How long will this bass do the job -- Shen 180

[doublebassdad]

Hi everyone --

I'm new here. My son is the player. He's 12, and been taking playing for close to 3 years with school orchestras. He's been taking serious lessons for about a year with a good symph bassist. He just made one of our local youth orchestras, so he's flying high, playing well, listening and, in short, having a blast.

Anywho, after a few rentals, we're considering/trying out a 7 year old Shen 180. He loves the instrument, it's a appropriate price (about $1700) for it's condition (very nice, except for some nicks). So, that's all good.

My question to the collective wisdom: How long until he needs to "upgrade" this instrument, if he stays serious and, as he states now, intends be an orchestral musician? What type of instrument is expected for conservatory auditions/serious orchestral study (interlochen later, that kind of thing.)

Thanks in advance!

(Caveat: his mother and I have 3 music degrees between us, and don't expect him to focus so intently on music training that he has no marketable skills, regardless of his musical skill!)

[Eric Hochberg]

That bass should be fine through high school and probably college. When he's ready for pro orchestra auditions, he may need something at a higher level. It really depends on desire and resources...and how well it sounds.

[DC Bass]

I agree with Eric for the most part- it should certainly get him through high school- college- hard to say. It will be up to him and his teacher to decide when he needs a better instrument.

You must keep the bow in mind too- A suitable bow for now shouldn't be too terribly expensive, but good bow could set you back a pretty penny- and that would probably be something to consider upgrading before getting a new bass. There are many who feel that a bow upgrade will serve you better than a bass upgrade, but that depends on the bass and bows in question, and the players preferences of course.

Kudos for supporting your son in this btw!!!

Good luck!

Joe

[kurt muroki]

Originally Posted by DC Bass

I agree with Eric for the most part- it should certainly get him through high school- college- hard to say. It will be up to him and his teacher to decide when he needs a better instrument.

You must keep the bow in mind too- A suitable bow for now shouldn't be too terribly expensive, but good bow could set you back a pretty penny- and that would probably be something to consider upgrading before getting a new bass. There are many who feel that a bow upgrade will serve you better than a bass upgrade, but that depends on the bass and bows in question, and the players preferences of course.

Kudos for supporting your son in this btw!!!

Good luck!

Joe

Yes I agree. A good bow is a must.