I'm looking for a new bass

[jdepriest]

I’m in the market for a new or used upright. I play mostly jazz but still occasionally get calls for a classical gig.

In the $6000 and under price range, what would you guys recommend? My current bass in an Engelhardt but I’ve changed the bridge, fingerboard (stripped and reshaped the original), sound post and tailpiece. It sounds great for what it is, but it just doesn’t have the power I need.

[Bass Barrister]

Fortunately, there are many options in your price range. Unfortunately, there are many options in your price range.

Try out as many basses as possible. I don't know how close Shank Strings is to you, but this shop has many basses in a variety of price ranges. Ken Smith's shop is also in PA.

My purely personal suggestions:

1. One of the better fully carved Shen or Christopher models.

2. A New Standard Cleveland or LaScala hybrid from Schnitzer & Da Sola in New York.

3. One of the models sold by Upton Bass in CT.
4. One of the better Romanians - Calin Woltur for example that you can get from Ken Smith.

There are some suggetions. YOu will hear many more. All the above have been thoroughly discussed in various threads here. Read on.

[kenneth206]

If you have one close to you try and find a rare/exotic/high-end bass shop in your town and play them all! I have one of sorts here in Seattle and not only did I get a really good idea of what I like and don't like I also made some friends.

[jallenbass]

At that price point I would definitely be looking at older basses. I've owned both old and new and all things equal I prefer older basses.