i finally decided that my search for an upright was going nowhere. i paid my friend some money to let me borrow his hybrid shen bass purchased from nick lloyd for practice. for where i want to be career-wise in the future i need to start now.
and anyway, i loved it just as i thought i would. signed up for classical lessons in addition to my jazz lessons. if only i could get my OWN bass ...
then, a few days ago, there was a craigslist ad posted almost immediately as i happened to search "upright bass."
voila! $800 for a plywood shen SB100 with a realist pickup, set up by nick lloyd with his custom-made bridge and tailpiece. came in near perfect condition with a gig bag and two german bows. also has information on how to contact nick as well as receipts for past tune-ups.
the man i bought it from was one of the most genuine, kind people i've ever met. naturally at such a price i thought i was getting scammed. after expressing my enthusiasm for bass (being a jazz major) he ended up giving me $40 back to cover gas for the ride up to cincinnati and to get something for dinner. i couldn't believe it.
the only stipulation is that i have to use it well for him as he wants it to go to a good home where it will be played and appreciated. no better place than here in my locker in the music building! i intend to play it daily for the rest of my days as my long as both the bass's and my physical health permits.
the man was truly a godsend. told me if one of my jazz ensembles make it up that way to give him a ring as he and his wife love seeing live music and miss the days when their sons were in school and traveled for band.
great, great person. i only really met him for half an hour or so, but i can tell he was extremely genuine and passionate about music.
here's to thumping (and bowing while i'm at it)!
