Help an eletric player, is this an "ok" starter DB?

[BuffaloBass]

Folks, I know that spending less than $1000 is risky in the DB world, but I'm starting to look for one, continuing on my quest of bassology.

This seems like one heckuva bargain, but not if its unplayable.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navig...+335807+500111

PS I have no experience at DB, but am somewhat finicky ( as much as a cheap budget allows! ).

I also have prejudice against things made in ChiCom, or any totalitarian regime.

THNX for any input!

[Matthew Tucker]

Eeek! That's no double bass, that's an overgrown fiddle!



If you're after the double bass experience, I don't think that will keep you happy for long. Double bass players usually choose double bass because of the sound. That unit might leave you short-changed on sound. But I could be wrong.

[Caoimhín]

Originally Posted by BuffaloBass

I also have prejudice against things made in ChiCom, or any totalitarian regime.

What or where is ChiCom?

[salcott]

I beleive he's referring to the Republic of China. During the cold war, the Chinese government were referred to as "ChiComs" (Chinese Communists), especially during the Nixon era.

[jacochops]

That looks a lot like the Florea/Knilling Thinline bass...maybe made by the same people? The High School I teach has one. It was there when I got the job. I spent 600 bucks in a setup, pickup, strings, board replaned, etc. After it was done, it plays very well and sounds good with an amp, but acoustically? Not a lot of sound. The other thing is that the board one this one was flatsawn ebony, with all kinds of swirl and grain, and it was very hard to plane it flat because of that. It took my guy 4 hours to get that right! So, if you're ready to put some cash into it, go for it. But after buying the bass, spending dough to get it right, why not just get an Upton or Shen bass that is already good to go?

[Randy Ward]

BuffaloBass

there are threads about this bass.
do a search for silver creek .


here is one where I made a comment after playing one.


what are some good thin bodied uprights?

[Bruce Lindfield]

Originally Posted by BuffaloBass

Folks, I know that spending less than $1000 is risky in the DB world, but I'm starting to look for one, continuing on my quest of bassology.

This seems like one heckuva bargain, but not if its unplayable.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navig...+335807+500111

PS I have no experience at DB, but am somewhat finicky ( as much as a cheap budget allows! ).

I also have prejudice against things made in ChiCom, or any totalitarian regime.

THNX for any input!

Well - just so we are clear - MF is not marketing that as a DB - Double Bass.

It is clearly titled on that link, as an "Electric Upright Bass" - EUB !

Which is a different thing and which has a different forum!!

[BuffaloBass]

Thank you gentlemen. Didnt realize it was a thinline, its too thin, and I didnt really want an EUB. Played one and it was HORRIBLE. I'll just keep keeping my eyes open.

[Jet Nero]

There is so much garbage on the internet, it's often hard for a DB beginner to make sense of it all. Do yourself a favor and seek out a string shop or luthier in your area and tell them you'd like a decent beginner bass. They are not cheap but they don't have to be expensive either. An honest, knowledgeable adviser should steer you to something suitable from between $1500-3000. You won't be buying a masterpiece but you won't end up with a nightmare either. Try to avoid the temptation of an "affordable" old bass on craigslist as well (unless you can have it checked out before you commit). An $850 Kay may need $1850 in repairs to make it playable. I know quite a bit about buying basses but every time I get a second opinion it seems like I learn something new...

[drurb]

Jet imparts wisdom!