Rooster Bass

Not only was 2005 the year of the Rooster, but it also happened to play host to the 2005 International Society of Bassists (ISB) conference in Kalamazoo, Michigan, June 6-11. I exhibited this bass (along with another custom) at the show.

After the deep red base color was applied and shaded, I handed the bass off for the artwork. The rooster artwork and lettering were executed by Dawn Cooke, an incredibly talented and imaginative painter and tattoo artist who knows more than a thing or two about Asian art. Dawn chose a color palette that compliments and plays off of the instrument's red base beautifully. Her knowledge, skill and her ability to put tasteful personal spins on classic ideas and aesthetics have resulted in a truly unique instrument. You can be assured that Dawn will leave her mark on more Norton Customs in the future. After Dawn wrapped up her work, the bass was finished, rubbed and buffed to a vivid, deep high gloss.

As with all NC basses, this instrument isn't all show and no go by any means. The setup was performed with primarily the pizzicato or slap player in mind. Currently outfitted with Silver Slap strings - Innovation's latest offering - the bass plays effortlessly and possesses that rich, gut-like warmth synonymous with classic double bass tone. In keeping with the overall look of the bass, the bridge was dyed black and gold-anodized aluminum adjusters were fitted to compliment the gold individual tuning machines and endpin.

The back...

The sides and scroll...

A few detail shots...