$1400 - $1900 beginner bass and bow.

[Silas Martinez]

Hi there.

I'm the stereotypical guitarist gone bassist (though that was some 15 years ago) - and somehow I've stumbled over here. Through a significant amount of research, I've discovered that the classical double bass is the 'sound in my head'. To finance getting started with this, I'm looking at letting go of a couple of pieces of my EBG gear. The result - I'll potentially have around $1400 - $1900 to invest in a student class instrument. The $1900 is stretching it to the limit. I will be needing to get a bow as well - arco is an important part of the sounds I'm hearing.

What are some specific brands I should look at? Secondarily, can anyone recommend any shops in the northern California area, or other places I should check in my search? Places to check for used instruments, perhaps?

[coreybass]

You should check out Steve Swan Guitars:

http://www.steveswanguitars.com/

He has a lot of basses of different levels and seems like a good guy from his posts here on talkbass. He's in the Bay area I believe.

Corey

[Steve Swan]

The great bass resource in Sacramento is Jeff Sahs. I drive 100 miles each way to have Jeff set up all of my shop basses. Jeff usually has 6-8 basses for sale in the shop and will tailor the setup specifically your needs, often while you wait. A full service violin family shop, Jeff was trained by the late Albert Muller and his repair work is exceptional. Jeff performs both jazz and community symphony work. I can't think of a more qualified bass resource in the Sacramento or San Joaquin Valleys of central California. Jeff may be reached at (916) 739-1962 and is conveniently located just south Land Park in Sacrmaneto. Tell him I said hello.

Corey,
Thanks for the kind words. I try to keep 25-30 fully setup basses in stock, though I'm down to 22 at the moment from the school rush.

[Silas Martinez]

Thanks Steve - exactly what I was looking for - a skilled luthier in my area.