Deperately Seeking advice on a Double Bass Purchase

upapotomus · #1 09-14-2007, 08:12 AM

OK, here's my situation, I live on the South Island of New Zealand, and have been wanting to purchase a double bass for years. I finally manage to save up enough in order to afford a lower price model, and after a lot of hard searching I have found that, much to my dismay, there is both a Jazz School and Orchastra in walking distance of my flat, still however there are only three in my price range available in all of the Country (they would have to be shipped from the North Island). Due to the difficulty in getting one here, used is very rare, and also means I won't have the opportunity to sample them first. So, my three choices are:

Palantino PSI-05VB: basicly a student model that I believe they don't even manufacture anymore

The other two I believe are both Thomanns', one is their rockabilly model, the other I believe is also their student model, other than appearance, I believe there are a few slight benifits to the rockabillie

Anyway, anyone with experience with either model, or with compareable models, I would appreciate some advice
Cheers

el_mariachi · #2 09-14-2007, 09:07 AM

whatever you do, stay away from Palantino!! They are very low quality basses. I cannot comment on the other as I have no experience with them. If you are looking for a starter model, try to see if there is a Christopher or Shen dealer near you. While those are still Chinese made, they are of much better quality. Or if there is a shop near you, look into purchasing a used bass. Try to talk to some players at those nearby schools. perhaps they might be able to point you in a better direction.

Silversorcerer · #3 09-14-2007, 10:10 AM

I think Bob Gollihur can have a Kremona, which is a good quality Bulgarian carved DB, shipped directly from the maker to any location. I have one of these, a five string 4/4 orchestra model, and this is a fantastic instrument at a reasonable price.

Peck_Time · #4 09-14-2007, 04:24 PM

Hi Upapotamus good luck!

What's your budget? Unless you strike it lucky with a nice 2nd hand bass, you are going to have to buy new.

I wouldn't spend less than NZ$2500 on a new bass.

I bought my bass (Christopher flatback) from Pete mcGregor at bassbass.co.nz.

He has a range of basses, and can steer you in the right direction.

Don't buy the Palantino, it's junk.

Have you talked to the bassists at the orchestra and jazz school? they might have leads on a cheap bass.

Why not get a lesson from a good teacher and ask about basses?

Silversorcerer · #5 09-14-2007, 04:51 PM

I almost forgot to mention that there is a fellow New Zealander who posts on the Ken Smith forum named Richard Prowse in Wainuiomata who might be able to steer you to a good local resource. Go to this thread and ask him if he can help. He also teaches.

upapotomus · #6 09-14-2007, 04:58 PM

Thanks all,

yeah, I really wasn't considering the palantino, and the other two options where both from Pete McGregor (thanks Peck_Time) and are both Chinese made, but I am not exactly sure of the manufacturer. Unfortunately Pete himself is out of town for a couple more weeks. I stumbled across Thomann's web site, with matching basses, while trying to sort out who the manufacturer was, so it's my best guess at the moment untill I have a chance to talk to Pete further . I have also been looking at options overseas, and will continue the search for a while longer. Realisticly my top price range is about 2,000.00 NZ (including shipping etc), which won't go to far, but with my line of work (at a Wildlife Reserve) the job has many rewards, but financial isn't one of them and I am afraid if I don't act soon my savings will actually shrink instead of grow. Also the lowest rance Christopher Bass is listed at 3,200.00 NZ, meaning as much as I would love one it is beyond my means right now.

Anyway, I welcome as many suggestions as you can offer, so Thank You all

upapotomus · #7 09-14-2007, 05:24 PM

Has anyone heard of PMM as a brand, it's what Pete lists as the Manufacturer (I thought it was part of the model number)

Peck_Time · #8 09-14-2007, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upapotomus

Has anyone heard of PMM as a brand,

PMM= Pete McGregor Music.

If you've got $2000, buy a bass in New Zealand! Shipping from overseas could easily cost $1000+.

Peck_Time · #9 09-14-2007, 06:37 PM

Scroll down to the second bass Here.. If i were you i'd be thinking of this one.

2nd hand= Already depreciated, sell it for what you paid.

German= Good reputation.

Ebony fingerboard= good.

Ply= solid.

LouisF · #10 09-14-2007, 06:46 PM

Pete's a very good guy.
http://www.bassbass.co.nz/new_bass.htm

His Korean basses are good quality, as are the Christophers. I don't which china factory the PMM basses come from, but I'm sure jhe stands behind them. Any chance of you getting up to Aukland for a day and spending time in his shop? That would be the best way to go.

Louis

upapotomus · #11 09-14-2007, 07:38 PM

Thanks again all for the further imput, Keep it coming! I will be sure to continue on in this community, as so far you all have been very helpfull. Thanks Louis for the reassureance, and the thought of making a trip did occur to me, but the time off work might be tough at the moment, and the cost would just cut into my buget. In regard to Peck's last comment, the one I was considering from him was the new black rockabilly model, which would come in right at the top of my range after shipping etc, but if I can scrounge up a bit of extra cash I will definately keep your recomendation in mind, and thanks for doing a bit of leg work. I'll make sure to let Pete know he has a good reputation when we finally speak after his return from his trip. Thanks again, off to work now, keep em' comin all.
Cheers!

LouisF · #12 09-14-2007, 08:22 PM

You're welcome!