Good bass for a little money?

[spike thomas]

Hi, my name is Aaron. I'm saving for an upright bass and am planning on spending about $800. Is this realistic? I am 16 and have played only one upright bass. it was priced at $900 but prices have dropped since then. I don't own a bass but I have wanted one since I was 13. I apppreciate any info you can give me. Thank you.

[anon_6j591b0]

Fill out you profile so we at least know your location. Advice will be different for someone in Newark, NJ than for someone in Canoe Narrows, Saskatchewan.

A teacher is the first thing you need to find. He or she will be able to help you with this. Yes though it is possible to get a playable instrument for around $1000. For that price though it's more likely you're going to get a piece of junk or a decent bass that needs another $500-1000 worth of repairs so you really need the help of someone local who knows instruments.

[dchan]

Save a little more money. Your budget should be more like $1500 and above in order to get a decent playable bass.

And as jbonny said, you should find a local luthier if you can to help you out. A lot of times, a local luthier may even sell you the instrument you will be getting. The advantage to that is that not only will you be getting good advice, but you'll also be getting a well-setup and very playable instrument.

Beware of the junk basses that pass as the only bass at a music store. Always look for string shops and luthiers that sell many different basses as you'll probably be getting a decent instrument.