Budget considerations for a new bass

MartinBorgen · #1 07-16-2011, 03:04 PM

Hello everyone. I'm going to update my instrument from a used Thomann 111BR (A very cheap sturdy and klonky plywood thing) to something made at least partially out of proper wood. I'm going to go for an education in classical (auditions next spring) - however Jazz is fun, and I have no plans to not play jazz either.

I have a job now for the near foreseeable future, which means I will be able to afford something - however for my budget planning, approximately how much do you need to spend on a decent proper bass?

Also, harder to properly answer is: what basses tend people in my situation to go for?

Bass Barrister · #2 07-16-2011, 09:38 PM

I assume you are intending study at a college or university. I will have to answer your question from my USA perspective because I don't know the market in Sweden.

If you intend classical study, you will need, at a minimum, a hybrid bass (solid wood top/laminate back and sides). A fully carved bass is preferred. Both hybrid and fully carved basses will be suitable for jazz as well. Here in the US, $2500 - $4000 will buy you a decent hybrid and $3500 - $8000 will buy you a fully carved bass. Speaking again of the US, there are many options, ranging from good quality Chinesse made basses (examples:Shen, Wan Bernadel, New Standard, Upton). Right now, the used market is very good for buyers as well (just look at the prices stated in the "For Sale" section).

My belief is that the average music student beginning a performance major will buy a bass in the range mentioned above. Again, it is hard to extrapolate US practice to Sweden or other placed in Europe because conditions are different.

MartinBorgen · #3 07-17-2011, 04:08 AM

Thank you for your answer. I understand that it is hard do answer about a completely foreign market, but your answer is useful nevertheless.

spoonido · #4 07-17-2011, 02:29 PM

I started shopping in the $3,000 range. By the time I found what I really wanted, the bill headed toward $7,000 with bow and bag.

MartinBorgen · #5 07-17-2011, 03:00 PM

3000 would be my roof, in this case. (Bass only, already has good bow and bag)

chris1125 · #6 07-17-2011, 06:59 PM

Keep in mind that many times you can work a new bag into the deal when buying a bass

I have been using my $4500 bass for five years or so now and I'm still very happy with it. In that price range to get a fully carved bass you almost have to go Chinese. On the other hand there are plenty of great hybrid options in that price range and you can get a nice carved shen or other high quality control shop bass for not much more then that, definately something to keep in mind.

MartinBorgen · #7 07-20-2011, 06:48 AM

I will keep my eyes open. Seems like most shops with websites are US based, or redicilously above my price range - But I think there are a couple of luthiers in Stockholm who stocks basses. Will have to be quite an odyssey once I start my search for real; it will be my most expensive purchase so far!

Flo'Daddy · #8 07-22-2011, 10:25 AM

I am currently playing a. 7/8 Calin Wultur Romanian carved bass. It has a great sound for classical and jazz. It was manufactured in Reghin, Romania. You may want to look for an instrument in that direction. I understand that there are several manufacturers of quality instruments from there. Maybe look for a used one?...