Jumping into the DB world help please

5656130 · #1 07-27-2011, 09:58 PM

Well I've decided i want to start playing the DB. My main problem is actually finding one, I've googled and researched everything and the only thing im coming up with are the basses im looking at are crap. So does a good DB under a 1,000$ actually exist, I doubt it from what ive heard. Even then, would i be able to find a good DB for under 1,500? I'm just looking to play jazz and classical.

Ben Mitchell · #2 07-28-2011, 06:37 AM

If you completed your profile a little more, people may be able to help you better.

JeffBTZ · #3 07-28-2011, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5656130

Well I've decided i want to start playing the DB. My main problem is actually finding one, I've googled and researched everything and the only thing im coming up with are the basses im looking at are crap. So does a good DB under a 1,000$ actually exist, I doubt it from what ive heard. Even then, would i be able to find a good DB for under 1,500? I'm just looking to play jazz and classical.

Under 1000 is pushing... But I'm sure you could find one given enough time and effort.

The Shen SB80 has a $1450 list price and a lot of people here love them. My instructor who plays jazz and formerly was the principle bassist in a local orchestra and long time bassist in the Toledo Symphony loved mine when I showed it to him.

Like the other guy said, fill out your profile. Chances are, you'll have to drive a little bit to find a good bass. I had to drive 4 hours to the shop where I got mine, but it was well worth it because of the amazing set up they did. I hadn't played DB before, but the guys down at Cincinnati Bass Cellar were great in helping me find what I needed. Not sure if they're even close to you, but if they are, I'd check them out.

Point is, find a reputable shop and ask for their advice. The shop owners likely want you to succeed as a bassist and will probably be very willing to help find a suitable bass.

drurb · #4 07-28-2011, 08:49 AM

Do read the newbie links.

If you are considering a new instrument, then the minimum you will pay for a decent instrument delivered with a professional setup (which is of paramount importance) is around $1500. There's no reliable way around it.

Matt Ides · #5 07-28-2011, 09:12 AM

When I got my first upright bass my instructor was instrumental in helping me find a good solid instrument that I could afford and got me started on the basics. To this day I still think without that guidance I might have not picked up the instrument at all. So if you don't have someone I would seek out someone and start that relationship before the purchase. It will save you money and headaches in the long run for sure.

kreider204 · #6 07-28-2011, 09:24 AM

My humble recommendation:

Thompson Plywood Upright Basses

I bought one last year, after a 20 year hiatus of playing DB, and I couldn't be happier. I've played a lot - a LOT - a student instruments, and this is easily the best. If you become a serious pro, you'll probably want to upgrade at some point, but if you're just thinking about playing for fun or small local gigs, this should do you for the foreseeable future.

JayB · #7 07-28-2011, 09:34 AM

I tried to do it very, very cheaply when I started. I got a NOS German ply bass for $950, but after getting the thing set up (fingerboard planing, soundpost adjustment, endpin replacement, bridge adjusters, stripping the back of the neck, tailpiece wire, Spiro Weichs to replace the included orch strings) I was about at 1,500.

Now, add the gigbag, pickup, preamp, student carbon fiber bow, and transport wheel, I was at about 2k.

If you are on a very tight budget, I would look for a used bass with setup work and accessories included. They add up quick!

5656130 · #8 07-28-2011, 02:15 PM

Yeah im sorry about not filling out my information I never thought about it.

Anyways thanks for all the help and considering everything I'll probably go with the shen from upton since they upgrade almost everything on them which is really nice.

RockingLoud · #9 07-28-2011, 02:28 PM

About three years ago, I decided to jump in on the DB as well. Unfortunately, I have not given it the time it deserved, but I am trying to do that now! Anyway, I got a used DB from Craigslist. The previous owner said it was a Japanese knock off of a Kay upright. With a Fishman pickup and padded gig bag, I paid $800 for the package, which I considered a great deal at the time, based on what I had seen out there (and used pickings can be very slim). I live in South Jersey and only had to drive 20 minutes to Philadelphia to get it. I assume with the economy having only gotten worse over the past few years, you could get a decent deal if you don't mind used. Since I'm not looking to do pro gigs, just learn the bassics, I don't mind that it is a student (possibly intermediate) model. It does have a large, warm sound that I really enjoy. I have never had it professionally set up, but that's the next step.

I have heard many times to stay away from the Carlo Robelli instruments (Sam Ash house brand), which are very affordable but I've read that they are extremely cheaply made and literally fall apart. You should also check out the classified section on Gollihur Music's website, Gollihur Music - Upright Bass Specialists: Instruments, Pickups, Preamps, Amplifiers, and Accessories. I've seen a lot of references around the web to this being a great resource, and I went to college with the owner's son and have bought a few things there (preamp, bow, etc.). They are a great shop, very friendly, and they have a lot of traffic and new basses in the classified ads regularly.

Good luck!

mlz77096 · #10 07-28-2011, 04:52 PM

It's been a couple of years now, but $1000 was my budget when I started looking. I wanted the oldest bass I could find that was decent, only at the time I didn't know decent. Call it beginner's luck, I found a German Shop ply made in 1960 for $1000. Paid $30 to have the set up tweeked (lowered the action). It plays very easily and I have had several experienced bass players tell me it is a very nice bass. I found it checking all the Craigslists within driving distance.

Thumpie · #11 07-28-2011, 05:24 PM

Sure, it's possible to find a nice used bass for less than $1000, but it's a crap-shoot unless you're an experienced player who knows how to evaluate what you're looking at.

Seriously. Take my advice. Budget at least $1500 *and* get any used basses you consider vetted by an experienced player. You're going to save money in the long run. And think about this: if you get a crappy instrument, you'll not likely be able to maintain the intense effort required to learn DB technique.

A fine double bass is a work of art and playing it well requires a tremendous amount of dedication. If you're not willing to make a minimum monetary commitment, just stick to bass guitar. If you're serious, and you *need* to play DB, you'll find the money somehow.

drurb · #12 07-28-2011, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5656130

Yeah im sorry about not filling out my information I never thought about it.

Anyways thanks for all the help and considering everything I'll probably go with the shen from upton since they upgrade almost everything on them which is really nice.

Smart move.

5656130 · #13 07-28-2011, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drurb

Smart move.

Yep and i also found a guy willing to talk to a friend that plays DB who has friend that comes across alot for sale and hes going to talk to him. He's also willing to give me lessons and help me out.

drurb · #14 07-28-2011, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5656130

Yep and i also found a guy willing to talk to a friend that plays DB who has friend that comes across alot for sale and hes going to talk to him. He's also willing to give me lessons and help me out.

Well, then...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thumpie

...get any used basses you consider vetted by an experienced player.

BeowulfKingsley · #15 07-28-2011, 11:21 PM

It seemed like when I was looking for a Double Bass it was either that there was a bass and I had no money, or I had some money and there was no bass! For quite a while, too. Finally I lucked out and got a bass for $350 from someone who had two and was moving, didn't want to take both along. It had some problems but I loved it anyway...eventually I got it to a good luthier (Tom Murray in Harper Woods MI) who set it up right, and I found out it was a 1941 Kay! I'm playing it all the time now, and it sounds great. Sometimes you have to wait...but if you can, don't wait, grab that Shen and go! But after you get one, keep your eyes out...you never know...

bassclef13 · #16 07-30-2011, 05:01 PM

within the last year i purchased a 1/2 size shen and i love it! i got it setup locally by Geoff Daugherty at the Daugherty Violin Shop here in Eureka, CA, and it has a nice big sound for such a small instrument. my teacher really likes it, which means a lot. and it has almost paid for itself, with all the gigs ive been playing. so i hope you went with the shen, and i hope you like it. best decision ive made in a while, lol