Florea Lupeni (Pro) Double Bass

[pmarche]

Does anyone know anything about the Florea Lupeni or the Florea Lupeni Pro? In comparison to an Engelhardt ES1 Supreme where does the Florea Lupeni stand? I have about $1000 to spend and I am wondering which would be a better bass out of the two. Has anyone played either of these? It says the the Florea Lupeni comes set up to regorous MENC specifications... does that mean it won't need as much luthier work or any bridge adjustment, planing of the fingerboard, new nut or tailpiece and endpin (it says nut, fingerboard, tailpiece and endpin are all ebony)? Help???

Thanks so much,

Paul

[crowsmengegus]

Hi Paul,

You might have a bit of trouble finding people on this forum who have purchased a Florea bass. Although, before proceeding, take a look at this thread. Also, questions of the general nature "should I buy this inexpensive bass" are asked here very frequently, so try using the search button for the DB forums and you'll find lots of stuff. Take a look at the many suggestions from the past and come back to this thread with questions.

To answer your questions: Engelhardts have a good reputation; I've owned one myself and was happy with it. No, I don't think you can count on your musician's friend bass having a good setup when it arrives.

My questions for you: What is your intended musical use for the bass? Can you spend a little more than $1000?

EDIT: Your profile indicates you are an experienced jazz DB'er (20+ years), but I assumed from your question you are somewhat new to purchasing DB's. I'm confused, sorry....

[pmarche]

Yup I have been playing since I was in middle school and have had the same Chinese Manufactured DB for years. I have a family and unfortunately not enough money to buy myself something as grand as 4k-8k bass. Maybe someday but as it stands I want to get the most out of what I have available to spend on myself. I do not get this opportunity very often but due to my 40th birthday coming up, I get to somewhat spoil myself :-). So all in all, I do know what a good bass is I just want to find the closest to a good bass that I can with my measily $1000.

[pmarche]

Hi Crowsmengegus,

Here is the ad for this bass (below), and it is not from MusiciansFriend. I would be purchasing it from Woodwinds and Brasswinds. The cost is $1084 and due to the ad, it almost sounds to good to be true and that is why I am wondering if anyone has played, seen or knows any information on these that I should know.

The skilled craftsmen who assemble the Lupeni bass use a century old process. Made of a solid carved Carpathian spruce top and laminated maple back and sides (fully-arched back), this bass includes an ebony fingerboard, nut, saddle, tailpiece and endpin. Set-up and adjusted to rigorous MENC specifications, the Lupeni bass comes standard with high quality German machine heads. Includes a maple bridge, Helicore strings, Cordura padded bass bag with backpack straps, and a Glasser fiberglass bow. Made in Romania

[longfinger]

I'm not convinced that for $1000 you'll be able to buy a DB new from a store that is significantly better than what you already have. If your current no name bass has survived 20 years without falling apart, it can't be all bad.

Perhaps start with a list of what you want the new DB to be able to do for you that your current DB can't offer. Check out some basses in person wherever you are. If your current bass can't be topped up to deliver what you need, then it may be time to sell your current bass for as much money as you can get for it. Then with the proceeds of that sale, and the $1000 of b-day money you've stashed away, you may be able to buy something that will be a worthy upgrade to what you already have.

To save money, buying recently made instruments, used through private sales does help. Check the craigslist postings in your area. I did a quick check and there are a few postings that are worth investigating.

[DC Bass]

Paul,

I think I'm with the other two guys on this. It's hard to give advise without seeing your actual bass...or the mail order one you're considering. Personally, I would never buy something like an upright bass via the mail...I'd HAVE to put my hands on it. YMMV.

Not to go spending your money for you , but have you considered a bow (or bow upgrade)?

Good luck!

Joe

[pmarche]

Ya, my bass is not quite 20 years old but it is getting up there in age. It has done me well and I have replaced the bridge, tailpiece and new strings on it to get it to sound the best I can. I have just hoped I could get something a little newer since mine is starting to fall apart after years of play. I wanna get the most I can with my birthday money and swop my good strings from my current to my new and if needed, do the same with my bridge and tailpiece. Craigslist is selling the Engelhardt for more then I could get it new and there would not be any kind of warranty on it. Just hoping to hear from someone who has tried the Florea Lupena and tell me it is all that they say it is if you know what I mean. Thank you all for your time and please if you know of anyone who has tried one of these, can you send them my way? I have till October to find a nice bass for the money I have... I refuse to give up!!! :-)

[crowsmengegus]

Okay, here's my advice: forget about this Florea mail-order bass, no matter how nice the description says it is. Figure out exactly what you are looking for and why you want to upgrade. To do this you should go play some basses to see what they have that yours doesn't. I can suggest people that I know and like: Pete's bass shop in Portland, or Maureen Pandos (if she has anything in stock). Check out Bob Gollihur's luthier directory for more options around Salem. If you have a better idea what you are looking for, you should have better luck shopping.

[crowsmengegus]

Originally Posted by pmarche

I have just hoped I could get something a little newer since mine is starting to fall apart after years of play.

Maybe you just need to fix it up a little? Has a luthier looked at your bass recently?

[pmarche]

Yup I think I am going to do that... take mine into a Luthier and see what he says. Maybe new sound post, fingerboard re-planed and I know I need a new endpin. Thanks for you great advice crowsmengegus.

[Marcus Johnson]

Originally Posted by pmarche

Ya, my bass is not quite 20 years old but it is getting up there in age.

Contradiction. Your bass is a pup.

[crowsmengegus]

Originally Posted by pmarche

Ya, my bass is not quite 20 years old but it is getting up there in age.

Mine's 130 and it's in better shape than me....

[pmarche]

Thats because you guys have real basses :-). Mine is a chinese manufactured and was built for the sale not the soul. I do give it as much soul as I can though :-)