Choices for first bass...

faviobarrio · #1 10-15-2010, 02:29 PM

Please advise on the two choices I have narrowed it down to for a first double bass.

Choice one is described as:

"Upright bass(string bass)Made in Europe with an adjustable bridge, pickup, adjustable end pin, flexible hanger, excellent quality strings." $550

This one comes from a music store that supplies school orchestras and such and comes setup and with some kind of warranty (see attached document.)

The other choice is through a private seller from craigslist which was described as:

"A 30 something year old Engelhardt that had a neck break that was professionally repaired, needs new strings and a setup." $300

I know in either case I don't have all the information to make the best decision not to mention not actually seeing either or playing them for that matter.

In my position, long time bass guitar player new to DB, with not a lot of money to spend and definitely staying away from the Chinese bases, which one of these two used bases would draw your attention first.

Thanks for the input.

FB

KUNGfuSHERIFF · #2 10-15-2010, 03:40 PM

I don't know anything about the Engel you're referring to, but would be extremely leery of a broken neck. I believe I've spoken with Scott about the other bass you mention, and he told me that the top is slightly sunken in over the bass bar. This also smells like trouble. Frankly, I see no reason to settle for either bass.

faviobarrio · #3 10-15-2010, 03:45 PM

I'll keep that in mind- I guess neither of these. Maybe, I will just go to his store and see the other basses he has there that I can afford.

rbenson · #4 10-15-2010, 03:48 PM

I agree that broken necks can be a serious problem. I had a '57 Kay with a repaired neck and it seriously lacked volume. I had to amplify it even in basement jam sessions. I eventually had the neck repaired again (correctly) at Hammond Ashley and the difference was astounding -- much much louder.

KUNGfuSHERIFF · #5 10-15-2010, 04:56 PM

Correction: the bass I called Scott about, which has the sunken top, was a Matthias Thoma he's also been trying to sell. I know nothing about the $550 bass.

tomshepp · #6 10-15-2010, 07:07 PM

My advice would be to try to save more money. Then get help from a DB player who can help you find the right first instrument. Try to find a bass shop in your area. It will be more $ to get started, but well worth it in the long run. MHO

Eric Swanson · #7 10-15-2010, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomshepp

My advice would be to try to save more money. Then get help from a DB player who can help you find the right first instrument. Try to find a bass shop in your area. It will be more $ to get started, but well worth it in the long run. MHO

+1

Please do not take this the wrong way, but I could not agree with Tom more. Money does not come easily to any of us, but it is sad to watch somebody who actually wants to get into double bass buy an instrument that will be a drag from the get-go.

BTW, do not spurn all Chinese basses; Shen basses are pretty amazing value and get the the "thumbs up" from every luthier I have talked with. So, if you could get a Shen from a bass luthier who would set it up well, you could be living the dream for not a lot of cash (in DB terms).

Where are you living? If you put more info in your profile, we can help you find those who could help you on your quest...

Humby put, I would reconsider your two choices; they both sound pretty sketchy. "European" doesn't necessarily mean "good" it could be a crudely made "packing crate with strings" (as I heard someone describe a bass once). All that advertisement says to me is that somebody is good at marketing. I would open up the field to many other choices. Finally, I would never buy a bass, especially my first bass without taking it out on trial, having a luthier look it over, or at least getting a more experienced double bassist's opinions. Again, I think Tom's take is a good one...IMHO

drurb · #8 10-16-2010, 07:50 AM

Buy a double-bass from a bass shop. Other than that, make an audio recording of Eric Swanson's post and play it over and over while sleeping.

Seriously, he's giving you the best advice possible. Recently, Eric boiled it down so nicely, I nominated his post for a "sticky." He's sure made it easy for me lately as all I find myself wanting to say is, "What he said."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Swanson

The hard part is that if one tries to scrimp too much, it just ends up costing more anyway, the beast is a drag to play, then you lose money IF you can manage to sell it. There really is no free lunch. In double-bass-world, "too cheap" ends up somehow being "more expensive" by the time you are done.

faviobarrio · #9 10-16-2010, 04:45 PM

I guess I will have to save a bit more to get me into that 12 to 15 hundred range. BTW, I live in west Hempstead, Long Island, NY.

I'm sure I'll be able to find a good deal if I just keep on saving and try to be patient.