Holbein Bass?

[GeneralElectric]

Howdy DBers,

I don't post here much (maybe once or twice ever) and I'm coming here for your advice. I played double bass in High School and now I'm in college and without my own DB. To be honest, I wasn't very good in high school but I loved playing it!

My goal for the year is to find myself a teacher and to do that I'd need my own bass. I've decided to steer clear of EUBs since I can't get used to the lack of body (and therefore don't have any reference points!)

To get a bass I've been scouring CL even though I'd love an Upton, I just physically don't have the funds for one. I saw this one on the local CL:

http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/msg/745901255.html

Holbein upright bass in perfect condition. David Gage professional set up -- warm, big sound, hardly ever played (I play drums and purchased the bass with intent to learn but never had the time). Made in the Czech Republic out of maple plywood-- 3/4 size.

Comes with wheel, soft case and bow.

Price is negotiable. Delivery depending on location.

I've never heard of Holbein basses before though (not that I know of any major DB makers anyway) so I was wondering if this was a good price.

Is this a good DB for the money either?

I had planned on getting a relatively cheap one to learn and practice on and save up for a bottom of the line Upton bass (and then upgrade throughout the Upton line, thank goodness for their trade in policies!) I know that, unfortunately, in the DB world, you get what you pay for and $1000 is skimming the bottom of the barrel. But after I get the Upton (maybe 2-3 years down the road, depending on my finances) I now have a cheap beater that I can go busking with!

Any advice on this though? Good deal or not? Talk him down?

Sorry for the rambling post.

[uprightben]

If David Gage set it up, why not contact him to get some info on that bass? He is a nationally known DB luthier and that's exactly the kind of person you would need to evaluate any DB you were thinking of buying. Quality, sound, payability, state of repair/disrepair and value can only be guessed at on forums like this.

[GeneralElectric]

Originally Posted by uprightben

If David Gage set it up, why not contact him to get some info on that bass? He is a nationally known DB luthier and that's exactly the kind of person you would need to evaluate any DB you were thinking of buying. Quality, sound, payability, state of repair/disrepair and value can only be guessed at on forums like this.

Would David Gage remember every bass that came into his shop? I'm sure he's had tons of business, and I'm still waiting to hear from the seller.

[robobass]

Didn't Holbein paint the famous portrait of Henry VIII? Call Gage. With a name as interesting as this, someone in the shop would remember the bass, if only for the unusual name.
Robobass

[GeneralElectric]

Not sure if he painted it, but apparently these basses were made for and sold by Sam Ash. Its a moot point though, the seller sold the bass already.