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Scott Lightweight Bass Wheel Mk2
What is your idea of a good bass wheel? When we asked this question to players - from professionals to students - it was quite evident that what was required was a well-made lightweight wheel. A wheel that could be taken out from the endpin unit when not in use and easily carried in an accessory pocket of a cover or in one's travel bag. One long serving (+/- 38 yrs) member of London's Philharmonic Orchestra felt so strongly about how a good wheel should be - that he said, "How about I design one". Later and obviously still taking the matter quite seriously our Mr Scott then went further - and said, "I tell you what - how about I even make one for you." And so he did. Has it been fully tried out? Yes it has. Although bass wheel design and manufacture has been a spare time hobby for Mr Scott he recons that he's sold in excess of 400 wheels over the last 12 years - all without complaint and all purely through word of mouth. I'd say that's a pretty incredible statistic. In addition to the majority of wheels currently being used by amateur, student and professional players in England - the Scott wheel has been well received by players in Germany, Denmark, America, Japan, Australia and even Oman. With an obvious pride Mr Scott reveals his long list of former customers and recounts, "The late great Ray Brown (1926-2002) bought one from me and current jazz supremo Alex Dankworth has bought no less than five over the years". It does look good - but how strong is it? With a stainless steel pin that's been MIG-welded (a high deposition gas metal arc-welding process) onto the top-centre of a 3mm gauge stainless-steel bracket - it's mighty strong. With regards to the wheel - the centre is made from a moulded plastic - the tyre is made from a resilient type of foam sealed in a plastic outer. There are no pneumatic valves to go wrong or hollow tyres to puncture - so we boffins at The Contrabass Shoppe recon that you'll need to push your bass several hundred kilometres before it does eventually wear out. The wheel looks quite small - is it up to the job? Although the diameter of this wheel is only 11cm - it will do exactly the same job as a big-wheel with the advantage of superior instrument manageability and manoeuvrability. Simply put - this means that the instrument isn't elevated too much - so it's easier to handle. When not in use the benefits of the smaller wheel will definitely be appreciated when it comes to carrying it as luggage. I've noticed that there are two flats milled onto the surface of the pin. Why is that? Yes that's right. Usually the pin of a good bass wheel is milled to form a flat onto which the retaining screw of the endpin unit engages. This simple feature ensures that the wheel doesn't slip out from the endpin hole or twist around out of line with the direction of travel. So - because the Scott Lightweight Wheel features no less than two flats - the pin of the wheel can be inserted into the endpin hole in two different positions. The first flat will allow you to push your instrument straight in front of you. Rotate the wheel anticlockwise through 90% to the second flat and you'll be able - should you prefer - to push your instrument along sideways. Fabulous stuff indeed. What sort of ride does the wheel give? The plastic-sealed foam-compound of the tyre offers the perfect amount of cushioning for your instrument. Every thing is just so smooth. Will it fit my endpin hole? At present the Scott wheel is being produced with a pin diameter of 10mm (generally regarded as the industry-standard) - so please check the diameter of your endpin hole before purchasing. When did the first Mk2 wheel become available? After a considerable development period the Mk2 wheel was brought to the market in December 07. It is still made entirely by hand by Mr Scott himself. The stats on the origional wheel were very, very impressive. Just how does the new Mk2 wheel improve on them? Incredible as it may seem - the new Mk2 wheel is lighter by 22gms and shorter in total length by 1.5cm. In addition it is stronger and much better looking. How fabulous is that? So just how light is the wheel? So sorry - you're right - I haven't told you yet. The average weight is 255gms. I understand that the shaft has a diameter of 10mm but is there anything else that I should consider before investing in one of the wheels? The Mk2 Scott lightweight wheel is intended for use on smooth surfaces such as pavements, university or college campuses and airport lounges. If you are looking for a wheel to use along cobbled streets, for going up and down pavements or for trundling over ploughed fields we would suggest that you look for a different make of wheel or perhaps consider the ingenious and extremely versatile Double Trolley. Summary: At last - a well made wheel that doesn't require a separate suitcase to transport it in when not in use. This lightweight wheel is cool, its neat - it's the business and The Contrabass Shoppe thoroughly recommends it. Perhaps a final word from Mr Scott, "Ooo..I forgot to tell you that there was one complaint - it was from a girl who was most upset - she'd had her wheel stolen". Stats: Weight: 255gms (ave)
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