Need some advice in buying first upright

jdicebassist · #1 05-25-2008, 11:14 AM

I have been an electric bass player for over 15 years (fretless and fretted) and want to buy my first upright bass for learning and eventually doing some jazz gigs with a pianist. Ideally I would like to spend around 2K on a bass and I am considering the following:

UB Standard Double Bass - Laminated Upright Bass
Christopher Academy Bass
Menzel bottom of the barrel bass.
Shen SB80

Does has anyone had any good or bad experiences buying an Upton Bass or Christopher bass online (Canadians especially)? Also what would be the best bang for my buck - I am leaning towards the UB standard. Any size recommendations 3/4 or 7/8?

Thanks,
Paul

Jet Nero · #2 05-25-2008, 01:11 PM

Spend enough time on this forum and you'll find the Shen and Upton basses get good reviews here. Christopher reviews are mixed. I don't recall hearing anything about the Menzel brand.

The fact that Upton basses are made and sold under one roof puts the company in a unique position to control product quality. For that reason alone I'd be looking at the Upton very intently as well if I we're in your shoes.

But there has to be luthiers, string shops and teachers in Toronto. Seek out their advice and look at the options they can provide. Many shops carry the Shen line so you may get an opportunity to play one.

Personally, I'd never be able to buy a bass without playing it first. How the bass sounds and how it fits the player on multiple levels is the most important part and no written description can answer those concerns.

If playing first is not possible due to logistics, then I'd stick with an Upton or Shen as I'm sure either of those basses would make you very happy as a beginner.

Jet Nero · #3 05-25-2008, 01:21 PM

Oh, and I should mention, I have played a Shen SB100 and a carved model (product number escapes me on the carved). I really liked the carved model on all accounts but the laminate was not very inspiring compared to the many other laminates I've played over the years. I'm not knocking the Shen laminates at all, that particular bass just wasn't my cup of tea. I had an opportunity to play an Upton laminate recently. I liked the neck and playability of that particular bass but I can't comment on the tone very much as it was amplified via a pickup (all bets are off).

mikeypbass · #4 05-25-2008, 01:37 PM

Ok here are my suggestions:

Well as for the uptons, they are a pretty big 3/4, and be wary that that standard laminated is the ugliest bass. I've fooled around on one and it sounds very good good for a laminate , but if looks are important to you, I'd check out another bass or spend the extra coin for the deluxe, which is no different other than aesthetics. Also Upton does one hell of a setup right from the get go and i love their customer service, it's great. When I bought my UB Standard Hybrid there (mind you i went to the shop) they were uber helpful and did the perfect setup for what i wanted and needed, included in the price of the bass

Keep in mind you'll need at least a bag, pup, and a bow (even if you're a jazz guy)

Can't say anything on brands like Christopher or Shen as I've laid my hands on one

Also check out Englehardts, which also are big 3/4 (only check out the ones with ebony fingerboards, that is a necessity) because i have a friend with an ES9 (the blond one) and it sounds fantastic, much like the UB Laminates for the amount he paid for it, just make sure to get a good set up on those engels though, because i hear the factory setup is nigh unplayable. And if you're not into the blond they make the same thing but with the classic dark

Good luck on your search for an UB

mattfong · #5 05-25-2008, 01:57 PM

Look used too. Theres a classifieds here and you could put up an ad on craigslist. I put up an ad on craigslist and ended up getting an Eastman fully carved 305 for $3000 from a classical bass player in Toronto, and a nice bow for free with it (over your budget but my point is buying used you can get really good deals). Just make sure you look over the bass carefully for cracks and that sort of thing.

I did have to spend extra cash on a set up, a pickup, and a bag, but no matter where you buy you'll probably have to do some of that.

Unfortunately I have no experience with any of the basses you mentioned, but Shens, Christophers and Uptons all get good reviews here. Don't know about Menzel.

damonsmith · #6 05-25-2008, 02:11 PM

Key advice for those coming from BG is all double basses sound different, even from the same maker. Check the used market near you and only buy online as a last resort.
Buy a bass with a carved top if at all possible.

Bass · #7 05-26-2008, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeypbass

...be wary that that standard laminated is the ugliest bass.

What makes you say that?

I didn't have any trouble at all importing the Upton to Canada. I did "self-clearance", it came through customs in Quebec (I think) and from there it came west.

I don't think you'd be disappointed with an Upton bass, but surely there are used basses to be found in TO.

jdicebassist · #8 05-26-2008, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattfong

Look used too. Theres a classifieds here and you could put up an ad on craigslist. I put up an ad on craigslist and ended up getting an Eastman fully carved 305 for $3000 from a classical bass player in Toronto, and a nice bow for free with it (over your budget but my point is buying used you can get really good deals). Just make sure you look over the bass carefully for cracks and that sort of thing.

I did have to spend extra cash on a set up, a pickup, and a bag, but no matter where you buy you'll probably have to do some of that.

Unfortunately I have no experience with any of the basses you mentioned, but Shens, Christophers and Uptons all get good reviews here. Don't know about Menzel.

Thanks for the advice.. I'll try fishing around on craigslist and see what kind of hits I get. I was going to go to the Arts Music store (which I am sure is near and dear to your heart) to check out the Menzel model but I have read some really bad reviews about the brand.

Apparently Long and Mcquade carriers a shuanbach (sp?) which seems to be in my price range so I'll check that out as well.

jdicebassist · #9 05-26-2008, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass

What makes you say that?

I didn't have any trouble at all importing the Upton to Canada. I did "self-clearance", it came through customs in Quebec (I think) and from there it came west.

I don't think you'd be disappointed with an Upton bass, but surely there are used basses to be found in TO.

I guess the looks are up for debate. Aside from that how was your experience in brining a UB into Canada. Were the customs / shipping charges absurd?

mikeypbass · #10 05-26-2008, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass

What makes you say that?

I dont know, to me it just looks... like it wasn't finished off i can't really put my finger on it

Also, don't factor in my taste in aesthetics cuz that bass sound phenomenal

jdicebassist · #11 05-26-2008, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeypbass

I dont know, to me it just looks... like it wasn't finished off i can't really put my finger on it

Also, don't factor in my taste in aesthetics cuz that bass sound phenomenal

I have contacted a few shops in the Toronto Area to see about the availability of some of these basses (especially the UB ones). Just incase there are any newbs, such as myself, in TO and don't know where to go for basses try:

http://www.georgeheinl.com/visitourstore/
http://finestrings.com/Collectionlisting.htm
http://www.thesoundpost.com/EN/
http://www.riedstrasviolinshop.com/violins.htm (kitchener)

I'll keep you guys posted as I try a few of these out. Lord knows I will still need some more advice.

mattfong · #12 05-26-2008, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdicebassist

Thanks for the advice.. I'll try fishing around on craigslist and see what kind of hits I get. I was going to go to the Arts Music store (which I am sure is near and dear to your heart) to check out the Menzel model but I have read some really bad reviews about the brand.

Apparently Long and Mcquade carriers a shuanbach (sp?) which seems to be in my price range so I'll check that out as well.

Yeah I used to work at the Arts. I taught guitar for a while. Don't go there. They don't know squat about double basses. Nuff said.

Long & Mcquade on Bloor is a better bet as they have a whole string instrument section that's pretty decent. I think they have an Eastman hybrid there that's probably pretty nice.

Try talking to the guys at Heinl's and the Soundpost too, they can probably help. EDIT: You know about them already.

I'll say it again, buy used. The best deals, always. Good luck!

toman · #13 05-27-2008, 03:42 AM

I really like the Eberle laminates. Can be had for under 1k and with some upgraded parts and a pro setup, makes for a nice playing indestucto bass. Ugly as sin though.

jdicebassist · #14 06-03-2008, 08:33 PM

Just to give you guys an update. I just bought an Eastman model 95 hybrid - Spruce top laminate backs and side. Ebony fittings. -2300 CDN including a d'addario (double) transducer.

Can't wait. Thanks for your advice guys!

SteveFreides · #15 06-05-2008, 07:53 PM

My fully carved Erberle 3/4 cost $1800 and is delightful - it's beautiful to look at in its dark brown stain, shiny new, and sounds wonderful. http://www.bassesonline.com is where I got it; I picked it up in person but they do ship. I had an adjustable bridge made for it before I took it home.

-S-