action I will send it along.. Thanks again,

Kim Wettering

Tucson, AZ

 

Rick Lang

 

Dino I just got back from my first big band rehearsal with the Allegro. Our director/founder (one of those guys who seems old enough to have been in the civil war) said it was the most real-sounding electric upright he's ever heard. I got several other compliments on it - sound, looks, everything. It's great!

Thanks a ton.

rick

ricklang1@msn.com

 

Kristjan Aunver

 

How nice to find your site! wish you the best for 2002 and I want you to know that I've had thousands of wonderful hours playing the bsx 2000 (which I bought from you, many many yrs ago!). It has played a most vital role in my development as a musician. million thanx!

Kristjan aunver

Sweden

 

Alun Davies

 

Dino, just wanted to drop you a line to say that I love my T4. it is just the nicest thing to play. Jeremy Darby down the hall (FOH for Lou Reed and has worked with Wasserman) says it's the best sounding upright electric he's ever heard and that includes the Zetas. Of course part of that is me:) Anyway, take care and thanx,

Alun Davies

TO, Canada

alun@passport.ca

 

Chris Kenney

 

How you been? The bass has been great! Alot of people have no clue what it is......haha Talk to ya later,

Chris Kenney

President

www.axiom-inc.com

ckenney@axium

 

Ed Zingaro, M.D.

 

Ciao Dino Just thought I'd share some feedback with you. First, my personal feelings. The instrument looks and sounds just great. It plays like a dream. I'm very happy. As I travel around to various venues there are always never ending questions from players. Who makes it? What woods is it made of? What kind of electronics? People are very curious indeed and with good reason. Clearly, they initially note of the beauty of the bass. Once they hear how good it sounds they want to find out more about it. What I generally do is try to steer them to your website.

Tante cose,

ED Zingaro, M.D.

San Francisco, CA

 

Alfredo Oliveros

 

The bass has an incredible Natural sound. I play salsa, meringue, bossa, samba styles. The mini Allegro 36" is good like normal bass guitar. I recommend the bass. Thanks

Alfredo BASS PLAYER OF YA'GOZO

Latin Jazz Band of Jacksonville, Florida

Alfredo Oliverios

Jacksonville, Florida

oliv2025@bellsouth.net

 

Dorio Ferreira

 

Dear Dino, Finally I have time to sit down and write some lines. After the NAMM show I had been working very hard, producing records and playing at live presentations with my band. My son has recorded with the BSX for different famous Mexican singers. I released my first two albums with the BSX, recorded for my record company with the best jazz guitar player in Mexico, and the second with my own band. The sound of the instrument is really unbelievable.I hope you appreciate these albums as much as I do. I want you to get somebody to translate all the booklet because I wrote something very special for you in the guitar album. Dear friend, this is everything for the moment and Ihope to hear from you soon, receive regards from my son who has a special admiration from you.

Sincerely your friend,

Dorio Ferreira

Mexico City

global_e@enter.net.mix

 

Tom Bellini

 

Hi Dino, I just wanted to say thank you for building such a great instrument. It is one of the finest instruments I've ever played! Your attention to detail and craftsmanship is amazing. I am playing it every chance I get. I think I'm going to perform with it today at church. Again, thank you sooooooo much for a beautiful instrument! Talk to you very soon

Tom Bellini

Pittsburgh, PA

TVBellini@aol.com

 

Jeff Hately

 

Blew em away

Well Dino, you did it again....I took the Allegro with me on my church job I had last weekend, plugged it into their $100,000 sound system, run by guys who knew what they were doing. Wow!! The walls are probably still ringing. I stroked the B string with the bow on a couple of FF passages. The sound guys never knew what hit them. Some folks came up out of the audience...what is that thing?? where did you get it?? The drummer thought I paid $6000 for it. Maybe you should ask for a raise from your customers.

It sounds like a million!!!

Thanks again.

Jeff Hately

jahatley@mebtel.net

jhatley@triad.rr.com

 

Notable Quotes

 

"The following quotes by, Richard Johnson © 1999 Miller Freeman Inc. April 1999 issue of Bass Player Magazine. Reprinted with permission from Bass Player. For subscription information call 800-234-1831, in CO call 303-678-8475

 

"The BSX boasts an open, natural pizz sound that's very upright-like."

 

"Electronics are admirable quiet. Sustain, Decay, and Growl are extremely realistic and finger-friendly"

 

"The T-4's action is adjustable by a two-Allen-bolt pivot system that changes the neck angle. Adjustments are quick and easy - strings don't need to be loosened"

 

"I don't have to work to balance this bass in regular pizz position. The notched endpin adjusts easily"

 

"The string to string balance is admirable and can be tweaked with trimpots that adjust each pickup's output. The knobs, trimpots, and flip-up battery holder are accessible along one side"

 

"Designed for maximum portability, the T-4 also boasts an easily detachable neck that makes the bass ideal for frequent fliers. The gig bag accomidates neck-on and neck-off modes."

 

"Provides solid tone in a sturdy, easy-to-cart package. With it's Big-Band Balls and Piano Trio Finesse, the BSX is definitely a contender in the pogo stick crowd."