Could you recommend a brand of bass for a beginner?

detoxxx · #1 04-16-2011, 08:31 PM

Hey guys!

I'm an electric bassist wanting to learn upright. I have no idea of where to start my journey... what brand of bass? specs? books? etc... Any help you could offer would be very much appreciated! Thanks a million!!!

fdeck · #2 04-16-2011, 08:42 PM

Welcome to the dark side!

I know that "read the newbie links" is a cliche, but in this case, it is really worthwhile, as they contain a wealth of information.

drurb · #3 04-17-2011, 08:44 AM

+1 to what fdeck said. Pull up a chair to the forums here and read, read, read. As you might imagine, your question has been asked here many times-- thus the newbie links.

Steve Swan · #4 04-17-2011, 11:02 AM

The Shen SB 80 fully set up by your local luthier is a good choice for a beginner. In your Atlanta area, the CSC Products website lists Atlanta Strings and Winds in Lawrenceville and Stephanie Voss in Atlanta proper. Also, Dustin Williams at Williams Fine violins in Nashville, TN is well known for providing great setups for the Shen basses that he sells. Good luck! Let us know how it turns out.

jayscheuerle · #5 04-17-2011, 12:23 PM

Readreadread...

Kept me from making the same mistake I made when I got into astronomy for the first time. Don't believe any marketing/advertising. Listen to real accounts from real people. They'll be all over the board, but you'll find a vein of truth you latch onto. - j

JetBlackJazz · #6 04-17-2011, 12:27 PM

Ibanez, ESP LTD, Squier ($200+)

chris1125 · #7 04-17-2011, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JetBlackJazz

Ibanez, ESP LTD, Squier ($200+)

I think someone is a little confused here lol

detoxxx · #8 04-17-2011, 01:12 PM

THANKS YOU GUYS....

I'm still getting adjusted to this site and wasn't aware of the newbie links! Thanks for the info!

Also, thanks Steve Swan for the info! I know it's easy to find businesses that do instrument work... but it's always better when you have a referral from someone that knows more little more than I do!

I really appreciate you all!

drurb · #9 04-17-2011, 01:51 PM

It's important to determine your budget and what are your future plans before considering any specific brand or model. I believe, as do others, that you should buy the best instrument you can afford (within reason). After you read the newbie links, c'mon back here with questions and more specifics. Oh, and welcome to TB!

Jazzdogg · #10 04-17-2011, 01:59 PM

When I was first starting out, I rented a DB; when my teacher thought I was ready (and I'd saved enough money), he helped me select an instrument: I will be forever grateful.

drerio · #11 04-17-2011, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazzdogg

When I was first starting out, I rented a DB; when my teacher thought I was ready (and I'd saved enough money), he helped me select an instrument: I will be forever grateful.

Best advice... I second this opinion. I too am new (newbie) to the db, found it helpful to first find a good instructor. He helped with me selecting a bass. I originally was unsure about the whole process, but in the long run it was worth it. To that, his/her time is valuable and be prepared to pay for this service. Have fun.

Jazzdogg · #12 04-17-2011, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drerio

Best advice... I second this opinion. I too am new (newbie) to the db, found it helpful to first find a good instructor. He helped with me selecting a bass. I originally was unsure about the whole process, but in the long run it was worth it. To that, his/her time is valuable and be prepared to pay for this service. Have fun.

If I remember correctly, the charge for time he spent helping me select a bass wasn't more than a few one-hour lessons. I found his involvement in the selection process extremely valueable, and well worth the cost. He was able to tell me which characteristics could be improved with different strings and a set-up by a luthiur, and which traits were baked-in and unlikely to change.

After I bought the bass, his guidance was also invaluable; he selected a luthier and accompanied me to have my bass set-up; the luthier showed me how to change strings and position the bridge and sound post. Without my teacher's help, I wouldn't have known where to go, or what to ask for.

Money very well spent. Highly recommended.

detoxxx · #13 04-17-2011, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drurb

It's important to determine your budget and what are your future plans before considering any specific brand or model. I believe, as do others, that you should buy the best instrument you can afford (within reason). After you read the newbie links, c'mon back here with questions and more specifics. Oh, and welcome to TB!

Thanks for the Welcome... and I'll definitely come back when there are more specific questions!

detoxxx · #14 04-17-2011, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazzdogg

If I remember correctly, the charge for time he spent helping me select a bass wasn't more than a few one-hour lessons. I found his involvement in the selection process extremely valueable, and well worth the cost. He was able to tell me which characteristics could be improved with different strings and a set-up by a luthiur, and which traits were baked-in and unlikely to change.

After I bought the bass, his guidance was also invaluable; he selected a luthier and accompanied me to have my bass set-up; the luther showed me how to change strings and position the bridge and sound post. Without my teacher's help, I wouldn't have known where to go, or what to ask for.

Money very well spent. Highly recommended.

This is great advice.... I'll search for an instructor first... this is very good - thanks a lot Jazzdogg and drerio!!!!

E.P. Miller · #15 04-17-2011, 11:15 PM

Ronald Sachs Violins is a good place to go. I believe he deals in Shen basses as I have seen a number of them in his shop. His repair and set up work is very good and he's accessible to answer your questions. A Shen SB80 is a good entry level instrument. The Upton bass offerings represent a very good value as well.