First Time

[Gregmak]

Hi guys,

I play fretless bass guitar, and for the first time I will be buying an Upright Bass and learn how to play it with my teacher.

Now, a friend of my teacher is selling an upright bass, which he bought originally for 4000euro, and hes giving it to me for 1000euro. I forgot what make it was, I will find out these days and let u guys know.

What I would appreciate, is if I could have some pointers on what to be looking out when checking the double bass, to know if its good, if it has a good sound etc etc. Sound wise, I think I have a fairly good understanding of how a good double bass sounds, as I listen to a lot of double bass players. But like I said, I THINK I do

I did some double bass lessons for 2 months with my teacher in university, though the double bass there really sucked, so I decided to stop until I get my own.

Any help is appreciated!
Thanks a lot,

Greg

[drurb]

Check out the newbie links here.

[Gregmak]

Can u link me please? I cant seem to find any links concerning my topic, sorry :S

[Jason Sypher]

Simple. Get the teacher to take a look at the bass. Pay him a lesson rate if necessary.

[bassist14]

Originally Posted by Gregmak

Now, a friend of my teacher is selling an upright bass, which he bought originally for 4000euro, and hes giving it to me for 1000euro.

get a new teacher

[Swampman Cory]

I see a big problem in the fact that you have a 'teacher' who will teach you upright bass, but won't advise you on a purchase.

[Gregmak]

Well my teacher tried the bass himself and told me its good.
However, a sound freak as I am, I believe his "good" is probably not good enough for me.
The problem is there, aren't many double basses in Cyprus, so it's really difficult to get my hands on one.

Anyway, appreciate your answers.
Thanks.

[Marton]

No matters which bass you buy, you will not sound like Paul Chambers after 2 months of double bass. Most of the tone is in your playing, so just get something that is fun to play and in good structural condition. Have the bass checked by a good luthier if you can, a cheap bass is cool, but if the bass become unplayable in one year, that's NOT a good deal.

[pauliebass]

Check that the fit and finish is good. Put the bass next to you and see if it vibrates with you in a pleasing way. That sounds stupid, but a lot of upright playing in loud situations is about feeling the instrument. Orchestral players "feel" intonation when the trombones are really loud. Have someone listen to the projection of the bass as well. Some basses sound good around you, and then some of them leap forward. The best do both. It's hard to pick an instrument, but be glad that you are!

[bassist14]

Originally Posted by Gregmak

in Cyprus, .

ah, now i understand the problem.

you could contact tb-member MIKMAN.
he is from greece, and often writes here about the bass-buying situation there

[Jsn]

Originally Posted by Gregmak

Can u link me please? I cant seem to find any links concerning my topic, sorry :S

The very first one seems germane:


How to Buy a DB

Good luck!

[Gregmak]

Hi guys,

Thanks for your replies. I read the links provided aswell.
I went today to check the bass out with my teacher. He played on it first and then I tried playing it. To my surprise, the double bass actually sounded quite loud and thumpy. The action was low, and he had soft strings on. To me it sounded pretty good. My teacher also told me its good and a really good buy for 1000EU.

It also sounded quite rich in overtones. I'm still a little surprised as my teacher double bass doesn't sound this upfront.

It seems like I will be buying it by the end of month, so I'm really excited! From the places that I looked I couldn't find any double bass in this price range with this kind of sound. Also, I checked the bass was made in Czech Republic.