Fixing up my Engelhardt C1

[gennaevelyn]

Hi there;

So I picked up a used Engelhardt C1 from Boston recently as my first bass. Looks like it hadn't been played in a decade, probably still has the original strings on it... the screw for the end-pin has somehow been worn clean off so I cannot adjust the end pin at all (which has been fine so far since its at a decent length)

Anyways, I'm now thinking its a good time to get it all properly set up and I would appreciate some advice.

I have only been playing bass since February '08. I have very little experience here! I'm learning mostly classical arco with my teacher (working through simandl...) but am working on jazz work on the side so I want to set up this bass with a new set of strings that will be decent for both (but mainly arco). I'm just beginning so I don't really know the differences here, but I want to set myself up with strings (and other things) that will facilitate fast improvement in my playing as I go along. I've read a lot of good things about these Pirastro-Evah Pirazzi strings, but what I'm wondering is -- is that overkill for someone who is as "beginner" as they come? Are they too ritzy for an Engelhardt C1?

I'm playing with a German bow lent to me by a friend but I would like to pick up a new one of my own so that's another thing I need a good recommendation on. I've read really good things about the $99 Upton, but then again I've also read really poor things so its hard for me to decide what to do. We don't really have a lot of try-before-you-buy bow options on the east coast of Canada so I'm in a bit of a pickle...

I need a new end pin put in as well and maybe a new bridge...

Ok, so there is a luthier near here who I will be visiting to have all this stuff done. BUT I would really appreciate your help in making some general recommendations on these things before I go visit her because I really prefer to have some idea of what I want done and how much I expect it to cost BEFORE I go to speak to the luthier -- just so I know beforehand what I might be getting into.

If its any help, I will say that I am having serious problems with the 4th finger playing currently. I don't have ridiculously small hands or anything, but with the E and A strings I have the hardest time being able to properly play 4th finger notes while still keeping the other fingers in the proper position. My teacher attributes this to the really thick string and the really high action on this particular bass. So recommendations for strings that take this into account would be helpful (I can't tell what kind of strings are on it now...)

I'm not made of money, but I do want to maximize my chances of success on this instrument and make a good investment. Your input is highly solicited!


Genna.

[MingusAmongUs]

All things considered...

I would recommend sticking with tried and true steel strings since you'll be doing more bowing than pizz. Go with either Spirocore weichs or Helicore hybrids (light gauge). These strings will last a good long time and are reasonably priced. Get set up with a lower-to-medium action. sounds like you probably want to be set up for arco but that will make jazz playing a little bit more difficult -- there really is no "in-between" setup as I understand it.

Other than that, I think if you just take your teacher's recommendations to the luthier, and if you trust said luthier, he/she should be able to do you right based on what you tell them.

Bows are like basses, it's a personal thing, so try as many as you can and get what feels best to you. You can get started on an Upton or a Gollihur or go even cheaper with an eBay bow but ultimately if your focus is classical playing you'll want to upgrade either way.

You're probably looking at +/- $100 (US) for the new endpin if the screw can't be replaced, and a few hundred for a new bridge/setup. A good chunk of change but should last many years and will be well worth it if done right.

[jtlownds]

Hi Genna,

Good recommendations from Mingus. Englehart end-pins and bridges are both crap, so I would suggest replacing both. Spirocore Weichs are excellent arco and pizz strings, and are low tension. I would suggest getting a good quality bridge set up with adjusters, so that you can have low action until you build up some finger strength, and raise it later on to match your requirements.

[drurb]

Originally Posted by MingusAmongUs

Get set up with a lower-to-medium action. sounds like you probably want to be set up for arco but that will make jazz playing a little bit more difficult -- there really is no "in-between" setup as I understand it.

Fine advice but this is, after all, also a matter of playing style. Some of us jazz pizz. players use string heights that work quite well for arco.

So...

Originally Posted by jtlownds

I would suggest getting a good quality bridge set up with adjusters, so that you can have low action until you build up some finger strength, and raise it later on to match your requirements.

Indeed.

[zeytoun]

Regarding strings: I know people recommend trying the "standard" spirocore steel string right off the bat as a baseline.

And it may be good advice.

But when I read about EPs, I wanted them really bad. They sounded like just what I was looking for. And EP weichs are the first strings I've ever played on. And I love them, and would do it the same again. I can't vouch for regular EPs, in terms of how hard they are for a beginner (they might be a little harder for your newly used 4th). I would suggest, if you are really pulled by what you hear about a string, find out everything you can about them, and if you still want them, try them. If you're just mildly curious, go with a standard, like Spiro weichs.