Cheapest Upright Bass

[rarisgod]

Alright, I don't really know ANYTHING about double bass, I'm a bass guitar player, but I may need to go into studying one of these so I figure I'll post here.

What is the cheapest decent model of an upright bass? Having an electric, body-less one like this (http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....ct?sku=519948X) (if that's even the correct terminology to use) would be ideal, but if there's anything cheaper, more practical for a beginner, it would be kindly appreciated if you guys could post something here!

[tomshepp]

You're not going to get anything for much less than that. What you linked was an electric upright. Not quite the same as a double bass. If you feel you need to legitimately learn DB, then you'll need to invest a bit more. Check the newb links up top.

[drurb]

You would do well to start be studying the newbie links here. If you are really interested in playing DB, rather than a vertical version of a fretless BG, then get a real DB. The absolute lowest you'll spend for a new instrument that is decent and that is delivered with a proper setup is $1200-$1500.

[drurb]

Originally Posted by tomshepp

You're not going to get anything for much less than that. What you linked was an electric upright. Not quite the same as a double bass. If you feel you need to legitimately learn DB, then you'll need to invest a bit more. Check the newb links up top.

Whoa! Similar ideas posted at the same minute!

[tomshepp]

Funny, but coming from BG as I did many years ago, the first thing that struck me was that the only thing DB and BG have in common is the way they are tuned. That is if you tune both in the standard EADG. You really can't fluff off the effort that goes into learning DB. Pretty eye opening for me anyway.

[rarisgod]

I noticed that as well, just having tried double basses in the past...but wouldn't one like the one I posted be similar, at least? :S

[fdeck]

Personally I would recommend starting with a genuine acoustic double bass, so you can experience the true tone and tactile feedback of the instrument.

In my view it does not need to be expensive, but it needs to be of decent quality and setup. In the lower end of the price spectrum, I would only consider a plywood bass. Most of the basses in this range are imported and then receive some additional setup work by the importer before being sold.

Now it gets more difficult. The next piece of advice comes in the form of a question: Where are you located? This will help ascertain where you can go to try out basses. AHBG (All Hail Bob Gollihur)'s web page (www.gollihur.com) has an extensive list of bass related shops around the country.

Now for a rather odd list of basses in (approximate) order of increasing quality:

* A cheap bass bought sight unseen off the Internet
* One from an importer who gets rave reviews here
* One that is made by the shop that sells it
* One that you can try out yourself and compare to other instruments
* One that you can bring along a teacher or double bassist friend to help you try out

Best of luck... welcome to a crazy world, but it's worth the trouble. If the process does not turn you into a curmudgeon, you have not worked hard enough at it.

[txstatebass]

3,002

[Jsn]

Originally Posted by rarisgod

I noticed that as well, just having tried double basses in the past...but wouldn't one like the one I posted be similar, at least? :S

A lot of people express the hope that they can "get started" on an EUB (electric upright bass), but the reality is that they're separate instruments with separate inherent stylistics, much like the acoustic guitar and the electric one. Some people use an EUB in place of an upright for convenience purposes, but you have to tweak them a lot to get a respectable upright tone--and how will you know that tone if you don't have acoustic experience?

EUBs are cool. I like them. But they're a different beast.

That Dean model you're pointing to barely qualifies as an EUB, by the way. The fingerboard and bridge aren't rounded enough to use a bow. Even if you don't plan to use a bow, the string length is so short your fingering skills wouldn't transfer to a more conventional instrument. You might have fun with it, but it would be a dead end.

Hope this helps!

[rarisgod]

Originally Posted by Jsn

A lot of people express the hope that they can "get started" on an EUB (electric upright bass), but the reality is that they're separate instruments with separate inherent stylistics, much like the acoustic guitar and the electric one. Some people use an EUB in place of an upright for convenience purposes, but you have to tweak them a lot to get a respectable upright tone--and how will you know that tone if you don't have acoustic experience?

EUBs are cool. I like them. But they're a different beast.

That Dean model you're pointing to barely qualifies as an EUB, by the way. The fingerboard and bridge aren't rounded enough to use a bow. Even if you don't plan to use a bow, the string length is so short your fingering skills wouldn't transfer to a more conventional instrument. You might have fun with it, but it would be a dead end.

Hope this helps!

Ah well then if I can't use a bow, which I'll probably have to do, then there's no point.

[fdeck]

There's still a point. It is OK to dispense with the bow if you want. Of course the bow adds a dimension, but I think it is more important to feel that you are welcome to start learning the bass with pizzicato only, than to let the bow be a deterrent.

Note in edit. Obviously the dimension that the bow adds is of utmost importance to orchestral playing, but there are bassists who play jazz, bluegrass, etc., who rarely if ever use a bow.

[Mudfuzz]

First I would really like to point out that thing IS IN NO WAY A EUB, it is a bass guitar on a stick, you can not use it as a EUB or DB replacement.

Second, yes is it the best to start out on a acoustic bass, and you can get a ok one for around $1,000 - 2,000 like a Engelhardt or a Shen or a Strunal. I think my bass was around 1,100 and it eats Engelhardts Shens and Strunals as well as E. Wilfers for lunch, I have Idea who made it though, but it took six months of looking to find it.

So start looking.


And then get a teacher.

[fdeck]

Originally Posted by Mudfuzz

First I would really like to point out that thing IS IN NO WAY A EUB, it is a bass guitar on a stick, you can not use it as a EUB or DB replacement.

Agreed. The difference between 34" and ~ 42" scale is night and day, both in terms of tone and technique. A Fender and a buzz saw would get you a 34" stand up bass. Not to denigrate electric bass, but it's a different beast.

[JtheJazzMan]

without knowing what youre studying or who youre playing with....i would say its best to start on a real full bodied DB first as well.

not only does the full sized instrument take a greater length of time to develop the technique and strength, but if you want to call yourself a double bass player, youll need a full double bass, otherwise people may not take you seriously and not call you for gigs.

now, i know it shouldnt be that way, but the people calling me for gigs see it that way, at least in my humble experience.

and if youre not going to bother getting a full sized double, why spend all the time on developing the technique? a top end fretless bass guitar will sound like a eub and will be more familiar to play

[Barron]

Cheap = $1500.00 usd


"Step up" = $10,000.00 usd


Expensive = $100,000.00 + usd


Just a little perspective.

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Originally Posted by txstatebass

3,002

That's OK. I'll get the next one.

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Originally Posted by JtheJazzMan

without knowing what youre studying or who youre playing with....i would say its best to start on a real full bodied DB first as well.

not only does the full sized instrument take a greater length of time to develop the technique and strength, but if you want to call yourself a double bass player, youll need a full double bass, otherwise people may not take you seriously and not call you for gigs.

now, i know it shouldnt be that way, but the people calling me for gigs see it that way, at least in my humble experience.

and if youre not going to bother getting a full sized double, why spend all the time on developing the technique? a top end fretless bass guitar will sound like a eub and will be more familiar to play

Should I go back for the other 1/4?

[rarisgod]

Originally Posted by fdeck

There's still a point. It is OK to dispense with the bow if you want. Of course the bow adds a dimension, but I think it is more important to feel that you are welcome to start learning the bass with pizzicato only, than to let the bow be a deterrent.

Note in edit. Obviously the dimension that the bow adds is of utmost importance to orchestral playing, but there are bassists who play jazz, bluegrass, etc., who rarely if ever use a bow.

No I mean like to study in University I'd probably need to use the bow.

Originally Posted by Mudfuzz

First I would really like to point out that thing IS IN NO WAY A EUB, it is a bass guitar on a stick, you can not use it as a EUB or DB replacement.

Second, yes is it the best to start out on a acoustic bass, and you can get a ok one for around $1,000 - 2,000 like a Engelhardt or a Shen or a Strunal. I think my bass was around 1,100 and it eats Engelhardts Shens and Strunals as well as E. Wilfers for lunch, I have Idea who made it though, but it took six months of looking to find it.

So start looking.


And then get a teacher.

Alright, advice taken!

Originally Posted by fdeck

Agreed. The difference between 34" and ~ 42" scale is night and day, both in terms of tone and technique. A Fender and a buzz saw would get you a 34" stand up bass. Not to denigrate electric bass, but it's a different beast.

Oh I understand this completely, it just makes sense.

Originally Posted by JtheJazzMan

without knowing what youre studying or who youre playing with....i would say its best to start on a real full bodied DB first as well.

not only does the full sized instrument take a greater length of time to develop the technique and strength, but if you want to call yourself a double bass player, youll need a full double bass, otherwise people may not take you seriously and not call you for gigs.

now, i know it shouldnt be that way, but the people calling me for gigs see it that way, at least in my humble experience.

and if youre not going to bother getting a full sized double, why spend all the time on developing the technique? a top end fretless bass guitar will sound like a eub and will be more familiar to play

Ah I see what you're saying, so if I'm not going to go for the full double bass, there's no point? Alright then, great advice thanks!

Originally Posted by Barron

Cheap = $1500.00 usd


"Step up" = $10,000.00 usd


Expensive = $100,000.00 + usd


Just a little perspective.

Um that is very bad LOL


My point here is being that I don't really know how much money I can spend on this, but I might need to start developing my technique to study in the University. Tried looking for a cheap alternative but...lol...

[Gearhead43]

Look for a decent used plywood bass. I found my 14 y/o Engelhardt for $600. It needed a new bridge and a setup, but being the do it yourself type (ie: poor) with good woodworking skills, I ordered an adjustable bridge and did the setup and bridge myself. This was after studying and reading every piece of info I could get my hands on, of course.

I now have a nice sounding loud punchy bass, perfect for my style of music for a very small investment in money and my time. Like they say, "it ain't much, but it's mine."

Learning this new instrument has opened up a whole new world to me. It has brought new music, new friends, and more focus and inspiration into my life.

You do need alot of dedication and perseverance if you are serious about this instrument, it not an easy instrument to learn. This is what makes the double bass all that more rewarding though, IMO.

Go for it. Life is short.

[McGryff]

Originally Posted by rarisgod

My point here is being that I don't really know how much money I can spend on this, but I might need to start developing my technique to study in the University. Tried looking for a cheap alternative but...lol...

If you're going to study music, and if bass is going to be your principal instrument, then yes, you definitely must have an acoustic double bass. There are a few 41-42" scale EUBs, but that's not going to cut it at any college, university or conservatory I've heard of. The finances of getting a good double bass won't necessarily be easy to contend with, but there are several good choices for relatively affordable instruments that would be fine for college. As mentioned before, you can get a perfectly good bass for around $1200 or so, but you do have to be careful and discriminating in your shopping.

Aside from all of this, the sheer joy of playing the acoustic bass is something that you can't get from a solid body BG or EUB, there's no comparison. Once you get an appreciation for the tone and power of the DB, you may not want to look back, it's addictive!

Also, your profile is a little bare; we don't know where you live, so it's tough to recommend any specific shops for you where you could work with a reputable dealer who carries good basses.

Hope you take all of the great advice given here and I hope you find a way to fund a decent bass... keep us posted!