Choosing a bass

[Lorey H.]

MY son, a tall 13 year old, is ready for a new bass. He wants a fully carved, and I see several different brands as I search on-line. Is there any source for comparing different brands? I get a lot of conflicting opinions from almost everyone I speak to. Is it really all about the sound, or is there something more we should be considering? How do you compare the sound if you can't find a store with several different brands to choose from?

Lorey H.

[drurb]

I suggest you start by reading the newbie links thoroughly. Often, it is best to consult with an expert. I'm guessing that your son has a teacher and that person should be able to guide you through the process. An experienced player can identify and help you to recognize the sound of a good bass. Yes, there is more than the sound. There is build-quality, accessories, setup, and, of course, price. Where do you live? A reputable luthier would be invaluable as well and folks here may be able to guide you to one in your area. I suggest you stay away from "stores." If you are thinking of buying a fully-carved bass, you are likely considering spending a substantial amount. I recommend that you have your son put his hands on and listen to anything you might buy rather than buying sight-unseen and sound-unheard on-line. Now, you say your son wants a fully carved. Will he be taking it to school? Under what conditions will it be used? Will he be able to care for a fully-carved? At age 13? Have you considered hybrids?

[Lorey H.]

He wants a fully carved because he played one at a store in another state and really liked it. We expect to pay $3-4,000. We think he will practice more and enjoy it more if he has a really nice bass to play. I am sure his teacher would look at basses with us but even though we are in the DC metropolitan area there are few places I have found that sell basses. And even those places have not heard of some of the brands I have found, including the one my son played out of state. How can one person tell me this is one of the best brands of basses made and another equally knowledgable person tell me they have never even heard of it?! I know we should not buy one sight unseen but how do you find several models and brands to try out and consider? And are some hybrids as good as the fully carved models? I know that would be a less expensive way to go. And what and where are the newbie links?

[drurb]

Originally Posted by Lorey H.

He wants a fully carved because he played one at a store in another state and really liked it. We expect to pay $3-4,000.

What bass did he play? Where? That price-range is the super low-end for fully-carved basses. Although there are, perhaps, one or two makers that turn out decent fully-carved instruments in that price range, it is a potential danger-zone.

Originally Posted by Lorey H.

We think he will practice more and enjoy it more if he has a really nice bass to play.

That's probably true, but there are many decent choices in that price range. Many of the hybrids you are likely to find are better than many of the low-end fully-carved basses. See this thread.

Originally Posted by Lorey H.

I am sure his teacher would look at basses with us but even though we are in the DC metropolitan area there are few places I have found that sell basses. And even those places have not heard of some of the brands I have found, including the one my son played out of state.

Perhaps some folks here can direct you to a real bass shop in your area. What "brands" have you found?

Originally Posted by Lorey H.

How can one person tell me this is one of the best brands of basses made and another equally knowledgable person tell me they have never even heard of it?!

That doesn't surprise me at all! What is the brand?

Originally Posted by Lorey H.

I know we should not buy one sight unseen but how do you find several models and brands to try out and consider?

See my previous post.

Originally Posted by Lorey H.

And are some hybrids as good as the fully carved models? I know that would be a less expensive way to go.

See the link I referenced above. In short, there are some hybrids that are better than some fully-carved basses. Type of construction, per se, is no indicator or guarantee of quality. Here's what I said in the thread referenced above:

Think of ply, hybrid, and carved as three overlapping distributions (bell-curves, if you will), with the mean value of "quality" being lowest for the plys, intermediate for the hybrids, and highest for the carved ones.

Originally Posted by Lorey H.

And what and where are the newbie links?

Click here.

Read up and c'mon back with any remaining questions.