Lemur vs Upton?

[osmarokuma]

So im not from US, but im moving to California this upcoming month and I thought that buying a new bass would be cheaper than having to buy the hard case and try to go through the problems of airline policy. Anywas I wanted to know which of these is better or which you recomend, im trying to buy the ones they make because its cheaper and im not going to be in California for over 2 years so buying a vintage will probably hurt my wallet. Also is there other double bass providers online which I can search instead of lemur and upton?

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

The internet is for buying toasters. Unless you live in Hawaii, or some other DB wasteland you should go play a bunch of basses and buy the one that picks you.
Been there, done that.

[Steve Swan]

I'd pay a visit to World of Strings in Long Beach and check in with Jon, the store owner. He carries basses in many price ranges and is the setup grand master of southern California. You probably want to budget a couple of hours for the visit to play basses and look at the array of great old basses that are in for repair and restoration.

[dchan]

You want to know, strictly mail-order only, which is better? Choose neither, if that's the case.

By that, I mean that you shouldn't buy blind by reputation only. Granted, both shops have great reputations. But..... for every customer who's happy with the bass he/she bought without playing it, there's another who wishes he/she actually tried out more basses beforehand.

So fill out your profile so we'll know exactly where you are moving to in California. I'm not from that state, but there are many forum members there, like Steve, who can recommend you a bass shop to visit.

[osmarokuma]

Ok so then new question... anyone know of good bass shops or luthiers around the LA/OC area? Im moving to this area without knowing much about it because the last time i went there was when i was like 8 yrs old. I mean I have no contacts whatsoever in this area so its imposible for me to know wer to go and I pretty much need the bass as soon as I arrive to the place. Any contacts will be appreciated.

[CindyB]

This should get you started...

World of Strings in Long Beach http://www.worldofstrings.net/

Lemur Music in San Juan Cap http://www.lemurmusic.com

Los Angeles Bass Works in LA http://www.losangelesbassworks.com

M & R Weisshaar & Son Violin Shop in Costa Mesa (no web site)

When all is said and done, I will probably end up buying my bass from Fretwell in Virginia http://www.fretwellbass.com

[osmarokuma]

Originally Posted by CindyB

This should get you started...

World of Strings in Long Beach http://www.worldofstrings.net/

Lemur Music in San Juan Cap http://www.lemurmusic.com

Los Angeles Bass Works in LA http://www.losangelesbassworks.com

M & R Weisshaar & Son Violin Shop in Costa Mesa (no web site)

When all is said and done, I will probably end up buying my bass from Fretwell in Virginia http://www.fretwellbass.com

Oh wow, I didnt know Lemur Music was so close to LA. Thats a good thing since Upton is up by the east coast I think.

[Gideon]

I think Stein on Vine also sells instruments. I've bought rosin, bow rehairs and some odd books there but haven't perused the basses which I think I saw in the back room. It's on Vine near Melrose.
http://www.steinonvine.com/

[osmarokuma]

Originally Posted by Gideon

I think Stein on Vine also sells instruments. I've bought rosin, bow rehairs and some odd books there but haven't perused the basses which I think I saw in the back room. It's on Vine near Melrose.
http://www.steinonvine.com/

Man that looks like such a great place, Ray Brown was there! I will have to go there sometime!

[LouisF]

Also Lisa at LA Bassworks

http://www.losangelesbassworks.com/

We've got some great resources here (Hammond Ashley is also in San Diego) Just spend time in each shop and have fun!

Louis

[acubass]

Originally Posted by clink

The internet is for buying toasters. Unless you live in Hawaii, or some other DB wasteland you should go play a bunch of basses and buy the one that picks you.
Been there, done that.

I do agree with the above statment BUT.....

For someone like myself who lives in Columbia Sc, I can tell you there are no places within a 3 1/2 hour drive of here that carries more than 3 basses in house (I checked). Atlanta is the closest city I would think might have a nice selection. It isn't reasonable for me to fly somehwere to check out basses only to have to have it shipped here anyway.

Maybe some of you guys in Charlotte can point me to somehwere?

I just sayin.

[Gufenov]

With gas as cheap as it is right now, why NOT Atlanta? I think you would find the driving time well spent. Find a cheap hotel and take your time. Not only will you gain more exposure to quality instruments, but the learning experience of the visit / conversation with the store staff has value too. You get the chance to A/B instruments, using more of your senses in the buying decision instead of just your eyes.

[Roger Davis]

I wish I lived over your side of the pond. I'd drive miles and miles to sample the great basses you have over there.

[Nuno A.]

Originally Posted by Roger Davis

I wish I lived over your side of the pond. I'd drive miles and miles to sample the great basses you have over there.

Dont want to derail the thread but Roger, in the U.K. you have great places to see/ buy amazing basses. 2 examples:
www.contrabass.co.uk
www.thwaites.com

im not affiliated with the companies, nothing like that, but i spend quite some time on both sites just looking at the great basses they have, and i have a friend who bought an amazing English old bass from the contrabass shop.
as you can see, you dont need to take a plane mate...
cheers

Nuno

[osmarokuma]

Originally Posted by Roger Davis

I wish I lived over your side of the pond. I'd drive miles and miles to sample the great basses you have over there.

Man best basses are made in Europe, go to italy or germany.

[MR PC]

Be sure to consider Steve Swan. He's got something like 40-50 basses right now. A really nice guy, and very knowledgeable about DB's. He is located right next to SF International Airport, and seems to be able to ship anywhere in the world.

http://www.steveswanguitars.com/

[Barron]

Originally Posted by osmarokuma

Man best basses are made in Europe, go to italy or germany.

No kidding. That German website (can't remember the name) with the Marketplace section has so many nice basses at GREAT prices...until you consider shipping to the USA.

[jacochops]

Originally Posted by MR PC

Be sure to consider Steve Swan. He's got something like 40-50 basses right now. A really nice guy, and very knowledgeable about DB's. He is located right next to SF International Airport, and seems to be able to ship anywhere in the world.

http://www.steveswanguitars.com/

I second that motion. I got my Shen Willow Flatback from Steve Swan, and he gave me an INCREDIBLE deal on it, with a kick *** setup done by Jeff Sahs in San Francisco. He's a great guy, and he'll treat you right!

[osmarokuma]

Originally Posted by jacochops

I second that motion. I got my Shen Willow Flatback from Steve Swan, and he gave me an INCREDIBLE deal on it, with a kick *** setup done by Jeff Sahs in San Francisco. He's a great guy, and he'll treat you right!

Are shens good? i havent heard good stuff from Chinese made basses. I have a chinese bass and its not very good.

[Jsn]

Originally Posted by osmarokuma

Are shens good? i havent heard good stuff from Chinese made basses. I have a chinese bass and its not very good.

I'm sure you can appreciate that such a broad generalization is bound to have exceptions. Yes, a lot of the very worst "instruments" are emerging from China, but some Chinese makers are trying hard to produce work to extremely high standards. The general consensus is that they get closer every year.

Shens represent a very broad product line. At the bottom are inexpensive student laminates, at the top ones that are orchestral quality. I'd venture to say even the low-end ones are a notch or two above Cremonas and Palatinos and the like.