HELP

[fourdogs]

Hi, again I really hate to be a pain in the arse, but I really would like to know if anyone can tell me anything about a Vienna Hamburg U R B. I have a guy that has one I can pick up for around $800.00 and it sounds good and looks decent, but I cannot find out anything about the name brand. Please help, I have asked once already and received no reply, and this guy will not sit on this forever. Thanks again Todd

[Peck_Time]

Hi Fourdogs, welcome to talkbass!

First of all, I know nothing about this 'Hamburg Vienna' bass, but I do remember what it's like to be in desperate need of a double bass.

My advice: Slow down there pardner! There is a 99% certainty that any $800 dollar unknown bass will be a big disappointment. You have read the stickies at the top of the forum, haven't you?

If you are still keen, have your teacher or an experienced player check the bass out. If you do not play DB, every bass will sound good to you.

There is a Vienna Hamburg bass on ebay here. If this is the bass, I would not bother.

[Gufenov]

Someone else may be able to provide more information, but I believe the Vienna Hamburg is made in Korea and is the same bass sold by Lemur music as one of their laminated models. I don't think it's one of the CCBs typically sold on eBay. I've looked at them and played them in the store. $800 is a good deal if it is in good shape and especially if it is already well set up. Jim Laabs sells this line of instrument - a caution here. They are known for poor customer service. If you're buying from a private owner, that shouldn't be an issue.

[PB+J]

I don't know anything about that particular bass but I'd be careful. Do you trust the guy selling it? Is there a local upright bass player you can ask to check it out for you?

It might be fine, but that's real cheap for a double bass.The ad for the one on Ebay has a bunch of misleading stuff in the text, like "spruce wood top" and "Fine Quality Ebony Wood Fingerboard, Tailpiece, and Tuning Pegs. Hand Inlaid Purfling". I doubt it has an ebony fingerboard and it surely does not have ebony tuning pegs. I doubt it has real purfling. All I'm saying is be careful--it might turn out to be fine

[fourdogs]

Thanks for the replys!! I believe I will pass on this then. That was what I was wanting to know. I know of another U R B for a grand it is a Englehart EM 1 in good shape it has already been set up for the type of playing that I will be doing and it does have an ebony finger board. Again thanks for the response.

[PB+J]

You can't really go wrong with the engle, although some of them have (for me) necks that are too thin and hurt my hand. I had an Em-1 and it comes with a rosewood board.

good luck!