i need help! first bass!

[barstoolbear]

this may not be in the right section, and alot of you are probably thinking oh god not another one!

im looking to start studying double bass (i live in a house with a studio with 2 other drummers who are on a private course with there teacher over the next few years to become session players)
, ive been playing bass for 8 years now on and off, but want to get back to basics when i first start to study,

so my question to you is what is good for a starter bass?

ive been shown this one by a few people, im liking the price but im not sure, have a look and let me know!

bass: THOMANN KONTRABASS 111 BRC

web: http://www.thomann.de/gb/search_dir....=0&y=0&gk=&bn=


the bass is in that list, hit ctrl + F and copy paste to find box.

Cheers for your time!

Charlie

[thelowerechelon]

Under $3500 0r 2000EU and they are all the same, they suck and are a waste of money...now that we've settled that, go for a cheap used bass, there are plenty of them out there as they suck and are essentially worthless...plan on putting more money than you even pay for the bass into it. Here's what to look for: straightish neck (no hump at the bottom), real hardwood (avoid a ebonized light colored wood ith paint on it...even pao ferro or a dark brownish solid board is workable, but not the painted ones...check the back of the fingerboard), avoid excessive warpage under the bridge feet, avoid metal tailpieces...etc. Plan on buying new strings, an adjustable bridge, new nut...etc. Take it to a luthier and get a full set up, this could be in the neighborhood of $300 if the instrument is really whacked. You'll be left with an instrument you can truly blame for your terrible tone, but it is far better than learning on an electric upright, those things aren't basses!

[MIKMAN]

The instrument you mentioned is a cheap Chinese bass, not very well constructed. It's better to toss some more money and buy the Thomann 22 3/4 bass. It is a hybrid, constructed in Reghin, Romania, by the Hora company and it represents a good value for money choice. The spruce top gives a decent arco sound and the pizz sound is good. It comes with La Bella Supernil strigs, which give a warm pizz sound, albeit unfocused a bit.
I have tried at least five samples of each model and i strongly reccomend you the Thomann 22 3/4. Some of the Chinese made basses showed problems from the first month (seams unglued etc).
Whatever your choice ask the Thomann people for a minimum set up. They usually make a proper bridge fitting, adjust the strings height and file the nut, in order to make the bass playable. You have to consult a luthier for a proper set up, which will improve things dramatically.
Good luck
Mike

[drurb]

Originally Posted by thelowerechelon

Under $3500 0r 2000EU and they are all the same, they suck and are a waste of money...

If you are referring to Thomann basses exclusively, then I have no comment except to say that MIKMAN knows what he's talking about when it comes to these instruments. If you are referring to basses in general, then I could not disagree more.

[barstoolbear]

thankyou for your input. i might have guessed it was a poor choice, im not tied down to thoman tho, thats was just a link a friend sent me for cheap ones. im lookin at about £500 then i guess. thats as much as i can push. but i realise you get what you pay for.

anymore suggestions?

Charlie

[MonetBass]

Just like electric basses, it's a good idea to try before you buy. Are there any violin shops in your area that carry string basses? Go and play them. Or better yet, have your teacher go with you and play them to get an informed opinion. Ordering a string bass off of a web site and having it shipped is a risky proposition at best. Good luck!

[thelowerechelon]

used basses are less apt to go haywire as they've probably outgrown some of the green wood issues. check the local schools, middle schools especially as they are sometimes donated 3/4 basses and that is still a bit large for kids that age (at least in the US this sometimes works). happy hunting!!! SHOP AROUND (and don't scoff at the ugly basses)

[MIKMAN]

Some infos in your profile could help us to give you a more solid advise. I guess from the Thomann site that you are in UK. If this is true you have to visit the Contrabass Shop, since they are wellknown dealers in DB. If your looking for something less than 1000 euros, then the Thomann collection can serve your needs. If you can afford 1200 euros you can buy directly from Strunal (www.strunal.sz) the hybrid 5/27 or the 5/35. Decent instruments
in affordable prices.
If you are not in UK, well, things change, so let us know something about your location and we'll be back with more infos.
Mike

[barstoolbear]

thanks again guys for some great advice, all taken in and appreciated.

MIKMAN

i do live in the UK, so the suggestion you have are good!