Knilling Basses

[John Hylton]

After playing electrics for 40 + years, I decided to take the plunge. I bought a low $$ chinese bass a couple weeks ago, and am having it setup so I can give this a spin. The luthier that is doing the work has already told me about the bad stuff on it...unfortunately, when you buy from a private party who knew nothing about the bass...it's hard to get someone in the know to go and take a look at it...at least out here where I live. I am thinking if I like this type of playing...and I am pretty sure I will....upgrading to a Knilling bass. One of the very reputable local music dealers sells this line. They aren't terribly expensive...I think around $1800 or so....Any comments on this brand of bass would be greatly appreciated. I have looked for close to 2 years for a good used instrument in the area....everything I have found is either el cheapo (what I bought) or mega $$$ (5k$ and up)

[coreybass]

Hi John,

If you fill in your profile, it'll be much easier for folks here to direct you and help you out.

Knillings are factory instruments from eastern Europe. Romania I think, but I'm sure there are others here that will have vastly more knowledge about them than I do. I think they can vary quite a bit, as is the case with most low to midlevel factory instruments. I've had a decent carved one with a flat back for years and it has served me well. It's what I would call an over achiever and I've put it through the ringer touring and traveling. I've resently sidelined it due to it needing some major repairs and at this point it just isn't worth sinking so much money into an instrument of that level.

I think that with low end (under 5K) instruments, set up is the key factor and whatever you end up with, it's worth paying for a really good setup. An expert setup on a cheaper instrument, while it won't make it sound like a 200 year old Italian gem, will get the most out of it and also make you enjoy learning on it more. Good luck!

Corey

[mattfong]

I played a rented Knilling ply for about 6 months before I got my Eastman. It sounded pretty good, played pretty good. It did the job until I could get my own, and it also amplified well with a Fishman BP-100.

[EJ_Dad]

Becareful, some of the Knillings I've seen around here, at local schools, have been from Korea. They had neck problems. At one time Knilling relabled instruments from Germany also.
Just check the sticker for country of origin.

[Gambaholic]

I don't know if you're anywhere near Phoenix AZ but I know a really good guy here who has a nice Knilling for sale and he is a motivated seller.

PM me if you want his info.

Thx,
John