Help Point the Way Grandson needs a 1/2 size

[fretwear]

My grandson is starting to play upright bass at school, he's 11 years old, 4'9" and in the sixth grade. I believe he uses a 1/2 size at school. I would like to get him a bass for home practice. Looking for something affordable yet a quality build. My thinking is a "quality build" would help encourage interest and practice. Any suggestions would greatly appreciated. I really don't know of any sources or name brands to look for or avoid. How to control cost on shipping would of help too.
I have a freind that has a William Lewis Laurel bass, German made late '80's, highly flamed back and sides. The prob is it's 2000 miles away, no shipping carton, or ideas on how to ship in a cost effective way. (I did a search and found some ideas on shippig)
I know nothing about upright basses, need direction. I've seem some on the net for 5 to 6 hundred delivered, but have also heard bad things about cheep, poorly built......don't want to end up a victim!? I'm in Eugene, Or, maybe there's something closer to where we live?
Thanks in avance for a any insight and direction.

The Laurel is on the bay here's a link with some pics

http://cgi.ebay.com/William-Lewis-1-...item3ef867c4c7

[drurb]

Welcome! I suggest that you start by reading the newbie links here. They contain a wealth of information for folks such as yourself. As you can imagine, the question you're asking is one that we hear many times. You would be wise to avoid what we call CCBs-- cheap Chinese basses. There are some reputable Chinese basses available. That is, not all are CCBs. The absolute minimum for a new plywood instrument with a decent setup is about $1200. The "eBay specials" for $500 should be avoided.

For a number of reasons, you may not want to start with a 1/2 size bass. How old is your grandson? How tall is he?

No real way to evaluate your friend's bass without pictures, etc. Even if it looks good to us, evaluation should be done, in-person, by a qualified luthier.

[fretwear]

Originally Posted by drurb

Welcome! I suggest that you start by reading the newbie links here. They contain a wealth of information for folks such as yourself. As you can imagine, the question you're asking is one that we hear many times. You would be wise to avoid what we call CCBs-- cheap Chinese basses. There are some reputable Chinese basses available. That is, not all are CCBs. The absolute minimum for a new plywood instrument with a decent setup is about $1200. The "eBay specials" for $500 should be avoided.

For a number of reasons, you may not want to start with a 1/2 size bass. How old is your grandson? How tall is he?

No real way to evaluate your friend's bass without pictures, etc. Even if it looks good to us, evaluation should be done, in-person, by a qualified luthier.

My grandson is 11 years old, 4'9" currently in sixth grade, I belive the bass he uses at school is a 1/2 size. There is also a 1/4 size I found locally: Shen SD-80 in ex condition. They want $800 for it, again I have no idea if that is a fair price, or the right size. The seller is a local luthier that also buys/sells string istruments. He does offer a full trade credit (less wear and tear) when it's time to upgrade. But I was thinking if he starts out with a quality 1/2 size he may not need to up grade, at least for sometime? I assume the the Laurel is a higher quality bass with better appiontments than the Shen? It would be nice to score a uper level bass for under 1K. Keep in mimd, even though I've dropped a couple of name barnds, it doesn't mean I have a clue of what I'm talking about!

[eerbrev]

You mentioned you had a friend who had a bass. Is it a half size? If it is, then I would suggest you make a trip, if you have the time.

You can see the bass, take it to a qualified Luthier (just like you'd take a used car to a mechanic to get it checked out), and while it's there you can share a glass of lemonade/beverage of your choice with your friend.

sounds like a win-win situation to me. And if the bass checks out and you want to buy it? just make sure you took the drive in either a hatch back car or a sedan (fold down the passenger front seat and lay it across the passenger side. works like a charm).

Good luck on your Quest,

AV

[John Sprague]

Hi fretwear,

Generally speaking the best bet is to see your local dealer. It's the nature of the product that you need to know who's standing behind stringed instruments when you buy them. Here is a list of dealers in OR that I know of, and there may be more around.


Cat Man Music Portland, OR 503-630-3827

D. Heydon, Luthier Springfield, OR 541 953 0575

Just Joe's Music Bend, OR 541 977 5637

Kerr, David Violins Portland, OR 503 238-4515

Pete's Bass Shop Portland, OR 503-777-7027

Good luck!

[relacey]

Originally Posted by fretwear

My grandson is 4'9" currently in sixth grade, I belive the bass he uses at school is a 1/2 size. There is a 1/4 size I found locally: Shen SD-80 in ex condition. They want $800 for it, again I have no idea if that is a fair price, or the right size. The seller is a local luthier that also buys/sells string istruments. He does offer a full trade credit (less wear and tear) when it's time to upgrade.

I would think this would be the way to go, especially if the luthier or a local dealer would offer a similar option on a 1/2 size or better. The Shen has a reputation for quality but if he is playing a 1/2 size at school, the different scale length of a 1/4 will add additional complication to the learning process. I would suggest that you talk with his orchestra teacher about this and get their input as well.

Also, unless there is some genetic or medical reason or your grandson has started smoking, he'll probably be taller than 4'9" before you can get the bass home. My son seemed to go from 5' to 6'6" overnight. A 3/4 (which is the standard size most of us play) might be in his future much sooner than you think. There are a number of players who are small in stature playing a 3/4 size bass.

This is a good thing you are doing to encourage him to develop his musical interests.

[drurb]

Originally Posted by relacey

Also, unless there is some genetic or medical reason or your grandson has started smoking, he'll probably be taller than 4'9" before you can get the bass home. My son seemed to go from 5' to 6'6" overnight. A 3/4 (which is the standard size most of us play) might be in his future much sooner than you think. There are a number of players who are small in stature playing a 3/4 size bass.

This is a good thing you are doing to encourage him to develop his musical interests.

+1! I think, for a number of reasons, your best bet would be to go for a 3/4-size instrument ASAP. First, as relacey points out, your grandson is likely to be ready for one before you turn around. Might as well let him get used to that scale size ASAP. Second, resale is more difficult with a 1/2-size bass. Yes, I understand that your local luthier offers a trade-up policy but you might not want to be locked in to what he has in the future. As you may know, double bass "sizes" are not really standardized. The string-length of a typical 3/4 is about 41-42." Body sizes vary substantially. I'd suggest looking for a 3/4 with dimensions and shoulder slope that make it easier for a smaller person to navigate. This is where a good lutheir/dealer can be of enormous help in "fitting" a bass to your grandson. Just my $0.02, IMO, IME, YMMV.

Your grandson is, indeed, fortunate to have your help and encouragement. Nice going!

[LeslieD]

+1 for what Drurb says! I was about 5'1" (and maybe a bit shorter) when I started on a 3/4s bass. The bass was only a bit heavy/big for me when I loaded it into a car, but I assume your grandson can get help with that.

[DC Bass]

I would like to echo the advise on the visit to the local luthier/dealer. It is in their best interest to make sure your grandson gets an instrument that will serve him well and keep him playing. Remember, bridges get knocked out of position, sound posts fall, strings break and bows get sat on (cringe!). Having a good relationship with the shop goes a LOOOONG way!

Please bring the childs teacher, or ask for "teacher approval" on an instrument if this is not possible.

I also support the idea of checking out the 3/4 bass. One of my former students is a few inches shy of five feet in height, and she can navigate my 3/4 bass with no problem...okay, maybe it's a little dicey in thumb position!

Good luck!

Joe

[fretwear]

I want to thank everyone for all the great info, the learning curve on this side is a steep one!
Thanks Again