I want to start to play the upright.

[dideah]

Hey tb . So I've been playing the " downleft " bass ( just trying to get a giggle ) for a while now and I want to start the double bass . Mainly Because I want to play jazz ( reason I started electric bass ) I tried bebop ( mostly ) on my electric bass . I was missing the sound and the feel . Got my self a frettless . And missing something ... Hmm so yeah . I would like to buy one. What brand is cheap and good ? ( for beginers ) and how much should my price range be ? ( what are expected cost ) im not planning to pay much more then 1grand . What you guys think ?

[drurb]

Your question is asked here about 1000 times each year. Some suggestions:

1) Read the newbie links.

2) Read the newbie links.

3) Read the newbie links.

4) Do a search here for bass buying threads and read the advice.

5) If you are considering buying a new instrument, then in order to get a decent entry-level bass (e.g., a Shen) delivered with a proper and quality setup, you'll need to spend a minimum of around $1500. There's no way around it unless you're willing to buy a disposable instrument that you'll work on yourself rather continuously. The setup is HUGELY important.

6) Buy from a real bass shop. Avoid online mass merchants and guitar shops.

7) Get a teacher. The DB is related to the BG but is a very different instrument. A teacher will help you to avoid injury and set you on the right path.

8) Fill out your profile so we know a bit more about you.

9) Read the newbie links.

[Rockmusician]

Originally Posted by dideah

Hey tb . So I've been playing the " downleft " bass ( just trying to get a giggle ) for a while now and I want to start the double bass . Mainly Because I want to play jazz ( reason I started electric bass ) I tried bebop ( mostly ) on my electric bass . I was missing the sound and the feel . Got my self a frettless . And missing something ... Hmm so yeah . I would like to buy one. What brand is cheap and good ? ( for beginers ) and how much should my price range be ? ( what are expected cost ) im not planning to pay much more then 1grand . What you guys think ?

I have been thinking about doing the same thing. It seems like a challenge while at the same time, it is something that I think I can do.

[drurb]

Originally Posted by Rockmusician

I have been thinking about doing the same thing. It seems like a challenge while at the same time, it is something that I think I can do.

It is a challenge-- some (including me) would say a life-long one. If you really want to play the DB and are bitten by the bug, then you'll do it and will hardly let anything stop you.

Now, back to advice on DB buying...

[Rockmusician]

Originally Posted by drurb

It is a challenge-- some (including me) would say a life-long one. If you really want to play the DB and are bitten by the bug, then you'll do it and will hardly let anything stop you.

Now, back to advice on DB buying...

I like the challenge and the fact that it gives me the opportunity to do something different. Several years ago, my manager suggested that I start playing upright. It seems that in the last few years many rock bands have incorporated it into their songs. Stray Cats, Bare Naked Ladies and Train to name a few.

[acubass]

Take it slow, get a teacher. I found it more of a physical challenge than a mental one, although there at elements of both.

[hdiddy]

Though music is music, and basslines are basslines regardless of the axe: DB is a wholly different animal. Don't be surprised that when you start playing DB you'll feel like you're starting all over again. And intonation is a MF - will eternally be, even for the legendary pros.

Get a teacher so you don't physically hurt yourself (yes damage can be done).

[bassist1962]

Prepare to spend some dough on a decent bass. Anything less than a grand (unless you are extremely lucky) you will be replacing or getting repaired within six months (that is if you haven't given up altogether). As the good drurb (And others) have said (and this cannot be emphisised enough) "Read the newbie links, and GET A TEACHER!!!".