Help a newbe get started

[DougD]

I'm thinking seriously about taking up DB, i've been a EB player for 30 years or so, off and on. I have absoluty no idea about DB. What would be a useable cheap instrument to buy? It will only be used for learning at home. What size do I need? My local store has a Carlo Robelli 3/4 for about 1k, woud that suit a beginner? Also would anyone know of or be able to put me intouch with a good instructor in the Las Vegas area?
Thanks

[ctcruiser]

If you check out this link, you should find answers to a lot of questions.

I bought my first DB 2 years ago and this link really helped. I realized buying a DB is not like a slab where you plug and play. The set up can really affect your playing and sound.

As for Carlo Robelli models, I looked at those as well at the local Sam Ash store and the sales man there told me that it was a piece of junk. So I stayed away from it.

Unfortunately, from what I have read, a cheap bass tends to be more expensive in the long run than a intermediate bass at a price point of $1,500 to $2,000.

Good luck and welcome to the club. I can never imagine wanting to play my P-bass after the fun I am having with my DB.

[drurb]

Originally Posted by DougD

I'm thinking seriously about taking up DB, i've been a EB player for 30 years or so, off and on. I have absoluty no idea about DB. What would be a useable cheap instrument to buy? It will only be used for learning at home. What size do I need? My local store has a Carlo Robelli 3/4 for about 1k, woud that suit a beginner? Also would anyone know of or be able to put me intouch with a good instructor in the Las Vegas area?
Thanks

Start with the newbie links. There's a wealth of information for first-time buyers. Then come back with unanswered questions. Steer clear of the cheap junk. ctcruiser is giving you good information when he tells you that a cheapie is actually more expensive in the long run. Welcome to the dark side!

[catty]

I just got a cheapie for knock-around that actually sounds quite good. It's the Strunal 50/1 -- I think they retail online for ~$800. I really like mine. I would, indeed, be wary of most of the cheap MIC DB's, though.

[DougD]

Originally Posted by ctcruiser

If you check out this link, you should find answers to a lot of questions.

I bought my first DB 2 years ago and this link really helped. I realized buying a DB is not like a slab where you plug and play. The set up can really affect your playing and sound.

As for Carlo Robelli models, I looked at those as well at the local Sam Ash store and the sales man there told me that it was a piece of junk. So I stayed away from it.

Unfortunately, from what I have read, a cheap bass tends to be more expensive in the long run than a intermediate bass at a price point of $1,500 to $2,000.

Good luck and welcome to the club. I can never imagine wanting to play my P-bass after the fun I am having with my DB.

Sorry but, what link? I did check the newbe faq but it did not realy help me out. mabe I looked at the wrong links. The reason I was thinking about a cheap bass is because I really don't know if i'll stick with DB so i'm not really sure I want to spend 2k. Then again, who knows, I just might fall in love and want to get a better insturment. Would a used bass be the way to go? And I know i'll need a teacher, so any help there would be great.

[liam_g]

Originally Posted by DougD

The reason I was thinking about a cheap bass is because I really don't know if i'll stick with DB so i'm not really sure I want to spend 2k.

I'd try to find a rental, if you can. A lot of luthiers rent instruments, and some even let you apply the rental fees toward future purchases. imho, way better to rent a good instrument with a great setup than to buy if you're not sure yet.

Good luck!

[Arojekt]

Might I suggest an option to look into. The store that I work for, and I don't mean to put this out as some super-promotional thing, but just a thing to look into....

Anyways, the way they rent gear out is really cheap and inexpensive in the long run, and you don't have to sign up on a yearly thing like most places. You can go month by month, and that way you can see if you really like it. It's a rent to own program, and this is how I obtained my new bass trombone (before I worked there!). You can go in and rent for X number of months and when you want to purchase a new instrument 100% of your rental money goes toward your new instrument (it has to be equal value or greater in total value, of course)...

Yeah, just something to look into.

Oh, the store's called Music and Arts Center, and is a branch of Guitar Center.

I hope this helps.

--Arojekt.

[Kevin Hsieh]

i hear upton has a rental program now too... do they ship?

[reedo35]

Originally Posted by DougD

Sorry but, what link?

This link:BASS FORUM LINKS (Newbie Links): PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING NEW TOPICS

[DougD]

Thanks for all the input. Looks like rental is the way t go for me. Soooo now i'm off to find someone that can teach an old dawg new trix

[Dave R]

I just want to encourage you. I'm an ol' slab player who recently took up the upright, and I'm just loving it.

You're in for a great time.

[chuck1073]

I'll second that one. Came to DB about 5 years ago now after a lifetime of EBG. I still pick up my beloved old Steinberger quite often...but I found my voice on the DB.
There's so much to learn! Working hard on arco these days....Figure the less the dogs howl the better I'm getting at it.

[DougD]