Christopher -Chicago

[Dark Overlord]

Hi guys, I'm completely new to the forum and to double bass. In actuality I'm a drummer first, guitarist second, pianist 3rd and a bass guitar player 4th.

I'm trying to purchase a double bass mostly as a gift for a band member whose an amazing bass guitar player who wants to pick-up DB but doesn't have the cash-ola right now.... This may seems a little crazy but its not all charity as the band wants to move in this direction anyway.

Ebay deal.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...id=p2761.l1259

I know Christophers are generally regarded as a pretty good bass but I have found any info on this model at all. There's some obvious scratching in the finish. The neck looks painted. The bridge looks adjustable. Looks like there was a pick-up installed but no pick-ups???

Thanks!

[LeslieD]

Without actually playing it or seeing in person, you really don't know what you're getting (and your friend may end up spending hundreds of dollars to make it playable). It looks pretty beat up to me (though without playing it, it's impossible to know if it just has cosmetic issues). It does have a Realist pickup, but I wouldn't have installed it that way.

If you're willing to spend at least $600 on a bass, plus another $200 for shipping I think for a little bit more you could get something better (but lacking the $200 Realist pickup, assuming that works okay on this Ebay bass). Whatever you end up with, there are usually additional costs for new strings and setting up the bass properly (all info you can find in other posts on this website).

Maybe you could just surprise your friend with a nice check for $800 (to be used towards the purchase of a bass)?

By the way, I did find a really nice bass on Ebay once. I told my friend about it and he bid/won it. It's a lovely mint condition 1982 plywood Eberle with a lovely flamed veneer back that he got for only $600 (though he had to pick it up). I'm only mentioning this, because his bass makes this one look a bit on the sad/neglected side.

[Dark Overlord]

Thank you for the input. I contacted the guy and he said he'd be willing to go down to about $700 total. But he has no idea if the pick-up works or what one even is... or at least that's what he says. He claims to own a pawn shop. Doesn't know the age of the strings (look kinda old) the condition of the set-up etc....

[ctcruiser]

I have a Chrissy Hybrid and am very happy with it.


According to the model number DB103T,this one is a ply:


Christopher Academy Series
Made with pre-formed laminated Maple veneers, fully arched
Ebony fingerboard, brass machines, bridge with adjusters
Durable amber-brown shaded varnish



http://www.violins.ca/instruments/basses/index.html

[Dark Overlord]

pardon my ignorance but what does "1 ply" mean as far as quality goes and such things....? thanks for replying!

[fdeck]

The terms "ply" and "lam" are short for plywood or laminated basses. Both terms mean the same thing, but "laminated" makes it sound more classy.

There's a wealth of info to read about "plywood vs carved" in this forum, but the bottom line is that a ply bass can be a respectable entry-level instrument and work horse. I have read that below a certain price level, a plywood bass actually stands a pretty good chance of being a better instrument than a super cheap carved bass.

[Dark Overlord]

Ah that makes sense. Sorry. I'm certainly am familiar with the terms laminated and plywood as it pertains to instruments.

Still any more opinions on this particular piece? How much better would it be then other start-up "ply" basses out there? I know folks are very down on Palantinos and Meranos. Is this for sure in a higher class? So far LesilieD's advice to wait longer or find another is making sense.

thanks again.

[ctcruiser]

Christophers are not CCBs. (crappy chinese bass) They make a solid bass that are reliable. This would be a good starter bass.

Keep in mind that you will need to take it to a luthier to have it gone over and check the set up (fingerboard, bridge, etc.).

[jweiss]

Seems like a good deal on the bass itself, assuming it plays ok and has no major structural issues, but I think $200 may be on the low side for shipping.

I purchased a bass from Lemur in California and shipping to Utah was $375. That may have included the packaging. Also, making a proper box is going to be time consuming.

Any chance that you could work with a luthier that is near the seller - pay him to go check out the bass and if it plays ok and has no structural issues, pay him to box and ship the bass for you?

[LeslieD]

The seller of this bass (on the link you posted) wrote "Retail Value of similar unit is over $2000."

You may want to compare this Ebay bass to one that's currently being advertised on Talk Bass (private seller) for $2150. It's a different bass of course (a hybrid that's in really nice condition): *SOLD* Christopher's 300 series "Professional" Hybrid Double Bass – Chicago, IL

I just don't think the Ebay seller's claim about the "Retail Value" means very much.

[Dark Overlord]

Originally Posted by LeslieD

The seller of this bass (on the link you posted) wrote "Retail Value of similar unit is over $2000."

You may want to compare this Ebay bass to one that's currently being advertised on Talk Bass (private seller) for $2150. It's a different bass of course (a hybrid that's in really nice condition): *SOLD* Christopher's 300 series "Professional" Hybrid Double Bass – Chicago, IL

I just don't think the Ebay seller's claim about the "Retail Value" means very much.

True although CTCRUSIER posted what he thought was an equivalent or the same model as being sold and it is retailing for $1800+ on that site, plus it has the pick-up if it works, and was oviously set-up at one point. Whether or not the set-up is still good or the pick-up works are different stories all together. I'm waiting to hear back from my bassist to see what he'd like to do. I'm leaning towards going for it, but I've decided he needs to chip in at least some of the money. EVen if its only $150-$200.