Electric bass player looking to buy an upright

[Marc.]

I wanted to play jazz and maybe some classical on it. I'll be getting lessons of course. My school's band director recommended me this:

http://www.swstrings.com/catalog/sho...bcategory=Bass

Can anyone vouch for this website or maybe brand of bass? I can get the bass, a brazilwood bow, and an oxford case for ~$1400, but I have no idea if that's good or not.

Also, 3/4 is the recommended size and NOT full size, right? I've been playing electric for 4 years and I'm a decently sized person (6'1" or about 1.85 meters).

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[fdeck]

You are correct that 3/4 is the standard "full" size. With that said, there's a lot of variation in the dimensions of basses, but the makers of entry level basses will typically build a 3/4 bass with a mensure (distance from nut to bridge) of around 41.5 inches.

Now, once you know the scale length, it is possible for basses to vary in other dimensions. Just to give an example, I have been trying out a bass that is probably somewhere in between 3/4 and 7/8. At the end of the day, the size will be defined by what size of bag I have to buy for it.

The further you venture into the Dark Side, the more your conversations will be interspersed with words such as "approximately," "typically," and so forth.

Now there have been some recent threads with heated discussions about the merits of inexpensive manufactured basses. It's worth reading those, and becoming as informed as you possibly can be.

[AMJBASS]

I think in the $1400 range you could do better than that. My first bass was one of these(Klaus Mueller), and I had to put a TON of money into it before ultimately selling it at a loss(after repairs, upgrades etc). I would look at the Shen SB80, or Eastman laminates.

[Marc.]

hmm so a Shen SB 80 would be a good choice? I wanted to go with that website because they had a multiple payments option so I didn't have to drop it all right away, but I'll look around for the Shen.

Another: I'm a senior in high school and graduating in June. I'd like to go to college and major in music, preferably something jazz related. I've got most of my theory down pat (I don't know it in and out, but I've studied more than the other kids I know in my school who want to be music majors) and I've got the best ear of anyone I know, not to sound cocky.

Could I get into the music programs of colleges even if I've only been playing upright for a little over a year? Or does it depend on the program, how many people audition etc. Because I'd really love to do something music related, maybe even education. I'm just worried I won't get into music programs because I haven't been playing upright since I was 7 or something.

[fdeck]

Originally Posted by Marc.

hmm so a Shen SB 80 would be a good choice? I wanted to go with that website because they had a multiple payments option so I didn't have to drop it all right away, but I'll look around for the Shen.

Another: I'm a senior in high school and graduating in June. I'd like to go to college and major in music, preferably something jazz related. I've got most of my theory down pat (I don't know it in and out, but I've studied more than the other kids I know in my school who want to be music majors) and I've got the best ear of anyone I know, not to sound cocky.

Could I get into the music programs of colleges even if I've only been playing upright for a little over a year? Or does it depend on the program, how many people audition etc. Because I'd really love to do something music related, maybe even education. I'm just worried I won't get into music programs because I haven't been playing upright since I was 7 or something.

I suggest that you mosey over to the Auditions forum at this site. There should be more than a few threads about the college audition process.

I'd think you'd want to sign up with a bass teacher who can help you through this process, offer a frank evaluation of your prospects, and coach you on what to do. If there's a music school in your vicinity, maybe they have a bass professor who would be willing to chat with you.

[drurb]

Originally Posted by Adrian Juras

I think in the $1400 range you could do better than that.

Agreed! Absolutely! Check out the Shens. To the OP-- What is your budget? Can you go beyond $1400?

[Dave Irwin]

Violin shops often have rent to own programs where 100% of the rent goes to purchase.
They probably charge a bit of a premium price but that's how it goes.
I would definitely go the extra mile and dollar for a Shen or Eastman.

Good luck,
Dave

[AMJBASS]

Originally Posted by Marc.

hmm so a Shen SB 80 would be a good choice? I wanted to go with that website because they had a multiple payments option so I didn't have to drop it all right away, but I'll look around for the Shen.

Another: I'm a senior in high school and graduating in June. I'd like to go to college and major in music, preferably something jazz related. I've got most of my theory down pat (I don't know it in and out, but I've studied more than the other kids I know in my school who want to be music majors) and I've got the best ear of anyone I know, not to sound cocky.

Could I get into the music programs of colleges even if I've only been playing upright for a little over a year? Or does it depend on the program, how many people audition etc. Because I'd really love to do something music related, maybe even education. I'm just worried I won't get into music programs because I haven't been playing upright since I was 7 or something.

I had been playing for 7 months when I made my audition(I was 17). I played Trombone and Tuba before switching to Double Bass. I think its mostly important that you go in confident and show that you have a good knowlege of theory and are willing to learn.

[funkadelickbass]

I auditioned on electric and then switched to upright the first day of classes...it was a lot of "catch up" work, but all well worth it...all depends on the school too, I suggest you contact the professor you plan on working with and ask...