Is a $1000.00 for a Glaesel a good deal?

gcbake · #1 11-17-2007, 07:50 AM

Is $1000.00 a good deal for a used laminate student model 1/2 size Glaesel? It is in good condition and fairly loud. I have a choice between a light colored one or a more traditional dark colored one (the darker being the loudest).

Jake deVilliers · #2 11-17-2007, 12:04 PM

Why are you looking at a 1/2 size instrument?

You haven't put your age in your profile, but judging by your gear list you're big/old enough for a 3/4. Unless you're under five feet, that is!

gcbake · #3 11-17-2007, 06:59 PM

I'm 38, but i have been a life long electric player and i want a smaller more portable instrument with spacing closer to the electric. I have looked at 3/4 and 1/2 sizes and the 1/2 seems to meet those needs.

jimmyduded · #4 11-17-2007, 07:08 PM

im 6'5 and I play a 5/8, its louder and more comfortable than most 3/4's ive played

jimmyduded · #5 11-17-2007, 07:10 PM

eventully though, you wont want something that feels like electric, I went from electric to 3/4 for 3 years then my 5/8ths due to the fact of its sound and feel, so bear in mind you wont alway want an upright that feels like an electic

philip sirois · #6 11-18-2007, 09:20 AM

no 1000 is not a good deal.

1. you really DONT want a 1/2 size even if you think you do, honest.

2. There's no resale market for these things , so when you finally decide that it's not cutting it, which chances are you will, you'll never get your money back for it or it will take a long time to find a buyer.

It's not really more portable than a 3/4. I mean really, in the case what's the big difference?

If your going to play the bass, you should just play the bass.
the scale length difference is just one of many adaptatations youll have to make from BG. It's not as big deal as it seems, a good number of the folks on this forum have done the same thing and I dare say most would recommend a 3/4.

Regardless of the above posters claim, a 1/2 plywood bass is not going to have the tone and output of a 3/4 bass, with very few exceptions. If Size really is an issue, find a smaller size 3/4 with a shorter string length. It'll sound better, hold it's value better, you'll have more choices for strings, and you'll look cooler playing it.

good luck

jimmyduded · #7 11-18-2007, 05:32 PM

with all respect, next time your in new jersey stop by my house and check out my juzek and tell me it isnt louder than most 3/4ths youve played, although its a very rare type of occurance and I see your point, the glaesel will not have the result

Steve Swan · #8 11-18-2007, 05:51 PM

While I have played some older (pre WWII) 5/8 basses that were mind-blowingly good in volume and tone, I've never once played a 1/2 size bass that was worth even 1/2 of a tinker's damn to listen to. I tend to play 7/8 basses.

Steve Swan · #9 11-18-2007, 05:53 PM

While I have played some older (pre WWII) 5/8 basses that were mind-blowingly good in volume and tone, I've never once played a 1/2 size bass that was worth even 1/2 of a tinker's damn to listen to. I tend to play 7/8 basses.

I'm assuming that this purchase is going to be okay because you'll be using a pickup and a big amplifier in performance.

Let us know how it turns out!

jimmyduded · #10 11-18-2007, 06:03 PM

i wouldnt buy it, at 1000 dollars you would be better off saving up some money and getting something that will hold its value, a nice 3/4 bass, possibly an upton, a good place to look is schools and such when they selll things

KSB - Ken Smith · #11 11-23-2007, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gcbake

Is $1000.00 a good deal for a used laminate student model 1/2 size Glaesel? It is in good condition and fairly loud. I have a choice between a light colored one or a more traditional dark colored one (the darker being the loudest).

What is the String Length of this Bass? (vibrating length from Nut to Bridge)

I once owned amongst my other working Basses a 5/8ths (or maybe it was half sized) Tyrolean Bass with about a 40" string length that was about 100-150 years old by 1974 when I had it. I used it on several gigs and never had any problems. My Other Basses were 41-42" string length 3/4-7/8ths Basses and never had any problems switching from Bass to Bass as needed for the various Gigs I did.

Being that you are mainly a BG player and just picking up your first DB, I don't see ANY problem at all in your choice regarding size, model or dealer. After playing this for awhile you can decide for yourself if you need a bigger Bass. I don't see why unless you are doing Acoustic un-amped Jazz gigs or playing in a Symphony.

jimmyduded · #12 11-23-2007, 12:54 PM

hey ken did you sell that to a guitar store in nj? because theres one there that fits your description

KSB - Ken Smith · #13 11-23-2007, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmyduded

hey ken did you sell that to a guitar store in nj? because theres one there that fits your description

My 5/8ths Bass? No, I sold it to a player back in 1975.

jimmyduded · #14 11-23-2007, 02:55 PM

hey ken, sent you an email about the bass, just letting you know

KSB - Ken Smith · #15 11-23-2007, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmyduded

hey ken, sent you an email about the bass, just letting you know

PM me. I am at home now and cant get the email till monday.

jimmyduded · #16 11-23-2007, 03:10 PM

pm sent

Marcus Johnson · #17 11-24-2007, 03:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmyduded

im 6'5

The plot thickens. Or maybe it lengthens.

KSB - Ken Smith · #18 11-24-2007, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmyduded

hey ken, sent you an email about the bass, just letting you know

False alarm.. Was not my Bass. Thx anyway but I'm really not looking for it either..lol

gcbake · #19 11-28-2007, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KSB - Ken Smith

What is the String Length of this Bass? (vibrating length from Nut to Bridge)

I once owned amongst my other working Basses a 5/8ths (or maybe it was half sized) Tyrolean Bass with about a 40" string length that was about 100-150 years old by 1974 when I had it. I used it on several gigs and never had any problems. My Other Basses were 41-42" string length 3/4-7/8ths Basses and never had any problems switching from Bass to Bass as needed for the various Gigs I did.

Being that you are mainly a BG player and just picking up your first DB, I don't see ANY problem at all in your choice regarding size, model or dealer. After playing this for awhile you can decide for yourself if you need a bigger Bass. I don't see why unless you are doing Acoustic un-amped Jazz gigs or playing in a Symphony.

I ended up buying an Eberle from Ideal in NYC (Thanks Steve) The bass measures is as follows: Body - endpin to neck block is 40.5"; string length is 39.5";Upper Bout is 18"; Lower Bout is 20.5". Thanks Ken for your advice.