Beater Bass

[bassist1962]

I know what I am probably gonna hear, but I am looking to get a 'beater' instrument to do the occasional bluegrass/folk/acoustic gig. This is to retire my current fully carved William Lewis bass. I don't have much of a budget as the economy sucks, and I have to save up for it, but What can you recomend under $1000 - fully equipped (bag, pick up and bow included).

[wineaux]

John -- You can do this but you have to be diligent. Watch Craigslist and check eBay for auctions that are close enough for you to check out. At that price, in terms of basses that are worth buying, you can expect to find an Englehardt or something like a Leon Aubert (Romanian). Some music shops use Aubert as their student rentals, so you might be able to find one at a decent price after the school year ends.

Be patient, save and something will pop up. But please, please, please do not give in and buy a crap Chinese bass (not all Chinese basses fit that category; I'm talking about the new ones sold on the Internet for as little as 359. You might as well just burn your money. Or send it to me!

[bassist1962]

Originally Posted by wineaux

Some music shops use Aubert as their student rentals, so you might be able to find one at a decent price after the school year ends.

Yeah, I was wondering about the school bass route. I will have to check it out.

[Eric Hochberg]

I've seen Shen plys on Craiglist around here for $1k. Something like that would be perfect for you.

[MR PC]

+1 with the Craigslist and such. I've seen a coupla' old Kay basses around here go for a grand or less. Some of the Eastman ply basses are worthy too. A 7/8 ply model could make you King of the Hill at a jam.