How much money should I save?

Cyber Soda · #1 10-29-2010, 08:49 AM

I'm trying to put aside money for an upright bass so I have enough to get one by January when I hopefully start taking lessons.

I've been at TB for quite some time now, and I realize how expensive the stuff can get, but can anyone give me a general idea of how much money I should try to set aside?

mkandolf · #2 10-29-2010, 08:52 AM

$1500-$2500 will get you a new laminated bass from Gollihur, shipped to you with some nice extras (stand, bag, tuner, bow, rosin) and setup with good strings at your local luthier.

JayB · #3 10-29-2010, 08:57 AM

When I made the switch, it was about 2k in the first 6 months for a bass, decent strings, bow, bag, simandl book, pickup, preamp, and lessons.

drurb · #4 10-29-2010, 09:33 AM

The absolute minimum you will need for a new bass that's a decent instrument delivered with a good setup is about $1500. That would be for a laminate bass (plywood). Gollihur is certainly not the only place you can buy a bass in that price-range. If you are sticking to the low end, I suggest that you look at Shens (from any of several bass shops) and, perhaps, Thompsons. Where do you live? You might be within driving distance of a luthier who can sell you the bass and provide the setup.

I am a fan of getting the best possible instrument (within reason) that you can. So, the answer to how much you "should" set aside, depends on what you want. As you get into the $2000-$3000 range, the instruments available to you are far superior to what you'll get by sticking to the lowest price-point.

Do you want to play arco? If so, you'll need to set aside money for a decent bow. For that matter, given you're just beginning, it's best to have and begin lessons with the bow.

Will you need to have amplification right away? A few hundred will get you a rock-bottom rig that will, at least, be serviceable. Give us more info and we can give you better info.

joshmickelson · #5 10-29-2010, 10:41 AM

My shen was just over 1500 after local sales tax. It had a bag, nice strings and a relationship with a great local luthier. Worth every penny

fdeck · #6 10-29-2010, 04:50 PM

When I was shopping for a new bass, I calculated that a good double bass has a lower cost of ownership than an iPhone. And it's more useful too.

But seriously, downgrade your cell phone plan, dump cable TV, and stop eating at restaurants. You'll have a new bass in no time flat.

AMJBASS · #7 10-30-2010, 08:38 PM

Agreed. $1500 is a minimum. $2000 is probably right. I would also look at the Shens. Buying from a reputable luthier is also HIGHLY recommended. The Thompson basses from String Emporium look like an excellent value as well.

Violen · #8 10-30-2010, 09:11 PM

KC STrings Plywood, with carbon fiber bow and bag: 900 bucks.

If you are in an area with a college that has upright bass players look arround. There are always kids who quit who havent sold theirs yet.

Find one and get a good bass for less.

Eric Hochberg · #9 10-30-2010, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Violen

KC STrings Plywood, with carbon fiber bow and bag: 900 bucks.

According to the website, it's $1900.

Bass · #10 10-31-2010, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fdeck

...But seriously, downgrade your cell phone plan, dump cable TV, and stop eating at restaurants. You'll have a new bass in no time flat.

This is pretty good (but difficult) advice. Also stop smoking and drinking.

My TV + phone bill is about $200 a month!!

And restaurants are another $100.

Upton standard = $2200.