I think I found it... (Kolstein's)

[PRUNEFACE]

I think I have found my school bass. Anyone been to Kolstein's and played the Kolstein Shop Maggini Copy that was originally intended for someone in the Minnesota Symphony but was damaged in transit with a stress fracture by the scroll, but was repaired? That is what we are considering if they throw in free strings and some other stuff... Also getting a Fawcett/Kolstein Mechanical extension. Parents seem to like the idea of this purchase so...

[Phil Rowan]

Whoa, that was fast.. how many others (including other shops) did you check out before?

[MDEbass]

Originally Posted by Phil Rowan

Whoa, that was fast.. how many others (including other shops) did you check out before?

I agree. With this kind of an investment, never settle for the first one you like. After looking at more options, it may end up being the one, but try different basses, different shops, etc. This is definately something you don't want to rush, even though its very exciting and anxious. Glad you've found one you like though.

[PRUNEFACE]

Originally Posted by MDEbass

I agree. With this kind of an investment, never settle for the first one you like. After looking at more options, it may end up being the one, but try different basses, different shops, etc. This is definately something you don't want to rush, even though its very exciting and anxious. Glad you've found one you like though.

I've been to three shops in the New York area as well as several in the Nashville area (although only one, Williams Fine Violins, had any good ones). Played dozens of basses including ones out of the price range. On top of playing excellently it had an amazing, deep, luxurious arco tone with Spirocores (!). It compares favorably to several 20k+ basses I played.

EDIT: I also played many basses owned by professional bassists that were not for sale. I also had other people play the basses so I could get a feel from 10 feet away and further back.

[Paul Warburton]

Bass shopping (or any musical instrument) is almost an art in itself. It takes weeks or even better, months to find that "one".
It is a learning experience in itself....you have to learn what to look for, to feel and to hear. You have to take into account the acoustics of the room in which you play the basses and really should have a player of another instrument along to play with you at the shop so that you can see and feel the bass in a real life situation. I think you made your move too fast.
I know you're excited, and I wish the best for you and the bass.

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Take it from somebody with his fifth bass in five years. Slow down.
Regarding the scroll damage, fractures, cracks of any kind can be serious. At minimum, get a second opinion from an unbiased source.

[HugoRinfret]

You should ask your teacher, your colleagues to play on the basse before any purchase. Ask Barrie to take the basse home and at least 2 weeks of trial on it to make sure that this is absolutely what you need. Try the bass in a theater, record the basse. You cannot be sure of anything with at least one week of trial. Bring it to a luthier, this will surely helps you. Barrie is also looking for a great deal with your money. If he could sell the basse at 20k he would absolutely do that. Who wants to lose 10k?

[ouija]

Sounds like a nice bass...what's the price, if you don't mind me asking?

As nice as it is, though, I really regret not shopping around more for my bass. I bought it from a player I knew very soon after I had started to take lessons and 'get serious'. Even though I had seen a lot of other basses around, above, and below it's price in sections I played in and the like, I didn't go to any shops before I bought it or anything like that. That said, I know that the sounds and styles I like today are a lot different than what I was into then, which means if I shopped today it's pretty likely I'd pick a totally different bass than I would have then. So, if you like it now, you like it and I think that's the best you can do...

[PRUNEFACE]

Guys, I've been shopping for MONTHS. It was only recently that I actually got the green light from my parents. And I had multiple people play each bass. Sorry if I gave the impression of rapidity!

[PRUNEFACE]

Originally Posted by HugoRinfret

You should ask your teacher, your colleagues to play on the basse before any purchase. Ask Barrie to take the basse home and at least 2 weeks of trial on it to make sure that this is absolutely what you need. Try the bass in a theater, record the basse. You cannot be sure of anything with at least one week of trial. Bring it to a luthier, this will surely helps you. Barrie is also looking for a great deal with your money. If he could sell the basse at 20k he would absolutely do that. Who wants to lose 10k?

Already did that

[Jake deVilliers]

Hey Pruney, good for you! I really hope its the one for you and inspires you as a musician - that's the most important thing.

[Eric Swanson]

+1 on trying the bass out. This is common practice for most shops and luthiers I have met.

If you do choose to buy the bass, clarify the terms of return. I would encourage anyone to make sure that there will be no resistance if one needs to get money back (in the event of returning the bass, that is). Clarifying such things, with specific terms, in writing, seems to be the most foolproof way to avoid misunderstanding, even with the most well-regarded, honest, hard-working, and well-intentioned people.

Regardless of the contract, if a vendor resists returning your funds, this can sap everyone's time and energy, as well as "tie up" your bass money for further bass shopping. Such resistance and misunderstanding can happen, even in the most unexpected places; even with the best people, in the finest firms.

[M Ramsey]

Originally Posted by PRUNEFACE

Guys, I've been shopping for MONTHS. It was only recently that I actually got the green light from my parents. And I had multiple people play each bass. Sorry if I gave the impression of rapidity!

Go dude! Tell your parents to call up my Mom & Dad when you get a chance.

[PRUNEFACE]

Originally Posted by M Ramsey

Go dude! Tell your parents to call up my Mom & Dad when you get a chance.

Will do

[Eric Hochberg]

Don't forget to post pics. Couldn't find it on the Kolstein site. Regarding the damage, I also suggest having it looked at by a another luthier before you buy, for your peace of mind.

[godoze]

Originally Posted by Paul Warburton

Bass shopping (or any musical instrument) is almost an art in itself. It takes weeks or even better, months to find that "one".
It is a learning experience in itself....you have to learn what to look for, to feel and to hear. You have to take into account the acoustics of the room in which you play the basses and really should have a player of another instrument along to play with you at the shop so that you can see and feel the bass in a real life situation. I think you made your move too fast.
I know you're excited, and I wish the best for you and the bass.

Sometimes serendipity steps in... ;-)

[PRUNEFACE]

Originally Posted by Eric Hochberg

Don't forget to post pics. Couldn't find it on the Kolstein site. Regarding the damage, I also suggest having it looked at by a another luthier before you buy, for your peace of mind.

Yeah, it wasn't on their site. I plan on having my teacher (a bass luthier) to check it out while it is on trial. I'll post pics as soon as I get it in the next few weeks.

[Paul Warburton]

Your teach is a luthier? Nice. Good move. (fer a kid).

[PRUNEFACE]

Originally Posted by Paul Warburton

Your teach is a luthier? Nice. Good move. (fer a kid).

Yeah. And he is getting a doctorate in double bass performance ^_^ ahahaha

[Paul Warburton]

My compliment was for you for being able to find a teacher and bass luthier all in one.