About to buy my first bass!

micahbell · #1 03-27-2011, 12:57 PM

I've been playing electric bass for around 10 years now and have wanted to pickup an upright but have never really had the money.

For the last six months I've been working at a guitar shop and with my discount it has made an upright way more affordable.

We carry Eastman instruments and a few days ago we got in a Model 80 bass that I thought sounded great, but only playing electric I don't fully know what to look for so I gave it to our tech who is an amazing bassist and he flipped.

The 80s are generally fine basses, but he thinks there is some magic that went into this one and told me if I wanted to get into upright I should buy or finance this one immediately before somebody else grabbed it up.

I took a couple days to think on it, but on Monday I'm going to put down a few hundred to hold it and in a couple weeks when I get my tax return I'll buy it outright!

Steve Swan · #2 03-27-2011, 01:17 PM

This would be a good entry model for you with the employee discount, far better than the Cremona or Palatino basses that so many players use to begin playing doublebass. Go for it, but get it set up by a real doublebass luthier. Let us know what happens.

TroyK · #3 03-27-2011, 02:13 PM

My impression of the Eastmans is pretty good. I've played several of their archtop guitars and been very impressed with fit and finish. Never got my hands on one of the basses.

I don't think it will be a mistake. If you want to tell us your price with employee discount, then we can compare to alternatives in that range. In general, I almost favor a similar option that you can see and touch vs something you'd have to order sight unseen, though.

vike · #4 03-27-2011, 02:18 PM

love my eastman 80. no problems about a year and a half now. just some bridge adjustments. good luck.

micahbell · #5 03-27-2011, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Swan

Go for it, but get it set up by a real doublebass luthier.

Right now our tech says it's set up great - right in the middle. But, I'll play it for a while and he'll set it up for free when I decide where I want it to be.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TroyK

I don't think it will be a mistake. If you want to tell us your price with employee discount, then we can compare to alternatives in that range.

I'll get it for about 1050+ tax.

TroyK · #6 03-27-2011, 11:50 PM

If you connect with it, it's tough to beat at that price.

Don't mean this the wrong way, but does your tech know what he's doing? Normally I wouldn't want a guitar shop tech working on my doublebass.

But, if he does, I think it's a good buy for you.

micahbell · #7 03-29-2011, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TroyK

Don't mean this the wrong way, but does your tech know what he's doing? Normally I wouldn't want a guitar shop tech working on my doublebass.

Oh yeah, people bring him DBs frequently and are always very very happy.

Anyway, I bought it yesterday!

I am having so much fun.
Next week I'm going to take a lesson from a really good bassist I know, and until then I'll just mess around and try to figure stuff out!

Any recommendations of songs I should start out on?

Here she is:
http://i.imgur.com/mGDRT.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/eKkjp.jpg

Marcus Johnson · #8 03-29-2011, 06:32 PM

There goes all your free time. Soon, you'll be neglecting sleep, food, relationships, grooming, and anything not related to the double bass. Welcome to the dark side.

fdeck · #9 03-29-2011, 07:41 PM

Congrats!

TheSuzie · #10 03-29-2011, 08:47 PM

More congrats. Don't let the neighbors know you have that thing. They may run you out of town

S

TroyK · #11 03-29-2011, 11:37 PM

You're off to just the right start. Welcome!

bassist1962 · #12 03-30-2011, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus Johnson

There goes all your free time. Soon, you'll be neglecting sleep, food, relationships, grooming, and anything not related to the double bass. Welcome to the dark side.

+1000

Since I got mine properly set up, I have been using every chance I get to practice something. Getting up earlier, and earlier, Fighting with the wife and kids. I am still eating and somewhat grooming, but who knows...

Plays_For_Dog · #13 03-30-2011, 04:41 AM

Soooo cool. I started on the DB. Spent 2 years on it before I switched over to electric bass guitar. I still tinker with them whenever I can play one. Someday I hope to own one. I'm excited for you!

billm67 · #14 03-30-2011, 05:01 AM

Congrats on your new bass! You'll have a ball with it. Don't get all wrapped up in the details of which bass and what strings....at this point...play it and have fun! That's what this is supposed to be about anyhow.

nicechuckh · #15 03-30-2011, 03:06 PM

I so agree with Bill. Congrats it looks great hope you enjoy it for years to come

micahbell · #16 04-03-2011, 03:50 PM

An update:

I've had it just under a week, and I'm in love.
I am playing it constantly, and it feels so natural. After playing electric bass for 10ish years (and being quite good at it), I feel much more 'at home' with the upright, despite being totally new and having a long ways to go before being comfortable on it.

I am taking a lesson on Wednesday which will help out a lot and am really looking forward to it.

EDIT: can you guys recommend me some good albums with DB a beginner could play along to?