Engelhardt EM1B?

[TheBull]

I'm looking for my first upright bass. and this one seems to be ok. but i dont know much about uprights. this one is also in my price range. i know that good ones can cost much much more that 1k. I'm just lookin for something to start on. i have been playing electric for 8 or 9 years now, but i know nothing of the double bass. any help is greatly appreciated. thanks

-Joe

[drurb]

Originally Posted by TheBull

I'm looking for my first upright bass. and this one seems to be ok. but i dont know much about uprights. this one is also in my price range. i know that good ones can cost much much more that 1k. I'm just lookin for something to start on. i have been playing electric for 8 or 9 years now, but i know nothing of the double bass. any help is greatly appreciated. thanks

-Joe

If you haven't done so already, read the newbie links. There's a wealth of information there.

[bluegrassboy]

I've got one. Used to have an old Kay. My EM-1 is just as good. Are there better basses out there? Of course. If you can come up with some more money, say another $500, you should look at a Shen. But, an Englehardt is a good buy for around $1000. However, the setup is VERY important.

[TheBull]

please explain what you mean by set up. sorry if i sound retarded.

[bluegrassboy]

No problem. Lots of things can affect the sound. A string upgrade, switching to an adjustable bridge, replacing the tailpiece cable and making sure the soundpost is properly positioned are all things to be considered. If you are ordering your bass from a mail order or internet store, be sure to find someone who knows repair/setup. I strongly recommend buying from a shop that already does all of these things. I bought my bass used, and all of the above things had already been done. I had already played new ones in the store that had not been setup. The difference was incredible.

[drurb]

Originally Posted by TheBull

please explain what you mean by set up. sorry if i sound retarded.

Usually this refers to the planing/dressing of the fingerboard, the fitting of the bridge and attendant adjustment of string height, the hanging of the tailpiece, etc. An expertly executed setup can make the instrument a joy to play and will bring out its best. A poorly done setup can cause the instrument to fight you every step of the way and yield poor sound. The necessity for a good setup cannot be overestimated-- it is of paramount importance.

[joel kelsey]

Don't forget to factor in the cost of a proper set up. Around here, it can be a couple hundred of bucks. Also, if you are buying a bass from the web, you will probably need new strings wich will cost at least a hundred bucks. I know it as been said already, but setup is extremely important and is worth paying for. A well set up englehart can sound very good. Good luck!

[TheBull]

any opinions on the engelhardt EG-9 swingmaster? so do any ub's come set up? i have only found one store that even has upright basses and i live in freakin new orleans the city of jazz. i already went to two today. im gonna check out that other one tomorrow.

[Peck_Time]

Hi, try searching for luthiers. A quick google bought up this site: http://www.salvadorgiardina.com/ which looks worth a look.

[Fat.Mike]

I love my ES-9. Not great for arco, but pizz. is fantastic. I have silverslap innovations on "her," so that is likely the root of the poor bowed sounds. Everywhere you go with the bass people will complement on how they like the tone or the way it looks. You can hear mine by following my myspace link and watching the Youtube video. Hope this helps a little!

[TheBull]

whats the dif. between arco and pizz what do they mean?

[Marcus Johnson]

Arco=played with the bow, Pizzicato=played with the fingers.

I had an EM-1 laying around for awhile, it wasn't half bad. I got it for next to nothin', but now, there are other options available that may be better.