Hello everyone! Newbie here who needs help

[jpatt2]

Hello, I'm new to these forums, but have lurked for quite some time. I am getting ready to start college, and will be studiying upright bass under Karl Olsen, principle bassist in the Louisville Orchestra. I am an electric player moving over to upright, and the school asks that I purchase my own upright. How much should I expect to spend? Also, I play a five string, as does my professor. Would it be a good idea to start on a five string? I've narrowed my choices down to Upton, Shen, and Christopher...Any personal experiences with these brands? Thank you so much for your help, and I am so sorry if you have heard these questions a billion times...I have called a variety of shops, and they all seem kind of biased to their own stuff.

[JtheJazzMan]

If you intend to be using a 5 string double bass, eg orchestral use or otherwise, then dont waste money on a 4 string and get yourself a nice 5 string straight up.

I know money is always a pain, but if youre playing bass for the long haul, then getting a fine quality bass that is to your specification right away saves a lot of messing around with buying gear.

[jpatt2]

Thank you very much for your response. I play a five string electric, but I think you're right; I really like the extended range. Is it more common for a five string to have a low B or high C?

[Andrew Grandahl]

Low B.

[jpatt2]

Originally Posted by Andrew Grandahl

Low B.

Hey, I'm located in Rochester, NY as well Andrew; could you maybe refer me to a place around here that has a good selection of uprights? I'll be in Campbellsville, KY for college, so if anyone knows of a place down there that has a good selection, I really would appreciate some information about them.

[MDEbass]

What's your budget to spend on a bass? If you plan on studying it in college, I would reccomend just getting a good quality bass, not a cheap starter one, if your budget allows it. Good luck!

[JtheJazzMan]

Well the low B would be more common, especially for orchestras that need the low range for particular pieces.

Ive moved exclusively to high C's on all my electric and acoustic instruments though and I love it. By the nature of the thin string Im using on the high C and others, the bass has a more cello-istic type sound. I use a high C all the time compared to a low B which I rarely ever used. The high C is great for a soloist bass.

So you have to think about what direction youd like to go in playing wise.

[jpatt2]

Originally Posted by MDEbass

What's your budget to spend on a bass? If you plan on studying it in college, I would reccomend just getting a good quality bass, not a cheap starter one, if your budget allows it. Good luck!

I'm looking to spend up to around $3000; will that get me a quality upright? Any maker suggestions? Thanks alot!

[jpatt2]

Originally Posted by JtheJazzMan

Well the low B would be more common, especially for orchestras that need the low range for particular pieces.

Ive moved exclusively to high C's on all my electric and acoustic instruments though and I love it. By the nature of the thin string Im using on the high C and others, the bass has a more cello-istic type sound. I use a high C all the time compared to a low B which I rarely ever used. The high C is great for a soloist bass.

So you have to think about what direction youd like to go in playing wise.

Hmm, that's a good point; I imagine I'll be playing primarily orchestra and jazz pieces for the school. What styles do you play?

[Andrew McGregor]

At $3k you are best advised to go looking for a used instrument... unlike electric instruments, the maker is far less important than the character of the particular instrument. Two basses from the same factory can be completely different, so the only answer is to borrow a good player and go try some basses. In fact the only places where brands make any sense in the double bass world are carbon fibre bows and rosin; although strings are very consistent, the way any bass will respond to a particular string is highly unpredictable.

The second point is, five strings are expensive. But then, they are very seldom the horrendously made super-cheap bass-shaped-objects.

So, $3k budget... that means you're looking at under $2k instrument, $500 to $700 bow, and the rest on setup. If you are going to do any orchestra work, do not skimp on the bow or setup; better by far to have a not so good bass set up perfectly and a good bow.

[JtheJazzMan]

Originally Posted by jpatt2

Hmm, that's a good point; I imagine I'll be playing primarily orchestra and jazz pieces for the school. What styles do you play?

Jazz, some classical solo work but no orchestral work, and "world music" ala renaud garcia type stuff.

A big part of the flexibility of the bass is down to the string choice.

I use thomastik spirocores, which are a good steel string for pizzicato or arco........though asking whether spiros are a good arco string - now thats a can of worms around here!

I guess they are a "love or hate" string, they get a thumbs up from me even when doing all arco. Just be prepared for lots of practice....

[jpatt2]

Originally Posted by Andrew McGregor

So, $3k budget... that means you're looking at under $2k instrument, $500 to $700 bow, and the rest on setup. If you are going to do any orchestra work, do not skimp on the bow or setup; better by far to have a not so good bass set up perfectly and a good bow.

Good to know...A music store near where I'll be attending college offered me a Christopher Academy 100 for $1200 with a free bag and $80 bow; any personal experiences? I definitely will probably pass on the bow and get a better one, but do any of you have personal experiences with Christophers?

Thank you for the imput on strings, JtheJazzMan; I've notice strings are quite expensive for an upright, so it would definitely be a good idea to try some out. I'll be sure to try out the Tomastik Spirocores. As for the practice piece, when it comes to bass, I have trouble NOT practicing .

[jpatt2]

I think I'll splurge a little and go with the Christopher 300 series hybrid 5 string. Thank you for all of your help, everyone!

[Nagrom]

You should speak with your teacher about a bass. He may have a student looking to upgrade if they can get reasonable price for their bass. The other thing is when you're looking to upgrade later, he'll be a resource again.

[rodmallia]

Originally Posted by Nagrom

You should speak with your teacher about a bass. He may have a student looking to upgrade if they can get reasonable price for their bass. The other thing is when you're looking to upgrade later, he'll be a resource again.

This seems like some sensible advice.

[Andrew Grandahl]

Originally Posted by jpatt2

Hey, I'm located in Rochester, NY as well Andrew; could you maybe refer me to a place around here that has a good selection of uprights? I'll be in Campbellsville, KY for college, so if anyone knows of a place down there that has a good selection, I really would appreciate some information about them.

Well, I'm originally from CT and bought my bass privately in NYC, so I'm not really sure of where to buy basses in Rochester, it's only my location because I go to Eastman. I'll inquire for you though and let you know.

[mjt0229]

Originally Posted by Andrew McGregor

At $3k you are best advised to go looking for a used instrument... unlike electric instruments, the maker is far less important than the character of the particular instrument. Two basses from the same factory can be completely different, so the only answer is to borrow a good player and go try some basses. In fact the only places where brands make any sense in the double bass world are carbon fibre bows and rosin; although strings are very consistent, the way any bass will respond to a particular string is highly unpredictable.

The second point is, five strings are expensive. But then, they are very seldom the horrendously made super-cheap bass-shaped-objects.

So, $3k budget... that means you're looking at under $2k instrument, $500 to $700 bow, and the rest on setup. If you are going to do any orchestra work, do not skimp on the bow or setup; better by far to have a not so good bass set up perfectly and a good bow.

What he said. I think that these points can't be emphasized enough.

[EJ_Dad]

You could always rent for the first semester or two.
1. You will know what to look for in a bass.
2. You won't be in a hurry to purchase. People in a hurry usually spend more and get less.

Be sure to have your teacher check out any bass Before you purchase it.

[Bass Barrister]

Don't forget to check out the TB Classifieds. Right now, DB buyers have the edge, and there are some very good deals offered. There's a guy in Louisville selling a Shen Willow you might want to check out. I don't know him or the bass, but it is worth asking a few questions.

[Andrew Grandahl]

Student String Shop
52 N. Main Street
Fairport, NY

Try these guys out, apparently they have a good selection and great service.