Double Bass Rental Prices

allTimeFavorite · #1 01-12-2006, 08:02 AM

I have chacked into the availability of lessons, now I am looking for a bass. Initially, I would like to rent. The only place in town (Des Moines, IA) that I have found that rents basses charges $100 per month. Also, the first 2 years of rental can be applied to the purchase of any bass in the shop. Does that sound like an average rate/ arrangement?

Thanks,
Randle

obscure44 · #2 01-12-2006, 10:06 AM

That's $1200 per year, a little steep. There's a place in Lincoln, NE that rents them for $400-500 a year (only first year's rental cost can be applied to purchase of the bass though). I think KC Strings in KC has a similar cost/plan.

allTimeFavorite · #3 01-12-2006, 10:18 AM

It seems a little steep to me also. That's why I was asking. I was thinking more in teh $50 per month range. I hadn't thought about checking in Licnoln or KC. All things being equal, I would prefer to rent from somewhere closer to home. However, a $600 difference is worth a 3 hour road trip.

Randle

sejarus · #4 01-12-2006, 12:05 PM

I rented a Shen laminated bass for $60/month in Chicagoland over the summer. $100/month does sound pretty steep.

**Freddels** · #5 01-12-2006, 12:47 PM

I would also think that the value of the instrument would come into play here. If it's a $1,400 instrument or a $6,000 instrument I would think the price would be different. I cannot rent a luxury car for the same price as an economy one so why should basses be any different.

allTimeFavorite · #6 01-12-2006, 02:43 PM

True. I do not know the price of the rental bass, but I was told that is all laminate (plywood) construction.

jgbass · #7 01-12-2006, 02:54 PM

I remember a few months ago an ad here at TB about a shop that was rents basses and ship them to you. I also think they applied the rental cost to purchase. Anyone remember? Might be worthwhile to do a search of some of these bass shops that ship basses. $100 a month sounds like a lot.

TroyK · #8 01-12-2006, 04:05 PM

$60 or 65/mo in the northwest with 100% of 1st year to any bass purchase. if you purchase, it doesn't really matter, because you get your money back. If not, it sounds steep.

KSB - Ken Smith · #9 01-13-2006, 06:05 AM

An English Bass that I have was also used in London for awhile when visiting Orchestras were in need of a Bass. The rental price in U$D was close to $300. a day. I was recently asked to quote 2 Basses for rent to a visiting ensemble with two Bassists. All I had available was my 7/8 Strelau/Shen 800 and my 5-string Hungarian Italian Model that I would even consider renting. I quoted a price of $400. for both Basses for two days with me present at the Concert to retrieve them at the end. I also requested that my Deductable be covered if any damage occured if my Insurance had to cover damages if not returned in as-loaned condition. These Two Basses are in the 10-20k Range and not your rental Chinese $700 ebay special. The English Bass is in a different Price world all together.

Also, this same group was qouted by a local music store for 2 Basses a sum of Less than $300. for 4 months use insured and they only need it for two days.

So $300./4-months or $400./2 days for real Basses.. Close call huh?.. don't you think?..lol