Buying an Upright for a Wedding band

CelinderMotoMan · #1 09-10-2007, 01:56 PM

I have played electric since 1985 but have always wanted to take up the Upright. I just joined a band that wants me to pick up Upright for the dinner set because their previous bassist played one. The problem is, i've never purchased one and have no idea what to look for.
Anyone have any pointers?

Also, I have a 1978 Pbass that I would like to trade for one if possible, how/which forum would I list that?

TroyK · #2 09-10-2007, 03:05 PM

You could list it in either or perhaps both (not sure of the rules). I think a trade is a little unlikely, but it's worth a try.

You have another bass guitar, I hope. Buying one is not the same as playing one. You'll need some time and help to make that transition.

-tk

Paul Warburton · #3 09-10-2007, 04:50 PM

Check the Newbie links under basses in this forum.

TroyK · #4 09-10-2007, 04:57 PM

You may also enjoy our Frequently Asked Questions:

TBDB FAQs

TheSuzie · #5 09-10-2007, 05:13 PM

Where are you located? You may want to find someone very who is very experienced to help you shop. Another option is to rent or rent-to-buy.

Do you have a vehicle that can carry a DB? A place to store one safely in your home? Do you plan to play amplified? These are all things to think about. DB can be a joy but there are a lot of practical things to think about.

Peace,
S

drurb · #6 09-10-2007, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TroyK

...Buying one is not the same as playing one. You'll need some time and help to make that transition.

-tk

+1!

anonymous02282011 · #7 09-10-2007, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TroyK

Buying one is not the same as playing one. You'll need some time and help to make that transition.

if you can spend 2k and live in New England, call arnold schnitzer or mark carlsen and get a shen SB100.

if you can spend 1k, perhaps a Kay or an Englehardt.

in either case you will need a pickup to amplify the bass.

oh yea, and buying one is not the same as playing one . . .

WELCOME!

drurb · #8 09-10-2007, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adbass

if you can spend 2k and live in New England, call arnold schnitzer or mark carlsen and get a shen SB100.

if you can spend 1k, perhaps a Kay or an Englehardt.

in either case you will need a pickup to amplify the bass.

oh yea, and buying one is not the same as playing one . . .

WELCOME!

He lives in New England?

anon_6j591b0 · #9 09-10-2007, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TroyK

You could list it in either or perhaps both (not sure of the rules). I think a trade is a little unlikely, but it's worth a try.

I'd just sell the Pre and be ready with money in pocket when the right upright comes along. Often shopping for a DB is a matter of patience and luck.....not at all like shopping for a utility slab.

Quote:

You have another bass guitar, I hope. Buying one is not the same as playing one. You'll need some time and help to make that transition.

LOL!
And where you are would be useful in suggesting places to start looking. If you're 30 miles outside Flapdoodle, North Dakota you may want to mail order an Upton (you may wanna do that in any case) but if you're in North Jersey you could probably drive to ten or fifteen places that have used basses and find something good in a day or two.

CelinderMotoMan · #10 09-10-2007, 05:41 PM

Sorry, I am located in Flint, Mi. I do have other basses. I have been playing professionally as my sole income since 1990, so while i'm not a newbie to music, I am to Upright. I don't have the budget for a teacher (sorry TroyK), but I am self taught on the electric and have a good ear so I plan on learning the old fashioned way (do people do that anymore?)
I plan on having a budget of $2500 so the Pbass would obviously be a longshot and trade + cash.

CelinderMotoMan · #11 09-10-2007, 05:42 PM

I have been to Elderly and have played uprights there, does anyone know of any places in the Detroit area?

TroyK · #12 09-10-2007, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CelinderMotoMan

I have been playing professionally as my sole income since 1990, so while i'm not a newbie to music, I am to Upright...but I am self taught on the electric and have a good ear so I plan on learning the old fashioned way (do people do that anymore?)

Godspeed.

CelinderMotoMan · #13 09-10-2007, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TroyK

Godspeed.

Thanks for all of your advise, I wish I could afford a teacher as I know of a great one in Lansing.

skidude · #14 09-10-2007, 10:12 PM

Your budget is very reasonable. If you don't mind ordering one and having it delivered, check out Upton bass. You can get a brand new laminated UB within your budget. Others to check out are Bob Gollihur and Jerry Fretwell. You can do a search for Bluegrass festivals in your area. Most of these festivals have venders selling new and vintage instruments on sight. It's quite likely you can find a nice vintage Kay, King, or Epiphone in your budget.

Hope this helps and good luck.

CelinderMotoMan · #15 09-11-2007, 12:05 AM

The name Upton keeps coming up which is the cool one, the Hybrid?

bassist1962 · #16 09-11-2007, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CelinderMotoMan

I have been playing professionally as my sole income since 1990, so while i'm not a newbie to music, I am to Upright. I don't have the budget for a teacher (sorry TroyK), but I am self taught on the electric and have a good ear so I plan on learning the old fashioned way (do people do that anymore?)

I have been playing professionally since the early - mid eighties. I lucked into an upright a couple of years ago, and am self taught. The main problem with self teaching the URB is the physical aspect of it more than anything else. If all you do is find someone to give you some pointers on the physical, it will help you a great deal. I didn't want to believe it at first, but they really are two different instruments.

MI, Ann Arbor, Cremona Violin Shop, Peter A. Tatar, (734) 973-4803 gusb.org/Tatar/

MI, Birmingham, Wilson Fine Violins, Rob Wilson, 248-258-1125, Wilson_fine_violins@email.msn.com • wilsonfineviolins.com/
Repairs
MI, Grand Rapids, Guarneri House (616) 451-4960, Sreileymbm@aol.com, • guarnerihouse.com/
Steven Reiley, Bow and Instrument Maker, imported and used basses, also repairs, restorations, appraisals.
MI, Monroe, Ed McCoppin, Violin Maker, (734) 243-1254
Repairs and restorations on basses

These are luthiers in Michigan that I found on Bob Gollihur's site. Some may teach, or at least give you some pointers.

Good Luck, and welcome aboard!

Uncletoad · #17 09-11-2007, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TroyK

You have another bass guitar, I hope. Buying one is not the same as playing one. You'll need some time and help to make that transition.

-tk

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassist1962

I have been playing professionally since the early - mid eighties. I lucked into an upright a couple of years ago, and am self taught. The main problem with self teaching the URB is the physical aspect of it more than anything else. If all you do is find someone to give you some pointers on the physical, it will help you a great deal. I didn't want to believe it at first, but they really are two different instruments.

Really these guys aren't just giving you extra work or trying to spend your money. It's a prudent word of warning backed up by experience you don't yet have.

Self taught DB players have the highest percentage of carpal tunnel, tendinitis, and other RSI damage than those who are formally educated.

It's the rare person that can figure out the DB all on there own without getting hurt no matter how talented and smart and experienced you are.

Budget some of that bass money for at least a couple lessons with someone who can help you find how it's done without injury, otherwise you may have some downtime from your busy giging schedule trying to recover.

CamMcIntyre · #18 09-11-2007, 09:08 AM

If you don't take lessons [at least a few to get an idea of the right technique]-be prepared to pay for it later on in life. I spent the first year or so of my undergrad [in my 3rd year] unlearning and relearning DB technique. So i spent roughly $25k to unlearn and relearn the same stuff that if i would have actually applied myself during lessons in high school-i would have saved $25k. Pretty costly over sight eh?

I am immensely greatful that i've been able to relearn and correct the issues with my technique. Now-i can get a much nicer tone with less effort and strain. My hands/wrists aren't sore after playing anymore either.....well-most of the time.

If you don't get a full time teacher-try to at least get some pointers from the local DB guys.

Good luck with it.

CelinderMotoMan · #19 09-11-2007, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamMcIntyre

If you don't get a full time teacher-try to at least get some pointers from the local DB guys.

Good luck with it.

Thanks. The guy that I am replacing isn't leaving until the end of the year and he has offered to help me with the tunes and such which is good because I certainly don't have 25K to spend.