My new Wan Bernadel

Ori0n · #1 01-08-2011, 04:21 PM

I've been a long time stalker here in the DB forums, and a poster in the electric bass(have played for 17 years) poster for a while. I have attempted to play double bass for about 10 years, i bought a cheap Palatino student bass from eBay (my dad and I then drove 800 miles to pick it up, didn't want to even think about shipping). Took lessons for a while, from the only guy in town who was worth anything. We had to quit after 3 months, being a violinist he could not teach me the bow.

Fast forward 9 years, I had plucked at it a few times but nothing substantial.

Now one of my life goals is to join the local symphony as a bassist, and after seeing a local symphony performance of Elgar (with the glorious cello concerto being the highlight) a fire got lit under my ass, and I picked my Palatino back up, had it setup from a local luthier, who got the strings as low as he could on that (still could fit my pinky under the G without hitting the string at the bottom of the finger board) tape it up as good as I could and started working through Simandl.

After a few months of this painstaking progress, I decided to be on the lookout for a new and better bass. As that I read on here a better bass is conducive to better practicing and becoming a better player.

Being from a small town in South Carolina, bass shops are far away, so like others I began looking around the country, and I found the String Emporium and Steve Kosica.

I watched videos on the Wan Bernadel and read posts on here about them, and was sold. Instead of having him ship me a bass to try out, I decided to take a trip across the country to Phoenix.

It was a great trip, I met with Steve on a Friday afternoon, and he had all his Wan's out ready for me to try out. He played them all for me so I could get an ear on them, then I played them for a few hours, and picked out one that sounded and felt the best.
He even went through several configurations with strings and bridge height. He was EXCELLENT to deal with!
Very knowledgeable, polite and makes you feel right at home. He does not push you to buy anything.
He has become my goto guy for all my upright gear.

While I was out there I went to the Grand Canyon and the Musical Instrument Museum, both were awesome! A great once in a lifetime opportunity.

I HIGHLY recommend The String Emporium to anyone looking for a great experience in buying a bass.
Steve is the man!

Here is a picture of me with my new Wan Bernadel, and me next to the 9foot monstrosity of an Octobass at the Musical Instrument Museum!

fettbass · #2 01-08-2011, 04:38 PM

Congrats, I've heard great things about those Wans, been eyeing one myself, actually....How did it compare to the Rogeri basses he sells for the same price?

Ori0n · #3 01-08-2011, 08:04 PM

Thanks! The Rogeri's were great! But a bit too big for me, as I am not very tall and have short arms. The Wans had a darker sound that just spoke to me though. He pulled out some other very VERY nice basses too.

Jsn · #4 01-08-2011, 08:16 PM

It's wonderful to hear of a story with such a happy ending--or rather a happy first act, I should say, as you have many years of musical adventures ahead of you.

I'm glad to hear that the String Emporium didn't disappoint. You paid it the most sincere compliment possible: it was worth the trip.

Ori0n · #5 01-08-2011, 08:20 PM

Absolutely worth the trip! Being 29 i've been a little scared of getting into upright, knowing I've missed, oh 17 years of practice. But i've got alot of knowledge, and its all just technique from here on out

Having alot of trouble getting bowing right!

MattyBass · #6 01-08-2011, 10:33 PM

Hey OriOn,
Congrats on the new Bass, I'm Sure she'll serve you well..
In absence of a real DB teacher
I'f you really wanna improve your bowing I Highly recommend the DVD
"The Art of The Bow" and the companion DVD "the Art of the left hand"
Both are amazing... and will really help you improve your bowing and Fingering techniques. They are about $80.00 dollars each but well worth it..
Best buddy...
Enjoy your new baby...

tomshepp · #7 01-09-2011, 06:00 AM

Congrats on your new bass!

Matt Ides · #8 01-09-2011, 07:10 AM

You'll love practicing with the upgrade for sure. Congrats!

Ori0n · #9 01-09-2011, 09:17 AM

Thanks everybody!
I have found a good teacher at the School of Music in Columbia, SC, which is only about an hour drive, so I head up there for an hour once a week. I have picked up The Art of the Bow, and it is really helpful!

I do love practicing on her, she is gorgeous!

MattyBass · #10 01-10-2011, 01:08 AM

Hey OriOn,
I have found that since getting The Art of the left hand..
It really connects everything from art of the bow and really helps in building your skills.
You're stoked you found a good teacher as well.
Now go play till your fingers bleed.. lol.. j/k

Best to you buddy,
Congrats again on your New Bass.
Treat her well..

Eric Swanson · #11 01-10-2011, 03:48 AM

You look very happy!

Congratulations! I wish you both the best.

mcbosler · #12 01-10-2011, 06:24 AM

OT, but thought I should note that your beard is epic.

On topic - congrats!

Ori0n · #13 01-10-2011, 10:05 AM

Thanks McBosler! I've been growing her for a while! Thank you all for the kind words! TB is such a great community! Very supportive and encouraging!