Bass advice please (buying, brand, gen info)

PostBop · #1 03-19-2011, 05:50 PM

Hello all,

I'm new to the forum. I went through the newbie thread and it was far too overloaded with info to get me started. Perhaps someone would like to make some suggestions for me.

I have a mid 50's Kay M1B. It is in mediocre shape, definitely not gig worthy. I've had it about 11 years and play it in phases. I'm not new to bass, and play the Kay well. What I am new to is double bass info, history, brands, models, sizes, strings, you name it. I've been playing bass guitar predominantly the past 20 years.

I've finally convinced the guys in the band to go straight jazz. We are all jazz lovers and firm players. We've been doing all sorts of styles the past 8 years. Now that they are on board I've got to get a gig ready instrument.

I love to play hard bop and post bop. Paul Chambers, Ron Carter, and Jimmy Garrison to name drop. I'm 6' tall. What are some basses that compliment this style of jazz? Price cap around $2000. Would love to spend more but in financial woes. I'll be selling blood, basses, and pedals to buy the new bass, including selling the Kay.

Feel free to remark on sizes of a bass, strings, and mic capabilities. I currently use a K&K Sound Double Bass Transducer for micing. Please advise me in any way you think might help my situation. I will certainly appreciate it.

Thanks

TroyK · #2 03-19-2011, 05:56 PM

Why isn't your Kay gig worthy?

jlilley · #3 03-19-2011, 06:38 PM

For $2000, you'll be hard pressed to do better than your Kay. Your best bet might be to get it to a good luthier and have the necessary repairs and set up done.

Just my .02...

Cheers,
John

PostBop · #4 03-19-2011, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TroyK

Why isn't your Kay gig worthy?

The section of the body where the bridge rests has sunken in on the E string side, which makes for difficult set up. I've managed to eliminate the buzz everywhere save for (what would be) the 7th fret region with wood shims under bridge. No matter what I do I can't fix it. I suppose a luthier may have better luck. Also the long bass bar inside had come unglued, I glued it back in but who knows if it helped or hindered!

I'm not a vintage instrument kind of guy. I like instruments that work at peak performance. I'm less interested in obtaining "the sound", I'm more interested in playing day in day out with quality gear that can take the abuse.

TroyK · #5 03-19-2011, 08:44 PM

Tough to do on your budget, but since you're in NJ, I might start with a call to our friend Bob.

Gollihur Music - Upright Bass Specialists: Instruments, Pickups, Preamps, Amplifiers, and Accessories

It looks like he can offer you an Englehardt in that price range and ask him about the Bulgarian bass. He and Mark are good people.

Your options are limited in that price range, not non-existant, but limited, something you can see and play and someone localish who you can maintain a relationship with is probably more important than scouring the earth for a specific brand.

Either have a luthier look at your Kay or sell it. Lot's of people are looking for cheap basses and a lot of people love Kays. You may be right about the state of yours, but someone will take it on.

Matt Ides · #6 03-20-2011, 06:59 AM

Take it to a luthier first. I had the same deal on an epiphone bass and it was workable with a full set-up. I just paid for a new fitted bridge. Bass sounded great.

PaulCannon · #7 03-20-2011, 08:34 AM

It may be cheaper to repair the Kay, though if the bass bar needs to be replaced the cost may exceed the instrument's value. A repair estimate from a reliable luthier should be your first move.

If moving on to another bass is what needs to happen, I might suggest looking at Christopher basses. Two thousand will limit you to plywood, though you may be able to sell your Kay as-is for a decent amount of cash. There is a wider selection, and more interesting options, in the 3k+ range.

Rocky · #8 03-20-2011, 03:12 PM

It might be worth a drive to Connecticut to check out Upton Bass.

Square Bear · #9 03-22-2011, 07:55 AM

a student of mine bought a thompson in that range. nice bass for sure! steve kosica sells them at string emporium. google it.

PostBop · #10 03-22-2011, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Square Bear

a student of mine bought a thompson in that range. nice bass for sure! steve kosica sells them at string emporium. google it.

This is fantastic thanks, exactly what I'm looking for. Have you played your students bass? Initial thoughts?

tstone · #11 03-22-2011, 09:46 AM

It's always nice to see an old instrument restored to health, but I can understand why you might not want to take on such a project. If you're considering a new bass, the three Shen laminated models are also in that price range. Unlike the Thompsons -- which as far as I know are only available in Arizona -- there are Shen dealers in your area, so you may be able to try one before making a decision.

biobass · #12 03-22-2011, 03:06 PM

If you are in central NJ and would like a good luthier to take a look at your Kay, I highly reccomend Jack Hill. His website is JDHill music.com. He took my beat-up old '39 Kay with lots of problems and turned it into a workable instrument. He is a heck of a nice guy to boot and a good teacher. Now if I could only get the time in to really learn how to play this thing...!

Cheers,
Dennis

chuck norriss · #13 03-22-2011, 03:14 PM

have you talked w the folks at Stein on Vine? A lot of cats been through those doors.
STEIN ON VINE Music Co. 323-467-7341

Lemur Music has gorgeous instruments too--several under $2K
String Bass - Double Bass - Upright Bass - Bass Instruments - Bass Music - LemurMusic.com

You might regret selling your Kay.

Square Bear · #14 03-23-2011, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PostBop

This is fantastic thanks, exactly what I'm looking for. Have you played your students bass? Initial thoughts?

I play on his bass every week. He's had it for several months now, and I think it sounds great. Steve's a good guy to deal with too, I bought a bass from him myself a couple years ago. He'll ship a bass anywhere via air cargo. You can pick it up at a nearby airport, it's very easy. PM me if you have any questions, and good luck with your bass search!

Square Bear · #15 03-23-2011, 10:51 PM

FWIW, I agree that the kay you already own might be the best bass you can get for what you need. Just depends on how willing you are to invest in it and what it needs. Let me know some more details if you are interested in selling it though!

PostBop · #16 03-25-2011, 02:29 PM

I had the bass looked at and was told repairs would cost around $500. He said it was worth repairing if I was in love with it. I don't want to spend that money and then have to have it strung and set up on top of the repair cost.

He suggested the Engelhardt-Link ES1 as he is a dealer. Any opinions on this model bass?

Dave Irwin · #17 03-25-2011, 03:23 PM

I'd look for a hybrid (carved top, ply back and sides) at $2,000.
I've run across some really nice fully carved Shens for 2500 so a hybrid should be very doable.
Good luck,
Dave

TroyK · #18 03-26-2011, 11:16 AM

Whatever bass you own, you will incur luthier expenses over time $500 is not outrageous. Its not like buying a new Mustang under warranty instead of trying to commute in your '66 Mustang. Owning a bass, any bass, requires maintenance.

I'm just saying. If you really don't want that Kay someone else will be willing to invest that $500.