75" Englehardt ES1 vs Christopher 100

[djstugots]

Just a quick poll

1975 slightly beat up Englehardt ES1 with shop setup and strings (bridge and fingerboard dressing, bridge adjusters, tailpiece upgrade, tailpiece wire upgrade, new helicores)
Total price $1400

Versus

New Christopher 100 series, similarly set up $1900

Music is latin folk

Advantages? Disadvantages?

[shadygrove]

My guess is the majority on TB would consider the Christopher the better bass, but that's reflected in the price isn't it?

There are many, many threads about both brands here if you read the newbie links and use the search function. But those are all other peoples opinions and a poll will be more of the same.

You have to figure out what's the best bass for you. What sounds best to your ear, what feels better to play?

[djstugots]

Not necessarily reflected in the price. A new Englehardt ES1 runs $1489 new from Gollihur, not including cost of setup, so the two are pretty comparable in price. The thing to consider is that the 35 year old Englehardt has had some time to age and mellow, whereas the wood in the Christopher and new Englehardt may not even be completely dried yet. I played both basses, and liked the sound of the Englehardt better, but was curious what the majority thought. I did check the newbie links, but there is only posts on the EM1, and not a whole lot on christophers, or even mention of the 100 (cheapest model christopher makes). But thanks for your input.

[ElwoodGruff]

If you like both enough to consider buying them and one sounds better to you, then get it. It's all about what works best for you.

[zeytoun]

+1

Listening to 2 basses in the real world, when you know exactly what sound you are going for and why (as you do), is way better than discussing 2 basses in the hypothetical world.

The only minor point would be to consider having your luthier check out the bass for any issues.