EB to DB conversion

[whitespike]

Well not exactly, but I am an electric bassist of 16 years looking to expand my knowledge and step into the world of upright basses. I know you guys must get inundated with these types of posts, but I do need help with my purchase like nobody's business.

First and foremost, I do appreciate quality, as I worked closely with an amazing luthier (originally trained as a violin maker) for 5 years. AT the same time, my beer budget will not allow the kind of cash needed for a top notch instrument. And as I have done my research this is becoming more and more apparent. I realize that I will be buying a plywood bass and more than likely, a beginner's bass. I was hoping to spend 1K. Maybe up to $1500. And I know in the world of DB this is about like spending 300 bucks on an electric (or so it seems). So what is the decent sounding, stays in tune, plays well upright bass version of the 350 dollar Fender Mexican P-bass? Does that make any sense?

My first trip was to Austin's Bass Emporium. I found this bass that I thought played incredible!!! In my budget, too. Sounded decent, but I haven't played many... maybe not as "open" sounding as the 2K bass next to it. But I was told by a salesman at Violins Etc that it was a piece of crap and it seems that is the general consensus ... it's Chinese and has the name "Franz Hoffman" on it. Used. $850 with case and cheapie bow I would just toss...

I have read nothing but crap about this bass, but I really thought it felt good.

There's a German Made bass here I think I would love but a little more than I have money wise....

http://austin.craigslist.org/msg/1601502482.html

I am sure the bassist is probably a member here.... and it seems he really knows his stuff and uses a luthier etc.... which I cant even imagine the cost of a good setup so that is very important...

SO basically should I get new, used, or vintage? If so are there a couple of brand names you can toss my way or models? I am lost here....

I did go to Violins Etc in Austin too, but the salesman was the biggest jerk I have ever dealt with. I got treated like a 12 year old after I told him my budget...

[whitespike]

Thought I should add that I really want more motown thud than rockabilly click.... I am playing music (tonally) along the lines of Roy Orbison, Les Paul, Shangri La's etc...

[Andrew McGregor]

So, you're at the end of the market where brands do make sense, for this reason: China and Romania make the cheap basses, and they're not ALL bad, only most of them. I don't have those brands in my head, so search for the other answers to this sort of question.

However... buy that Craigslist bass already. Provided it is structurally sound, which it seems to be from the photos, you won't improve on that for the money.

[shadygrove]

Originally Posted by Andrew McGregor

However... buy that Craigslist bass already. Provided it is structurally sound, which it seems to be from the photos, you won't improve on that for the money.

+1...
that seems like a good price for a bass that's just had the setup gone through with new bridge, endpin etc... and you're smart to consider the cost of setup and repairs, whitespike, as you're right that good setup work and repairs on DBs isn't cheap. It's not such a bargain if you save a few hundred up front then have to turn around and put $5-600 into a bass to make it playable.

Heck, he's in Austin, you're in Austin, get over there and check it out before it's gone and find out what kind of music gear he might be open to in trade to get your cash price down. Good luck !

[Grey Dad]

Agreed - the craigslist one looks like a pretty good bass, go have a look and if it sounds ok. plays ok and looks tidy grab it