Looking to get back into the game.

[cadillacactor]

Hello All,

I'm looking to get back into playing a double bass after playing in high school and college orchestra. It ended about five years ago, and I've only played a bass guitar since then... only a monthly (or so) basis. Lately I've just been getting that "itch" that only a real bass can scratch, and although I've got a fretless Yamaha BG, it's just not the same.

My budget is in the $1500-max range (which I know limits my options), but I know I definitely will be able to find something. Because of my past I initially began looking into acoustics because they were the only things that I knew for double basses. However, I've been really intrigued by the electric upright basses. I most frequently play in a praise band at church, and after seeing an acoustic cello used in the most amazing ways at a conference I'd like to start playing an upright bass with our band whether it's electric or acoustic.

In our church setting a majority of the time it would be in a slightly more upbeat band type setting, but there are a couple of seasons in the year when we do the orchestra thing, and all they've ever had till I got here was a second keyboard playing the low notes on the strings setting.

SO - Electric or Acoustic?

Here's my thinking so far: I really love the classical, expansive, resounding sound of an acoustic. I’ve even seen that they can be put through a soundboard with a pickup. However, if that classical sound can even be partly captured in an electric then I would love the chance to plug into my effects pedal and my bass amp and bring a whole new sound to our church (that can also be toned back into a more traditional bass sound when called for).

After looking at Amazon, Google Shopping, many review sites, and many music sites I have some good ideas of where I may be leaning. After making quite a few calls in Muncie, Fort Wayne, and Indianapolis I seem to be coming to a bunch of dead ends, though. I don't want to buy anything sight unseen off of the internet. There's a good chance that I may not even like playing an EUB if I try one... Or it could be the most amazing thing I've ever played. None of the remotely local music stores have even solid advice on where to look for one, let alone as far as letting me know if there are any stores that have one on the shelves to check out.

The NS EUBs are the ones that have caught my eye the most because they have the curved radius bridge. A lot of what I will do with it is arco. If it's pizz only then I'd just continue dreaming longingly but stick with my bass guitar.

As far as an AUB with a pickup, I don't quite understand some of the lingo around here like clicks and that sort of thing. As far as sound goes, if I find the right kind of pickup, then to the average listener's ears (we don't have any audiophiles at church) will it truly sound like an acoustic?...with the exception of being able to be controlled at the soundboard? Can the pickup run through an effects pedal and actually still get the benefits of the pedal? (There's a small piece of me that even feels guilty suggesting to modify the sound of an AUB...that's my classical training kicking in, I suppose).

So, I guess my first question is do you know of a shop in Northern Indiana that may have some EUBs to try out? My second question is as a former orchestra player (with almost purely classical experience) are there any of you who have "converted" to an EUB? And if so how have liked or disliked it?

Any kind of advice on any of these areas would be helpful.

THANKS in advance! I appreciate it, and I can't wait to get a "real" bass in my hands again after being limited to a guitar for so long.

Again, thanks for any help and links and suggestions.

[Dave Irwin]

I'm guessing most of the usual guys that would respond to your thread are busy losing their lunch at the thought of running a bass through effects so I'll give this a try.
If you want an upright (acoustic), it can be done for 1500. Just look around for a used Shen 100/150. There are some other brands like Christopher and Eastman but I don't have experience w/ them.
If you can find a Shen 150 (carved top and laminated back/sides) you'll probably do better with arco.
The bassmax pickup sold thru gollihur.com is good inexpensive option. The Gage Realist is more money but used ones pop up from time to time on here.

If you're really planning on running through effects, maybe find a cheap electric upright. After playing arco for awhile you might either decide you don't really want to continue or you might want to go for the wood.
In which case, you can sell the cheap electric upright without losing $

Good luck,
Dave

[Eric Swanson]

+1 on the Shen 150. I rented one for awhile and it was really good.

Effects are cool. My former teacher did a bunch of stuff with a wah-wah a few years back. I have had some fun with various effects, myself.

Notes are notes, sound is sound.

A hybrid double bass with a pickup will get you where you want to go; a signal with which you can tinker. The bonus is that you can also do the acoustic thing, which is also very cool

My vote, if you are going to get one instrument, is to go for the double bass. Its versatility is profound.

Just my 2c.

[Jsn]

Cadillactor, here's a thread that might prove useful to you:

My Story -- Everybody has one

[cadillacactor]

Hi guys,

I want to thank you all for the guidance. I've decided.

I'm going to get an acoustic and then get a pick up for it. I had never even heard of Miles Mosley until you showed me that link. An amazing sound! And then to be able to also play a beautiful, traditional bass sound when needed... needless to say, I'm excited. Thanks, everybody.