A cost efficient intermediate level bass?

Stephen Edwards · #1 11-06-2009, 08:39 PM

What suggestions are there for a intermediate/professional bass that are not too heavy or too expensive ($3000-6000)?
Where are good places to buy from on the northwest coast (Seattle, Vancouver, etc..)?
I would be upgrading from a Korean made bass which was less than $2000 and was very heavy.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

scotty77 · #2 11-06-2009, 08:54 PM

Have you checked with Gerard at Gerard's Strings in Vancouver? The two basses he has on his website are a little higher, but he might know of something else available. You could also check with Jake out at Crescent Beach. He might know of something as well.

mjt0229 · #3 11-06-2009, 09:09 PM

In Seattle, you're pretty much limited to Hammond-Ashley and the Bass Church. I have a Calin Wultur on consignment at H-A that's not too shabby and definitely in that price range. It's got some nice projection, but might need some time for the sound to really open up. I think getting the right strings on it would make a difference, too. It would probably respond well to Flexocors or Evah Pirazzis. They've got some other things that might be worth looking at, too.

If I were you, though, I'd start with Gerard or someone on your side of the border, because it'd be tough to move something into Canada without dealing with duties.

mjt0229 · #4 11-06-2009, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjt0229

In Seattle, you're pretty much limited to Hammond-Ashley and the Bass Church. I have a Calin Wultur on consignment at H-A that's not too shabby and definitely in that price range. It's got some nice projection, but might need some time for the sound to really open up. I think getting the right strings on it would make a difference, too. It would probably respond well to Flexocors or Evah Pirazzis. They've got some other things that might be worth looking at, too.

If I were you, though, I'd start with Gerard or someone on your side of the border, because it'd be tough to move something into Canada without dealing with duties.

For what it's worth, I'm going out to HA tomorrow morning, so I can also let you know if I see anything else out there that's fun.

M0ses · #5 11-06-2009, 09:12 PM

Wait a minute.... you consider a 3-6k bass intermediate? There's very little you can't get for 6k!

newbold · #6 11-06-2009, 09:13 PM

Maybe you'd be able to find a nice used Upton.

SLivinghouse · #7 11-07-2009, 12:17 AM

You might try http://www.thebassspa.com/
Jake posts on talkbass quite a bit and seems like a helpful guy.

Square Bear · #8 11-07-2009, 09:19 AM

i'd check out the wan-bernadel basses at string emporium. great bass for the price ($5k). i bought one this summer and it really keeps opening up. they're set up is great, and i think mine sounds as good if not better than alot of 10k basses i've played on. plus they're well made and not full of the random problems that you sometimes find with older instruments. string emporium is in phoenix, but steve could send you one to try out if you ask him. he does that all the time.

Stephen Edwards · #9 11-07-2009, 09:42 AM

Thanks for all the help. I was thinking of going into Prussin music to try some of the Gliga basses they have there, but they didn't get very good reviews on this forum.

I know this is off topic, but the top of my current bass is very thick. Would regraduation help or would it ruin it?

reedo35 · #10 11-07-2009, 09:50 AM

Save your money on getting the Korean Bass Fixed up and put it toward your next Bass. The top is thick on that bass for
a reason, I suspect because the wood is rather "green". Thinning it out would literally open a whole new can of worms.

MIKMAN · #11 11-07-2009, 09:51 AM

If i were in your shoes i'd start my quest from the Bass Spa. Jake is a seasoned professional and his contribution to this forum is always creative and friendly.

drurb · #12 11-07-2009, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIKMAN

If i were in your shoes i'd start my quest from the Bass Spa. Jake is a seasoned professional and his contribution to this forum is always creative and friendly.

Jake is, indeed, a gem. I'd suggest you consider how relatively inexpensive and cost-effective a plane ticket might be relative to the $$$ you are about to drop! How about a road (air) trip? Sure, the most ideal situation is to buy from a local luthier and establish a relationship. Still, most reputable luthiers would be happy to take over the care of an instrument you bought elsewhere. After all, I think it's fair to say that they most often service instruments that they didn't sell. In short, my advice is to cast a wide net.

scotty77 · #13 11-07-2009, 08:14 PM

Stephen,
Give Jake a call. I know he had a Roma hybrid for around 3200.-3400.00. As I said, he might also know of something else out there. He can also let you know more about Prussin music.
Gerard at "Gerard's Strings" is another good guy to talk with.
When I was first looking for a bass, they were both very helpfull. Knowing that they will be able to help with setup issues as well is a big plus.

Stephen Edwards · #14 11-07-2009, 08:56 PM

I just emailed Jake today about an old Johan Rauner bass which he may fix up for me.

mjt0229 · #15 11-07-2009, 11:53 PM

I haven't cared for the Gligas I've played in the past. I think you'll get more for your money in a Shen or a Wultur.

My report from Hammond-Ashley: they've got a couple of Shens that would be okay, a Paesold, my old Wultur. I'd suggest looking around locally before making the trip. I've seen better selection at Hammond-Ashley in the past, so perhaps this just wasn't the weekend to be out there.