Buying My First Bass

Wasted Bassist · #1 06-02-2010, 02:46 PM

I'm about to head downtown to meet me bass instructor at a music shop downtown. I've been looking at every upright around town that I could and I finally found one that I think might be "the one". As some background, I've been playing for about eight years now and I've been renting the whole time. I figured the start of college would be as good a time as any to finally buy a bass. The one I have my eye on is a Kay (EDIT: it's a model M-1). The thing has a monstorous jazz pizz tone and had a really nice full sound when bowed. If all goes well I'll have her home by this time next week. I'll try to post some pictures later. I'm giddy as a school girl right now.

Eric Swanson · #2 06-02-2010, 04:29 PM

Good luck. Smart move; taking somebody along for perspective.

Paul Warburton · #3 06-02-2010, 04:39 PM

+1. Also your decision to rent before committing to a purchase.
Good luck and have fun.

EDIT: Eight years must be some kind of record for a rent, though.

Ric Vice · #4 06-02-2010, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wasted Bassist

I'm about to head downtown to meet me bass instructor at a music shop downtown. I've been looking at every upright around town that I could and I finally found one that I think might be "the one". As some background, I've been playing for about eight years now and I've been renting the whole time. I figured the start of college would be as good a time as any to finally buy a bass. The one I have my eye on is a Kay from the early fifties (if I remember correctly). The thing has a monstorous jazz pizz tone and had a really nice full sound when bowed. If all goes well I'll have her home by this time next week. I'll try to post some pictures later. I'm giddy as a school girl right now.

I remember that out school owned lots of plywood basses. I used one that had gamba shoulders and was easier to play. My main instrument actually has a hardwood three ply back and it has incredible tone and projection. There are some older Kay's that sound really great. Enjoy, after all in the beginning it's not the bass, it's the will and dedication of the bassist.

Ric

Ric

Wasted Bassist · #5 06-02-2010, 04:51 PM

Went in and checked it out again with my teacher and it looks like this is the one for me. I'm working out the price with the owner (it's on cosignment in the shop) and then after some set up and a few quick changes she'll be home with me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Warburton

+1. Also your decision to rent before committing to a purchase.
Good luck and have fun.

EDIT: Eight years must be some kind of record for a rent, though.

I've just been renting this long because our school system rents instruments for so cheap.

Wasted Bassist · #6 06-03-2010, 12:28 PM

After thinking through it, this bass will need some modifications before she's performance ready. I talked to the luthier at the shop and he said he could do everything was looking to get done all at reasonable prices. I checked the rates at a few other shops and these guys were the best overall. It's looking like I'll be buying her this week, then getting adjusters put in on the bridge and getting the bridge overall shortened as well as putting in a new endpin and possibly some lower tension strings. I think after it gets a few touches, this should be a really great bass.