Bass Shopping

SWBass · #1 01-03-2013, 09:26 AM

I have a few questions as I continue my quest for a new bass. Is anyone familiar with a bass with a model of "L606"? The private sale vendor isn't sure, but believes it might be from Korea which I'm concerned about. I hope that it might be an Eastman because the bow that comes with it is an Eastman. I have heard good things about Eastman. Is there any vulnerability or risk of cracking or sound compromise in basses with violin corners or is it purely aesthetic? Thanks to the people who have attached the link for "buying a new bass" I've found it very helpful! Does anyone have any experience with the Shen Rogeri 800 specifically or a German Paesold bass? Any feedbakc would be great!

Eric Hochberg · #2 01-03-2013, 09:32 AM

Purely aesthetic, AFAIK. Where is the bass? Where do you live? How long has it been at this location? Is it carved? Any cracks apparent? One worry is green wood cracking under changing humidity. I would not buy a bass without an opinion from a 3rd party bass luthier.

A former student had an upper end Paesold which was very nice. I think you can buy a Paesold or Shen with confidence, but you still have to watch humidity levels if you live in cold winter climate.

SWBass · #3 01-03-2013, 09:56 AM

I live just north of Boston, MA so humidity is certainly a concern and is why I've considered a hybrid. Although I have a carved bass and have never had any problems with cracks or warping (knock on wood) over the last ten years. I am certainly going to take any bass I plan to purchase to a luthier and I have found someone at this point. I'm not sure which bass you are asking about, I have only played the Shen 800 and there were no cracks. It's a new bass and is also north of Boston from a luthier. On another note, does anyone know what carbon fibers are? Is it a good thing for these to be put into a bass neck?