Need Some Advice

Billminpa · #1 12-30-2010, 02:58 PM

Hi everyone, I need some quick advice on this bass. Just showed up available and is in my price range. Is it OK for a beginer on Double Bass ? 30 years plus on electric.

Did a quick search and it does not show up at all.
Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks and Happy New Year
Engelhardt ES9 Blonde Swingmaster Upright Bass

Bass Barrister · #2 12-30-2010, 03:44 PM

It's impossible to evaluate a bass over the 'net. Putting up some sharp pics taken from several angles might help somewhat but still don't substitute for the seasoned eye of a double bass luthier. If seriously considering buying, take it to one not connected with the sale and get hes/her professional review.

That said, the Engelhardt ES9 Swingmaster is made by Engelhardt-Link Co., Elk Grove Village, IL. This company is successor to the Kay Musical Instrument Co. of Chicago and used the templates and designs of the old Kay lines. Kay made this same bass as the S9 Swingmaster from the late 1930s until Kay folded in 1969 and the bass/cello lines were bought by Englehardt-Link.

So, your bass could be 41 years old or could have been made last year. These are all playwood basses. The most common porblmes encountered are broken and poorly repaired necks and ply de-lamination. The S series should have an ebony FB.

In good shape, with a good setup and good strings, it is a decent bass. Not everyone likes them but they are quite popular in the bluegrass world.

Good luck.

Tejano Bass · #3 12-30-2010, 04:05 PM

If you can obtain the serial # from the label on the inside of the bass, then you can check it against this list to determine when it was manufactured: http://www.fretwellbass.com/showpage.php?cID=340

F Y I - the Swingmaster is the top of the line model for Engelhardt

Good Luck !

iiipopes · #4 12-30-2010, 06:44 PM

My friend has a Swingmaster. It's a great bass. The 42 inch scale is just a tad long for me, but it is a standard. His has a really stiff top that has a bit of lowend rolloff -- great for his small gigs and amplified, but could cause difficulty in an orchestra setting.

That said, every one is different, just like every person is different. The one you are considering may have completely different playing characteristics.

And that said, and (this is a big, big assumption) assuming it is a healthy bass, it will more than likely retain its value, and if it is set up well, is a good bass.

Bottom line: if it's in your budget, take someone who knows how to play, and knows your playing, to go see it, play it, and evaluate it further. Try before you buy.

Billminpa · #5 12-31-2010, 03:23 AM

Thanks Everyone, I just needed to know if it was worth considering. It is in my price range but still close to a thousand dollars that I do not want to just throw away. Ad says it was professionally set up and there were a few pictures that looked nice. Fairly light finish almost blond but should be good enough to learn on.
Thanks for the help, its good to know you guys are here as a resource.

Happy New Year!

Bass · #6 12-31-2010, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billminpa

...Fairly light finish almost blond but should be good enough to learn on....

There some who go nuts over the blonde finish. I hope it works out for you.

MattyBass · #7 12-31-2010, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billminpa

Thanks Everyone, I just needed to know if it was worth considering. It is in my price range but still close to a thousand dollars that I do not want to just throw away. Ad says it was professionally set up and there were a few pictures that looked nice.

Happy New Year!

Why don't you post the Pics on here??

Billminpa · #8 12-31-2010, 11:10 PM

http://allentown.craigslist.org/msg/2135695516.html

Here is the link to see the ad. it has the pics in it.

MattyBass · #9 12-31-2010, 11:37 PM

Thanks for posting the pics..
The ad mentions one thing you didn't, that It had a neck repair done..
Do you have someone who knows Doublebasses that you can take with you
that can inspect the instrument and give you their opinion?
That would be best..
What type of music are you wanting to Play out of curiosity?
Best,

Tejano Bass · #10 01-01-2011, 05:20 AM

Mike Shank enjoys an excellent/well-earned reputation in the bass community . . . if Mike repaired it, you can rest assured that it is as it should be . . . you might consider giving him a call & should he remember the bass, then ask for his input . . . oh, btw, Super Silvers offer a gut-like sound, are easy on the fingers & very popular/highly regarded by many Bluegrass players . . .

If it feels good to your touch & sounds good to your ear, then just go for it & Enjoy the Ride -

Billminpa · #11 01-01-2011, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattyBass

Thanks for posting the pics..
The ad mentions one thing you didn't, that It had a neck repair done..
Do you have someone who knows Doublebasses that you can take with you
that can inspect the instrument and give you their opinion?
That would be best..
What type of music are you wanting to Play out of curiosity?
Best,

I'll be playing 50's Oldies on it for a few songs in our show.

MattyBass · #12 01-01-2011, 10:06 AM

Sounds like It might be a good fit.. : )
+1 on calling Mike Shank couldn't hurt..
and if you have someone to go with you, a bassist..
It would still be good..
Good Luck Buddy
Happy New Year..

Frankenbass1984 · #13 01-01-2011, 10:59 AM

I got a 3/4 about 10 years ago. It was a lower end model but new. $1000 low end but the few things I did to it (I had already been playing for a few years) was shave the bridge and get a better quality string. Other then that it has been a great instrunment and almost plays like some of the Higher dollar uprights I have played on. Its more about getting it to fit you. I recomend buying it with the intention of throwing another few hundred bucks into it, or if you want attempt to fit it to you go ahead. Another tip on strings (and I'm sure I'll get flack for this but I didn't do it) I met a guy who used weed-eater string in different gauges for his strings. I don't know how well it did with a bowe but whatever, good strings are very expensive for an upright.

Rick Auvil · #14 01-01-2011, 01:36 PM

In my opinion, an Englehart with a great setup is a good deal for a beginner. If it's in your price range, go for it! ++1 on Mike Shank. One of my students bought a hybrid from him a few years back. He converted it to lefty and it was a beauty!

DC Bass · #15 01-01-2011, 06:31 PM

It does sound like a good fit imho!

All this talk about Engle's makes me miss my old one! Tank of a bass, took a lickin and kept on tickin!

I never shoulda sold it!

Mike Shank is my sales, repair and advise guy of choice...I've been dealing with him for fifteen years...like others have said, if Mike did it, it was done RIGHT!

I think the price is reasonable, but remember that "cash talks". The seller may accept a lower offer.

Do try to enlist the aid of an experienced player to go with you when you check the bass out.

Good luck!

Joe