Need some input

[BigLoopDuke]

I'm looking at picking up an upright bass. I've played a friend's upright, got the feel and ended up with an NS Wav. Liked it, but was definitely missing the upright experience.

Now, I'm presented with two different opportunities...

I found an Englehardt M1 for $1k. It looks like its in great shape. Owner said it was an "older" bass.

The other is an Anton Schoetter upright. Again, it looks great in the pics, the owner says it sounds great. Approximately half the price of the M1.

I know I have to play both. Both are 3/4 size. Both are probably laminate? Specifically, is there something I should consider that I might have looked over?

I play a bit of jazz and most of the time, I'll be in a trio setting w/ a small kit and either a horn or piano. I will most likely add a pickup, but in some of the venues, I may not need it immediately.

Thanks for any advice you can share...

[shadygrove]

Originally Posted by BigLoopDuke

I know I have to play both. Both are 3/4 size. Both are probably laminate? Specifically, is there something I should consider that I might have looked over?

OK, I've never played a Schroetter DB but since nobody else has jumped in I'll give you my 2 cents worth...

For half the price of a 1k Engelhardt that Schroetter's a very inexpensive DB. I'd assume ply at that price. I know where they make Engel's, but with Anton Schroetter that depends who imported it and when. I've seen info on this forum indicating some may have been made by Strunal, or they had a common supplier, and more recently the source seems to be China. Be aware partially finished basses can be imported to Germany and finished then labelled as German.

But yeah, you've got to play them... see how they sound and feel. Have some one else play them while you listen.

For the price, the Schroetter might be worth putting some $ into it, but I'd want to get it checked out by a luthier first as saving a few bucks on a poorly built DB can cost you a lot more in the long run than buying a better instrument to start.

Good luck in your search !

[drurb]

Given all the caveats above (especially that you gotta play them), one of the nicer ply basses I've played was a Schroetter. I'm not an Engel fan. Among other factors, the skinny necks just don't work for me.

[BigLoopDuke]

Well, I pulled the trigger, made the leap and have officially joined the other side.

After a few long discussions with the owner of the Engelhardt, I decided to go give it a try. Immediately fell in love. I did what I thought was a pretty thorough inspection (brought a dental mirror and light and checked the inside). All in all, its a pretty healthy-looking bass. The finish has certainly had its wear, but its what I'd expect from a bass that's from the mid-80s. (At least thats what I think the serial number dates to.)

Owner had it strung with a set of black tapewounds, which I believe might be LaBellas. Sound is nice and thick. Good thump. Its a ply, but to my ear it sounds really nice, at least compared to others in the same $$$ range as what I was looking at.

One item though...its got an aluminum bridge that was a Slowey from Oklahoma City? I've done a few searches and haven't revealed much, other than its adjustable at 4 points. Previous owner said it was heavy duty and highly regarded among other bluegrass players she'd spoken to.

I'm more of a jazz guy, the action doesn't feel bad, but I'm wondering what a more traditional wood bridge might bring? The aluminum bridge has a certain clarity, but I'm curious if anyone has ever A/B'd these types of bridges to something more traditional? What exactly are the pros and cons?

Also, I'm planning to drop in a pickup of some type. I had narrowed it down to either the K&K Double Twin or Bass Max and had been in the process of deciding which direction to go, but now I'm wondering if either would be appropriate w/ the bridge? Maybe I just need a different bridge?

Anyway, thanks for the comments thus far and any more feedback would be appreciated.