1g for an URB

[dubmon]

I'm thinking of entering the URB water for the first time. Only have toyed around on one here and there. I have read the threads here about buying an upright. I have 1000 bucks tops, and it just freaks me out to think about buying an instrument like this sight-unseen/unplayed(not that I'd really know IF it played well, or what it's true potential was anyways! But I have played some that sounded great to me, and some that sounded like duds
However, it seems like that might be the way it's gonna go unless I stumble on a local sale. I'm wondering if it behooves me to order a new bass that has a "setup" included in the price and (theoretically) no pre-existing issues, or if with a DB, you're always better off going for a used bass and hope that it doesn't need work (which I can't afford now---I do understand any bass might need finessing, but I'm strapped for now--1g is the max for me which would have to cover strings too).

[Nagrom]

How about $500.00 worth of rental bass that could possibly apply towards a future purchase, and $500.00 worth of lessons that last a lifetime?

[dubmon]

My uncle I'm staying with (also a TB'r) is buying me lessons as a birthday gift(he wants to learn too)! I guess I just want my own instrument . . .

[JustDavid]

1k instead of 1g?

[wineaux]

Dubmon,

Where are you located? Folks might know of something in your area.

At a thousand bucks, the best thing that happen is that you stumble onto an ok vintage ply where someone is either a motivated seller or doesn't know what they have.

I bought a '34 Jaeger in 2007 for a grand, but I had to drive 1,000 miles roundtrip to try it out and I put another $350 in a setup by a top-notch luthier.

Good luck in your search.

[bobalew]

Originally Posted by Nagrom

How about $500.00 worth of rental bass that could possibly apply towards a future purchase, and $500.00 worth of lessons that last a lifetime?

Carbon fiber bow - 200
Bag - 200
Strings - 150 to 200

You can get beyond 500 quickly and still not have a bass. Nagrom has the seed of an excellent idea. I didn't - couldn't - own a bass until I was out of college, relying on school instruments for what seemed like forever.

Check with your local high school band director for a rental referral. And check with local colleges/universities for teachers.

Later comes:

Pick-up - 200
better amp - 500-700
pernambuco bow - 2000
tux - 350

It gets scarey ...

[400$Bass]

Originally Posted by dubmon

I'm thinking of entering the URB water for the first time. Only have toyed around on one here and there. I have read the threads here about buying an upright. I have 1000 bucks tops, and it just freaks me out to think about buying an instrument like this sight-unseen/unplayed(not that I'd really know IF it played well, or what it's true potential was anyways! But I have played some that sounded great to me, and some that sounded like duds
However, it seems like that might be the way it's gonna go unless I stumble on a local sale. I'm wondering if it behooves me to order a new bass that has a "setup" included in the price and (theoretically) no pre-existing issues, or if with a DB, you're always better off going for a used bass and hope that it doesn't need work (which I can't afford now---I do understand any bass might need finessing, but I'm strapped for now--1g is the max for me which would have to cover strings too).

dubmon, first you should fill out your profile (as I was told to do), and embrace "community".

I can relate to your scenario. I only wanted to spend one thousand for a bass. I'm a rookie and I looked in the 1980's and everything I ran across for a thousand was junk and needed this and that. Then my interest rose up again this past year and my wife bought me nice Engelhardt C-1 (it is like new) with a bag and other fixin's for only 400.00 It was one of those situations that a kid played it in high school. Graduated and moved on to other interest. His folks wanted it out of the house as their son did not want it. My wife told the seller that I plan on using this bass in ministry, hence the seller sold it for 400.00 NO PRESSURE applied.

I'm with you I would not buy anything sight unseen and tested. Be patient and you will find something suitable for a thousand dollars. Happy Hunting.

[Nagrom]

You & your uncle should meet with the teacher. He'll be familiar with the local options, and likely have students that are ready to move up in instrument quality & pass along their present basses. He also may deal in basses somewhat & could at least hook you up with a rental/loaner to get you going.

That's way better than showing up for a lesson and having him say something like "Tell me again why you choose this bass". Seriously, consult with someone who has a reputation to protect. You'll have no problem finding someone to take your $1k for dubious value.