A Christopher DB102 for a talented/motivated 15 yr old?

JacquiQ · #1 09-09-2010, 10:48 AM

I'd like to get a well built, decently toned bass for my son (age 15), a beginner bassist who is highly motivated and will likely play throughout high school and into college. Right now he plays in the orchestra, as well as a jazz band and also a folk ensemble.

I've been looking into used basses in my area (UT) and have read and looked into many of the excellent comments on threads here. You've steered me away from the Palatinos and Cremonas. And I can consider ordering a new Shen or an Upton. But I'm wondering about the entry level Christopher (DB102). There's a used one just listed in my area. Is this worth pursuing?

Thanks!

Eric Hochberg · #2 09-09-2010, 10:52 AM

Christopher makes quality basses. Have any bass checked out by a bass luthier before handing over your money.

wdnewman · #3 09-09-2010, 11:25 AM

+1 for the new Shen. Warranty and resale at upgrade time.

JacquiQ · #4 09-09-2010, 01:42 PM

The Christopher may already be sold. So now I'm trying to find out who to order a Shen through in Salt Lake City.

ej22tgc8 · #5 09-09-2010, 01:47 PM

I'm actually the one it might be sold to. I'm going to look at it tonight. If I don't end up buying it I'll post my findings back here.

JacquiQ · #6 09-09-2010, 02:15 PM

I had a feeling you were the person with the appointment to go see that bass. The DB community in UT is very small -- if we don't know each other, we certainly know some of the same people. There are probably only a handful of us out looking for basses right now.

Anyway, I told the seller to call me if it doesn't sell, and maybe I'd come up and look at it. But if you don't buy it, I'd really like to hear what you think of it. Maybe I won't want it either! I know it's asking a lot, but maybe you could call me if you don't buy it? Jacqui at ************. That would save me a trip.

Michael Case · #7 09-09-2010, 02:23 PM

Check out Summerhayes in Murray. They rent and sell Shen basses which are very good instruments.

ej22tgc8 · #8 09-09-2010, 02:58 PM

I'll give you a call if I don't get the bass and we can talk about it. Last week Summerhay's in Murray hada used Shen SB80. They might still have it.

drurb · #9 09-09-2010, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JacquiQ

...I know it's asking a lot, but maybe you could call me if you don't buy it? Jacqui at xxx-xxx-xxxx. That would save me a trip.

Just a friendly bit of advice. It's probably not a good idea to post your phone number in a public forum. It's not the members here that I'd worry about but anyone, member or not, can read (troll) this forum. Best to use PM for such things. It would be a good idea to edit your post. I've x'ed out your number in my quote so that if you choose to heed my advice, your number won't appear.

ej22tgc8 · #10 09-10-2010, 12:14 AM

Good advice. Maybe a mod can temporarily edit her post.

**Joshua** · #11 09-10-2010, 08:41 AM

Got it.

Eric Swanson · #12 09-10-2010, 09:03 AM

+1 on Shens...

I rented a Shen and it was a superb, very affordably priced bass; lots of instrument for the money.

I have heard a few luthiers (more than once, independently of each other) talk about problems they have seen regarding the integrity of the Christopher neck joints as well as some other construction details. I am no luthier or bass expert, so I am merely parroting something heard from more knowledgeable sources.

Haven't heard anything but admiration for the Shens, from players and luthiers alike...

Mike Goodbar · #13 09-10-2010, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Swanson

I have heard a few luthiers (more than once, independently of each other) talk about problems they have seen regarding the integrity of the Christopher neck joints as well as some other construction details. .

Yes, I know of one luthier who stopped carrying ply Christophers for her rental pool for that reason...but she said the quality of the hybrid and carved Christophers remain pretty well intact.

I have had a hybrid Christopher since 2002, but hindsight being 20/20, I would probably have gone with Shen if I'd had the opportunity.

d0nut · #14 09-10-2010, 09:29 AM

I managed to score a Christopher 1/2 on Craigslist for my daughter (she is 13) for $250 a few weeks ago. It's by no means a high end bass but for the price it is well built with a good sound. She has been playing for 5 years and wanted a acoustic around the house for school work. I picked up an electric upright last year for her but it doesn't have the vibe at times.

Eric Hochberg · #15 09-10-2010, 09:29 AM

Since I attested to Christopher quality earlier, I thought I'd go back and look up this thread, since I didn't know about any construction issues:

Christopher Basses

I didn't read the whole thing, but Nick Lloyd (fine luthier) does mention some problems with the 2 piece necks on some Christopher basses. This is an old thread, don't know if Christopher still uses that design.

With that being said, there are many positive comments about these basses made by our own Don Higdon, Paul Warburton and many others. David Gage (fine NY shop) sold them and Michael Moore bought two low-end models to use with Brubeck. A pretty good endorsement.

SunneyBoy · #16 09-13-2010, 02:10 PM

I bought a Christopher hybrid two weeks ago. i am thrilled with the bass. in this price range they are great sounding and well built instruments.

i also played their laminate basses while visiting a show a room in Frankfurt Germany. and they were very nice as well.

Remember you will most likely find an array of finer hand built basses .... but at a fee.
i had a budget and had to stick with it and for my buck i think i got pretty good bang.

speak to Jonas at www.lando-music.com they are in Germany . but he knows these instruments very well and might be able to offer some advice.
good luck

Rick Auvil · #17 09-15-2010, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JacquiQ

The Christopher may already be sold. So now I'm trying to find out who to order a Shen through in Salt Lake City.

I have a Christopher and a Shen - both are fine basses. The setup is key, especially for a young player. Call Nick Lloyd. He shipped me a Shen. It's a beauty and his setup is super!