Bass for college

najcross · #1 12-10-2010, 06:32 PM

Hi everyone, I just wanted your opinions on whether to get a laminate or a carved bass for college. I don't know how the conditions it would be stored in would be but hopefully I can put it in my brother's apartment. There is also the option of goin hybrid. I'm also probably goin to get it from upton if that makes a difference.

fdeck · #2 12-10-2010, 08:20 PM

When I was in college, my dorm was not humidity controlled, but the music department building probably was. Your brother's apartment may be hit or miss. Search on humidifiers, because there have been a number of threads on this. Your best insurance policy might be to provide your own humidifier with a humidistat.

Perhaps it might help to know what your plans are. Will you major in bass performance, or something else? That might help folks advise on what you need. Also, you should contact the music department, because they may have storage for your instrument and some details of how the climate is controlled. I wasn't a music major, but kept my bass in a storage locker in the music building.

Your profile says you've got an Eastman. Are you happy with it?

sirero · #3 12-11-2010, 12:40 AM

My universities music building is (for the most part) Climate controlled EXCEPT the percussion hallway in the basement which happens to also house the former Organ practice rooms that is now my storage closet...amounting to cracks in my carved bass if i forget to hydrate it (which happened this past week.) That being said, I couldn't imagine not using a carved bass. Keep it hydrated, and keep it safe.

Rick Auvil · #4 12-11-2010, 07:07 AM

Will you major in music at college? Traditional or jazz? I'm sure the folks here can give you some great ideas if you provide a bit more information. By the way, have you discussed a bass with the teacher at the school you will attend? They can also be very resourceful.

najcross · #5 12-11-2010, 10:53 AM

I plan on majoring in music education. I play classical but am definately looking forward to playing in jazz groups and other ensembles. The Eastman I am using right now is my high school music departments but I do like it and it seem to be a quality bass. Eventually I am going to be getting a fully carved bass whether its during or after college. I would much rather get it now and have it for college but I don't want to run the risk of having it damaged. After my first year in dorms I will be moving in with my brother. The teacher at WVU hasen't told me anything besides the fact that they require their bass players to get their own basses.

drurb · #6 12-11-2010, 11:02 AM

As a serious student who plays classical, I don't see how you'll be satisfied with anything but a carved top. Hybrid or fully-carved, I'd say.

najcross · #7 12-11-2010, 11:23 AM

Well the Eastman I'm using right now is laminate and even my bass teacher (classicaly trained) was suprised how good it sounds. But, I am definately leaning towards a fully carved bass. I am just worried about the enviornment it would be in. Which could lend a hand to the idea of a hybrid.

fdeck · #8 12-11-2010, 12:16 PM

I'm assuming the winters don't get so dry in WV as they do up here, so it might not be such a vital issue. For buildings that aren't climate controlled, outdoor temperature drives indoor humidity.

I agree with Deafness Researcher UpRight Bassist here.

Rick Auvil · #9 12-14-2010, 06:13 AM

In my opinion, a hybrid with a nice set-up and a decent bag will get you a nice sound, and take the bumps and grinds of college life a little better than a fully carved bass. Later on, after you get a carved instrument, you will still want to keep your good hybrid for a back-up bass.

There are quite a few luthiers and shops that will get you on the right track. Click around TalkBass, or PM to ask for referrals. Try to find a good one who is nearby in case any issues pop up. Best of luck to you with your studies!

LouisF · #10 12-14-2010, 09:48 AM

One of the TBer's here recently gave one of the Eastman carved basses (a 605 or a Deutsch(?) model) a pretty good recommendation. You could look into that as an alternative. The Upton (I have one) and New Standard hybrids are also well regarded.

Louis

Thread here: Rudoulf Doetsche by Eastman

txstatebass · #11 12-15-2010, 08:42 PM

I've also seen Calin Wultur basses from Romania. They are a great value, well constructed and mature quite nicely. They are fully carved and around 4-5k

najcross · #12 12-19-2010, 05:23 PM

thanks for all your help. I could definately see geting a hybrid but another factor is that through financial aid it would be easier to afford a nicer bass due to lower interest rates and that I won't have to much income to save as a teacher. My teacher loves Juzek, I never played it cause its his baby but maybe next lesson I can ask politely. I have looked into the higher end eastmans and could go that route but I would really like to try one first. How do you like the upton hybrid? anything about it you don't like?