Advice for Returning bassist

[Rebmo]

Hi group,

I am considering returning to upright bassist status. My past history includes playing upright in Junior and Senior High Orchestra, and playing Bass guitar in a few rock bands when in my 20s. I'm now in my late 40s and would like to pick up an upright bass and bow and return to playing. I would like to play at church accompanying violins, cellos, choir, organ, piano, in mostly the classical style of music. I still remember how to read music but will seek instruction to get back into form agian.

The advice I am seeking is how much would I need to spend to get a respectable sounding instrument. I think I could still judge the playability but want to know what makes and price range I should start looking at. I am thinking my price range would be $1200-2000, possibly more with future saving.

Thanks in advance for any advice,

Steve

[drurb]

Originally Posted by Rebmo

Hi group,

I am considering returning to upright bassist status. My past history includes playing upright in Junior and Senior High Orchestra, and playing Bass guitar in a few rock bands when in my 20s. I'm now in my late 40s and would like to pick up an upright bass and bow and return to playing. I would like to play at church accompanying violins, cellos, choir, organ, piano, in mostly the classical style of music. I still remember how to read music but will seek instruction to get back into form agian.

The advice I am seeking is how much would I need to spend to get a respectable sounding instrument. I think I could still judge the playability but want to know what makes and price range I should start looking at. I am thinking my price range would be $1200-2000, possibly more with future saving.

Thanks in advance for any advice,

Steve

Well, much has changed in the bass world over the last two decades. The choice of new instruments is much greater. I suggest you read thoroughly the newbie links and then come back with any unanswered questions. As far as makes/suppliers go, check out some of the ads you see right here on these pages. Where are you located?

[flint]

welcome back. As an adult beginer, I am jealous of your "rusty" skills. I wish I could have played when I was younger too.

In your price range there are a number of basses availble. Some of the reputable makers are Shen, Christopher, and Upton. you can get a ply bass and bow within your budget from any of these suppliers. For just a little bit more you can upgrade to a hybrid-one with a carved top and ply sides and back-which will probably be a sound investment if you are going to be playing in the classical vein. This is an upgrade that I wholeheartedly suggest, if you are able to.

this is a great forum, and most of the folks here are more than happy to help in any way they can.

Since someone has beaten me to the "check the newbie thread" response, let me be the first to say "get a teacher!". It will make everything much easier in the long run.

[Rebmo]

Sorry I didn't dive deeper into the forums. I came in through a very narrow path and did not realize all the other group/threads available. I will spend my time in the newbie zone and not waste anyone's time. Thanks for the kind patient responses, and your advice will be used as a sprinboard back into my love for playing a musical instrument again, upright bass that is.

Regards,

Steve

PS I'll post back somewhere appropriate here as I jump back in and pick an instrument and instructor to let you know how the newbie is doing. I am amazed at the depth of this site, wish I had known of it in the past.

[bejoyous]

Contacting the bass players in your local symphony would be a good way to find an instrument.

You might be able to rent or rent-to-own a better bass from a luthier or music store.