Getting my first Double Bass

PRUNEFACE · #1 01-04-2009, 11:20 AM

I am going to start learning double bass soon and was wondering if anyone had recomendations for a mid-range bass. I have musical experience on Baritone Horn, Bass Guitar and guitar (I am also still taking bass/electric guitar lessons) so I would greatly prefer a higher quality instrument than a "Beginner" (think squier/cheap ibanez bass guitars) becasue I am positive I will not grow bored of the instrument and I CAN tell the difference between basses, both in playability and sound.

Would an old Kay bass be a good instrument? I realize that there are good ones and bad ones, but overall it sounds like they are very popular and are a great value if you can find a good one. My only hangup was that they were plywood laminates, but if you guys think that isn't a big deal let me know.

Anyways, if you have any recomendations for a bass go ahead and post away :

zeytoun · #2 01-04-2009, 02:40 PM

Are you going to play arco or pizz (or both)? Orchestral, Jazz, Bluegrass, Rockabilly, etc.? Are you going to take it on the road? Are you going to amp it? Are you playing tiny gigs, or big venues?

Depending on the answers to those, a Kay bass could either be perfect, or not at all good.

PRUNEFACE · #3 01-04-2009, 04:13 PM

I'd be playing some jazz, but I'd probably be focusing on classical music. So I wouldn't be ignoring the two best (

) genres. And if I wanted to amplify, micing wouldn't be a problem, but then again I have acess to bass amps. I wouldn't be "touring" or having daily gigs either, so I wouldn't need to transport more than once or twice a week. (Once for lessons and the second for a performance).

Peck_Time · #4 01-04-2009, 05:19 PM

What's your budget? Have you read the newbie stickies? Have you filled out your profile?

What does your teacher recommend?

PRUNEFACE · #5 01-04-2009, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peck_Time

What's your budget? Have you read the newbie stickies? Have you filled out your profile?

What does your teacher recommend?

The relevant information is filled out in my profile, my budget is preferably below 2.5k and the newbie stickies seem to generally discuss the beginner level basses for those who are not sure if they'll stick with it

Peck_Time · #6 01-04-2009, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PRUNEFACE

The relevant information is filled out in my profile (SNIP)

Where are you located? I can tell you now that the best thing to do is to play as many basses as you can, and get to know the local luthiers/ teachers/ players on the scene. If you can deign to tell us where you live, we can let you know where the 'good oil' is!

If you live in a bass-free zone, then we can move onto other options.

PRUNEFACE · #7 01-04-2009, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peck_Time

Where are you located? I can tell you now that the best thing to do is to play as many basses as you can, and get to know the local luthiers/ teachers/ players on the scene. If you can deign to tell us where you live, we can let you know where the 'good oil' is!

If you live in a bass-free zone, then we can move onto other options.

I can't really give that information, but trust me, there is literally only ONE bass (that is just dreadful) in the nearest counties, so that isn't relevant regardless.

dchan · #8 01-04-2009, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PRUNEFACE

I can't really give that information, but trust me, there is literally only ONE bass (that is just dreadful) in the nearest counties, so that isn't relevant regardless.

Sorry, we can't really help you if that's your attitude. Give us a state, or if you're outside the U.S., your country at least.

Peck_Time · #9 01-04-2009, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PRUNEFACE

I can't really give that information, but trust me, there is literally only ONE bass (that is just dreadful) in the nearest counties, so that isn't relevant regardless.

Salman Rushdie, is that you?

drurb · #10 01-04-2009, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PRUNEFACE

I can't really give that information...

You gotta be kidding. Folks here are generally very helpful. We try to point buyers to local reputable luthiers. If you're serious, you'll help us to help you.

PRUNEFACE · #11 01-04-2009, 10:18 PM

Trust me, there are no double basses within hundreds of miles (that aren't currently being played) and distance is absolutely NOT a proboem. Please guys, understand that some of that information is private, and plays absolutely no part in the decision making process.i just was wondering what your recomendations were based on the information I had given. I'm not anywhere near the purchasing stage because I don't even know which instrment I'd be planning on getting.

Bass Barrister · #12 01-04-2009, 11:40 PM

Trying to fashion some useful reponse from the snippet of information provided . . .

You state that you want a "mid-level" bass and not a "entry level" model. In a subesequent post, you indicate a budget of $2.0k to $2.5K. That figure IS entry level - you can expect to pay $5.0K to $10K for a medium - grade bass.

You admitted that you want to play and/or focus on jazz and classical style playing. You also asked about Kay basses. Kay basses are made of plywood. They have not been made since 1969 and are therefore all used instruments. Plywood basses are not ideal for classical playing although they may be used this way if you're a non-pro in some local orchestra.

It seems that you need either a hybrid or fully carved DB. Both Shen and Christopher make basses Expect to pay $2.5K and up for a hybrid, and $3.5K and up for a fully carved bass. You might also want to contact luthiers like Upton Bass, String Emporium, Lemur Music, or Gollihur Music. Google is your friend.

dchan · #13 01-04-2009, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PRUNEFACE

Please guys, understand that some of that information is private.......

You heard him, folks. I believe we have an escaped con on our hands.

MDEbass · #14 01-05-2009, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dchan

You heard him, folks. I believe we have an escaped con on our hands.

HA!

PRUNEFACE · #15 01-05-2009, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass Barrister

Trying to fashion some useful reponse from the snippet of information provided . . .

You state that you want a "mid-level" bass and not a "entry level" model. In a subesequent post, you indicate a budget of $2.0k to $2.5K. That figure IS entry level - you can expect to pay $5.0K to $10K for a medium - grade bass.
You admitted that you want to play and/or focus on jazz and classical style playing. You also asked about Kay basses. Kay basses are made of plywood. They have not been made since 1969 and are therefore all used instruments. Plywood basses are not ideal for classical playing although they may be used this way if you're a non-pro in some local orchestra.

It seems that you need either a hybrid or fully carved DB. Both Shen and Christopher make basses Expect to pay $2.5K and up for a hybrid, and $3.5K and up for a fully carved bass. You might also want to contact luthiers like Upton Bass, String Emporium, Lemur Music, or Gollihur Music. Google is your friend.

Sorry, was thinking along bass guitar/guitar ranges. I understand that these are expensive, but I also saw quite a few ridiculously cheap basses selling for about 650 (that unless they had amazing reviews, would never happen).

PRUNEFACE · #16 01-05-2009, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dchan

You heard him, folks. I believe we have an escaped con on our hands.

lol that isn't funny

wilsonn · #17 01-05-2009, 09:03 AM

I've played the Upton Hybrid and Ply Basses in your price range. You could do a lot worse for the money and they'll be a versatile, quality starter bass that you could sell someday without losing a lot of money. They'll certainly start life better than the plywood I see in most local music stores and are set up better. They will come to you probably needing to have the post set, so finding a luthier within driving distance will be critical. Of all the under-$3k basses I've played that are reliably available new, these were the most satisfactory. http://www.uptonbass.com/UB-Standard...d-Double-Bass/
Neal

Tumbao · #18 01-05-2009, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PRUNEFACE

I am going to start learning double bass soon and was wondering if anyone had recomendations for a mid-range bass...so I would greatly prefer a higher quality instrument than a "Beginner"

Take it ez and try to learn something from those seniors guys before you spend a $1.00

Bass · #19 01-05-2009, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PRUNEFACE

...lol that isn't funny...

Yes it is. And it's funny that you refuse to reveal your location!

I'm interested in an explanation beyond "private information".

And welcome to TalkBass. Good suggestions so far, you want to steer clear of cheap e-bay basses. Think about a hybrid from a reputable shop: Shen, Christopher, Upton Bass, String Emporium, Lemur Music, or Gollihur Music as previously mentioned.

Eric Swanson · #20 01-05-2009, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peck_Time

Salman Rushdie, is that you?

Mr. Rushdie, so sorry hear about the break up with Padma. Tough break there...I can't imagine how you could possibly do better, but good luck...

Regarding basses, there are lots of options. Take your time.

Hard to make hard/fast generalizations about this stuff. Example: I was playing arco and pizz on a Kay M-1 over this last week that had been beaten/neglected within an inch of its life and it still had some really nice, responsive stuff happening. Sounded and played way better than some cheap carved basses I have played, pizz or arco. So go figure...

Since others haven't said it yet, remember that whatever bass you buy, you may still need money for a bow, strings, and a setup, depending on what you work out.

+1 on traveling to try basses. In my limited experience, this ain't much like buying a BG. Even with two or three basses made by the same firm, instruments' characteristics can vary from bass to bass.

Fit is a personal thing. More like dating than shopping, IMHO.