I placed an order for a hybrid La Scala

[phishaholik]

Hi everyone, my name is Michael Grote and I'm moving over to the darkside. I've been wanting to switch over to Double Bass for some time now, but I was always worried about my wrist giving out, as I have inherited wrist issues. I feel like I've really crested a musical hill lately; instead of being a gearhead bass player, I've actually started to become a real musician. I honestly stopped caring about different kinds of bass guitars or pickups. It's a journey that I've enjoyed immensely and I feel it is time for me to pursue music through a different form and that form is DB. I picked up my first DB recently and I haven't been able to stop playing it for even a moment. It's addictive and I've even found myself waking up in the middle of the night singing bass lines to myself. I bought my current DB, and Eastman ply, to get my feet wet while I wait for a better instrument. I don't believe in beginner instruments, it doesn't make sense to me to buy something that makes learning harder through the shortcomings of the instrument itself. I sold off most of my electric basses and I moved in with my folks for a while to save money, which was hard decision for me. It seems to have paid off as I just mailed in my deposit check for my La Scala hybrid. I know it's a lot of bass for a beginner, such as myself, but I'm a decisive person and I know when I'm ready to makes such a large jump.

I would have loved to try basses out and find the right bass for me, but honestly I don't think I would really know the differences between high end basses with my level of experience. I did go to a local violin shop, Brobst is Alexandria, but the whole experience left me wanting. I told the salesman my price range and lack of experience, he just handed me a DB and walked away. He gave me no information about it and I received no customer service at all. Although the bass was fully carved, it sounded kind of dead to me and there was a lot of glue slop on the inside. After a ton of research and talking to many DB players, I felt going with New Standard was the way to go.

I just wanted to introduce myself over here and express my excitement.


Michael

[Uncletoad]

Every NS Hybrid Lascala I've played is outstanding for the price point. Balance, arco, pizz, it'a great.

Enjoy it!

[marvin spangles]

You will not be disappointed. Enjoy this fine instrument. My own is away for repair at the moment. I can't wait for its return.

[Mike Goodbar]

Congratulations on the NS LaScala. I'd love to get my hands on a Cleveland one day myself.

And by the way, just because you're switching to DB does not meat the "gearhead" thing goes away. Now, instead of pickups, amps, speakers, cords, effects, you'll be GASSING for strings, bows, rosin, tailpieces, endpins... It never stops.

[salcott]

I'm sure you'll be happy with your LaScala.

[Marcus Johnson]

Excellent choice. I love mine. Post pics when you get it!

[WinterBass]

I just rceived mine. You should be very excited. Check out the post.

[phishaholik]

Nice, that is absolutely beautiful! I can't wait to get mine.


Thanks for all the kind words, y'all were definitely a lot of help when I was making my decision. I've already read every New Standard thread on the forum. It was really hard for me to decide between the La Scala and the Cleveland, but after listening to a lot of music, I think the mid-range of the La Scala would be better for me. I lucked out, they have a carcass all ready to go for me, so my wait should be much shorter than I originally thought. I was quoted 45 to 60 days instead of 60 to 90.

I do have to admit, I had a bit of a panic attack after realizing that I just ordered an instrument that costs more than my car and motorcycle are worth combined.

Michael

[CamMcIntyre]

Congrats! You won't be disappointed. I did the same thing, albeit with a ply Cleveland, back in 2004. I read every post on here that I could find about them, searched Google for whatever I could find, and spent lots of time reading. Best gear decision ever, and it was buying it sight unplayed.

I switched pickups, replaced the end pin with a Gotz (I broke the set screw of the stock one), and then added a bib and quiver. The bass is great.

I'd love to buy a La Scala to add, but I don't need one...want, but not need.

[Paul Warburton]

Welcome to TBDB.
I really like your first post here. It shows great focus and determination. These are things that will help you on your journey with this instrument.
Great choice in that bass, as well.
Best of luck and keep us posted.

[tomshepp]

After a ton of research and talking to many DB players, I felt going with New Standard was the way to go.

Smart man!