Is this Bass Worth It

[Billminpa]

Hi I am completely new to Upright Bass. Currently in a band that is looking to add that element in besides Bass Guitar. Is this any good?

http://cgi.ebay.com/4-4-FULL-SIZE-BI...item5d26c44eec
Don't have much money but would like to get started with the instrument.

Thanks,

[MysterMunky]

please avoid these basses at all cost. i've had to set up a couple of these basses and they are beyond terrible. the nuts and bridges are usually way too high and the strings tend to snap pretty quickly. you get what you pay for....

the main thing a beginner needs, IMO, is a well set up instrument. this allows the student to learn the bass without equipment issuses, which leads to more love of the instrument and faster progression than a poorly set up bass. if the instrument sounds and feels bad, the student is less likely to practice and more likely t quit

[drurb]

+1. That bass is probably not good enough for firewood. The minimum you will need to spend for a decent new instrument set up properly is about $1500. There are no shortcuts; there are no exceptions. Cheapo basses turn out to be far more expensive in the long run. Even if you pay all the extra $$$ to modify them and maintain them, you end up spending more than you would have to begin with for a far better instrument. Then there's the implosion risk.

Read over the newbie links. They contain a wealth of information. Then c'mon back with questions. Most of us are happy to help.

[waleross]

I would not buy a String Bass on eBay. I would get to a shop and see them in person. Playing them is very important.

[morehorn]

i was in a similar spot years ago. wanted to "get into" upright but had no cash. I bought (which is probably somewhat similar to this bass) a Chinese "Palatino" Bass. High action, impossible to play, thin sounding etc etc. Not useful, not even good enough to "learn on", no exageration; it was crap.

[Billminpa]

Thanks to all of you for the quick responses. It is as I had assumed, just wanted to confirm that this wasn't the short line at motor vehicle...lol

Thanks again