Bruckner SB900L3?

dgpretzel · #1 06-26-2011, 08:37 PM

I have been an amateur brass player (tuba) for several decades, and am interested in learning the upright bass. Strictly as a hobby-- no professional aspirations. But, I do think it would be fun to play the walking bass lines in a local Dixieland group on a real acoustic bass, rather than trying to imitate (on a tuba) that wonderful, thumpy pizz sound.

Anyway, I'm thinking that I might buy used, or maybe some cheap Asian instrument. I'm not in a hurry.

I checked both (there are only two) local music stores, and, if I buy local (and new), there are only two choices: Cremona SB2 and Bruckner SB900L3. A little research here suggests to me that I might be "penny wise, but pound foolish" if I go with the Cremona, and I haven't found out much of anything about the Bruckner, except that it is a little more than I am want to pay.

I am a total newb regarding upright basses, but I'm thinking that, even though strictly a low-end hobbyist, I would be interested in something in the $1100 - $1400 range (Shen SB80, Engelhardt EM1, Estle Louis, etc.). Something low-end, but not ultimate low-end.

The Bruckner, even though available locally and discounted substantially from the list price of $3440, exceeds what I want to spend. But, now I am curious about it because of the absence of information. Nothing out there on the net. No discussions here. It seems like a mystery, but then I admit to knowing nothing about basses in the first place.

So, what is this "Bruckner" bass? Is it known to the DB community? Is it a stencil from some other manufacturer? Does it have any particular reputation?

Thanks for any comments.

DG

longfinger · #2 06-26-2011, 08:52 PM

Google found this on the "Bruckner" bass....

Music3.com - Local Music Instruments For Sale

which is repeated in a Los Angeles craigslist ad.

Where is "local" for you?

dgpretzel · #3 06-26-2011, 09:02 PM

Thank you for your reply.

I did find that, but I still don't know much about the "Bruckner" line. There is a ton of info, just here on TB, for example, on many manufactuerers and models-- but, nothing on Bruckner. Made me curious about the relative dearth of information (compared to so many other models)!

Local for me is Juneau, Alaska.

DG

P.S. Just for completeness, the Bruckner is available here, new, for $1995. Includes bow. No case. No stand.

drurb · #4 06-27-2011, 06:56 AM

Looks like they are/were sold by United Musical Instruments of Elkhart IN. Another Asian import? Check here. Apparently imported by Scherl & Roth, also in Elkhart so I'm guessing the companies are related. See here. From the Scherl & Roth description:

The Otto Bruckner instruments were added several years later to provide moderately priced instruments for students. These instruments, made of pressed wood, meet the stringent quality requirements of Scherl & Roth, as well as the MENC, and are fully shop-adjusted.

My $0.02: Go for the Shen.

Eric Hochberg · #5 06-27-2011, 08:25 AM

Do you know that historically, the tuba preceded the double bass in jazz and is a perfect fit in a dixieland group?

+2 on the Shen.

drurb · #6 06-27-2011, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Hochberg

Do you know that historically, the tuba preceded the double bass in jazz and is a perfect fit in a dixieland group?

+2 on the Shen.

We agree on the Shen and on the history! I had the same thought about the OP. Yup, the DB sort of imitated the tuba at the start.

dgpretzel · #7 06-27-2011, 09:14 AM

drurb,

Thank you for the additional information on Bruckner instruments.

Eric & drurb,

Yes, I was actually aware of that.

I believe as late as the 20's, the tuba was still pretty standard in jazz and dance bands. I probably expressed myself poorly, in my original post. I do actually enjoy "bouncing along" wiith the tuba. But, I observe that the parts are all written as string bass parts, and I do like the sound of the string bass, and I think it would be enjoyable to add to my "palette of options", if you will,

To quote an old commercial (thus dating myself), "Double your pleasure, double you fun..." (the pun comes for free).

DG

drurb · #8 06-27-2011, 09:22 AM

^^^^^Excellent! Yeah, I like the sound of the DB too.

dobrien · #9 06-27-2011, 07:28 PM

Pops Foster in his autobiography said that he talked Fate Marable the band leader on the riverboat to let him play upright. He told him that playing arco would sound just like a tuba.

tomshepp · #10 06-28-2011, 05:35 AM

I want to learn to play the Tuba!

Don'tknow if I have the lung capacity though.

Bass Barrister · #11 07-02-2011, 01:32 PM

Tom,

I'm also a tuba (and euphonium) player. You do not need a whole lot of air but you do need the right sized tuba. The King 2341 (new style) allows the player to put out a lot of sound with relatively minimal effort, as does the new American-make Kanstul copy of the legendary York tubas.

I know a goodly number of tuba players who also double on DB and /or bass guitar. As I write this, my good friend and former teacher, Rich Armandi, a pro tuba and bass player here in Chicago, is heading down to Louisville where he will be one of the bass faculty members for the Aebersold jazz camp.

It's all bass clef you know . . .