Beginner Bass

powellmacaque · #1 07-02-2009, 03:41 PM

I recently ordered an Engelhardt EM1OF from musician's friend, but the bass has been on back order for a month, and has been recently been placed on back order for another month (at least). I will probably cancel the order

Here's my dilemma:

1. I need the bass before the end of August, if not sooner. I'd really like to practice the bass before I start school, I'm a recent BG convert. I need it to start school in the fall for my college's ensembles.

2. I can't afford a more expensive bass. I can pay $1400 tops for a bass, and that's pushing it. End of story. I don't have the time or the opportunity to save for a better bass. I am lucky that I can afford a $1000 bass in times like this on a college student's budget. I also need to buy from a place where I can have a little to no interest payment plan, which is why I chose musicians friend. If there are any luthiers that will negotiate a payment plan, I'd be happy to deal with them.

3. I live in Central Florida, within driving distance to Orlando, Gainesville, Tampa, Lakeland, Jacksonville, and Tallahassee but I cannot for the life of me find a place to play a bass or purchase one. Maybe I just don't know where to look.

Any help would be appreciated. I know I sound a bit stand-offish, but I knew that I'd get quite a few people who would tell me that I was a worser person by doing what I did, and what I plan on doing, I just had to explain.

Andrew McGregor · #2 07-02-2009, 04:08 PM

Well, you've provided all the necessary information... sorry I can't directly help, not knowing the market in that part of the world, but someone can.

I do know that there are lots of options further up the east coast, so if you're in for a drive with an overnight stop or a plane trip, there isn't a problem. I'd have to fly somewhere from here, so consider that an option.

Marcus Johnson · #3 07-02-2009, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powellmacaque

I'm a recent BG convert.

What double bass have you been playing recently (post-conversion)? Have you had a double bass teacher?

tomshepp · #4 07-02-2009, 04:32 PM

http://www.gollihurmusic.com/luthiers.cfm I'm not from the area,but you're bound to do better with some of these luthiers. Best of luck.

Gary Lynch · #5 07-02-2009, 04:50 PM

Post a wanted ad in the musical instrument section of Craigslist in your area or any area you can drive too. Maybe someone can help.

chasyboy · #6 07-02-2009, 05:11 PM

I recently had the same journey and played over 50 basses. Ended up buying a bass from a pro via Craigslist. And because I was a beginner, it was great to have a guy who is a pro play it. The best part was that he had it set up for everyday pro playing.

You really need to 'hold' and play these basses because each bass has it's own life, tone, feel, etc. Start with finding a comfortable neck shape you like and then tone. I played a ton of imports and for the price the Chinese basses are amazing. But later I got to appreciate the nuances of the finishing work and was glad I held out for a little nicer, 10 year old German plywood bass for $1,100. Recently took it to local luthier and they said with a few minor repairs they'd appraise the bass at $2500.

Another thing to consider is resale value. Just know that you will grow out of this bass. You just will. So make sure you pay a price you know you can sell it for.

I have spent the last three months trying every bass I can within 100 miles...stores, craigslist, etc...One thing I know for certain....just because a bass is a lot of money doesn't mean it's the best sounding. Does it have the potential, with the right set up, probably. I've played a lot of basses in the $1500 range that are great.

Good luck....

wineaux · #7 07-02-2009, 07:57 PM

Any bass you buy from Musicians Friend or similar places will require some set up work to make it playable, which could add another 300 or so to the price. Check with Jerry Fretwell Bass in Staunton, Va., or Bob Gollihur (mentioned in a previous post). If you're looking for an Englehardt, they can get you going quickly.

powellmacaque · #8 07-02-2009, 08:10 PM

Do they have flexible payment plans? I would much rather buy from a "mom and pop" place than musician's friend, but even working full time over the summer I could not save up $1500 after all my other bills are paid, but I bought my $900 Jazz Bass and $1600 Stingray with payments before, so I trust myself with payments.

I'm not really set on Engelhardt, but I'd prefer American or European construction for under $1500 (I was looking at maybe Strunal or Lazaf). I would also like a bass with a versatile sound (one that would sit well, maybe not excellent, with everything from bluegrass to jazz to Bach) that I wouldn't be too scared to take on a gig.

I have been using my old high school's bass to learn the basics on. My problem is the bass instructor who was giving me lessons from my school is 6 hours away... I had to come home for the summer to save for the bass.

A little unrelated... I received a German Carbon Fiber bow (paid about $225 for it). My bass teacher recommended that price point to me, but will I regret the purchase later? I have been taught German style, and my school prefers German bow, but that's about as much as I know about bows.

Ben Wilkie · #9 07-02-2009, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powellmacaque

A little unrelated... I received a German Carbon Fiber bow (paid about $225 for it). My bass teacher recommended that price point to me, but will I regret the purchase later? I have been taught German style, and my school prefers German bow, but that's about as much as I know about bows.

Hahaha, let's just say whether you play French or German bow is completely up to you. None is better than the other - but the debate over which is better has been raging for decades for some stupid reason. It has been about as fruitful as the 'pick vs. fingers' debate that has plagued electric bass forums since the birth of the internet.

If you have a German bow already, and you can play German, and your school teaches it, then that is as good as any reason to bow that way. One day you might want to try French out of curiosity and to make up your own mind on the matter - I play French, but I'm about to get a German bow to try it out for a bit - but don't let anyone tell you you HAVE to play this way or that.

Good luck saving up for an instrument!

Greg Clinkingbeard · #10 07-02-2009, 08:26 PM

I just got a German CF bow priced just under $300 and it is very nice. It will be more than adequate for any bass in your price range.

While I can appreciate your position, a new Engelhardt isn't going to take you very far, especially under the bow. Once you factor in things like an adjustable bridge, strings, etc you may be surprised.

powellmacaque · #11 07-03-2009, 12:02 PM

I'm really just buying the bass to get my degree and play around with my personal bands. I have no plans on being a member of a professional symphony or jazz ensemble. But on the other hand, I would like to know that my $1,000+ investment isn't going to crack and break; or cost an additional $1,000 to even be playable.

Andrew McGregor · #12 07-04-2009, 05:56 PM

Well, but to get to degree level on it you'll probably need that setup, at the very least. The playing standard required in any respectable degree course is rather high, so playability is important. Sound less so, in that everyone will know you're a student... but still, you need an intermediate instrument for this, not entry level. The bow, on the other hand, will probably be fine; CF bows play like wood ones at about 3x the price in terms of playability (you get what you pay for in sound though).

So, given all this... you need to try every used bass you can, and ideally find a good player who can help you with finding a nice one.

Marcus Johnson · #13 07-04-2009, 06:32 PM

Where are you going to college? Majoring in double bass?

littlebill · #14 07-05-2009, 08:49 AM

There have been several basses listed recently in the Orlando Craigslist including one guy at UCF that wants to trade for a vehicle.

Send me a PM if you are unable to find anything suitable. I don't know of a bass for sale but I could make some calls to see if we could locate something that would work. I'm in Apopka, just north of Orlando.

Bill Miller