New to DB - suggestions for a bass? Lewis Ton-Klar?

InfinityJaco · #1 06-02-2010, 04:38 PM

Hi
I'm a long time electric player and have wanted a DB for years.

I've been looking recently and there is a Lewis Ton-Klar 3/4 at a shop near me that is $1500. I don't know the year, but it has a crack in the front that was repaired by the shop (a good string shop so I can only presume it is a good job).

I don't know a lot about DBs, any suggestions for brands? $1500 is probably my max I'd like to spend. I heard Kays and American Standards are good starts in that range. Style wise, I will be playing all kinds of music - I am a film composer and hope to record it on some tracks in the future. I'd also like to join the local community orchestra to get some experience in that area and improve my technique on the instrument.

Is there anything I should be looking for? I'm 6'1", so I guess a 3/4 would be fine? Are full-size basses a bit rarer and/or more expensive (i.e. - no entry-level/student models)?

What about the bow? When I played the Lewis bass, it initially felt more comfortable playing with the German bow, rather than French, but I'm new, so I'm sure I'll get used to either.

Thanks!

wdnewman · #2 06-02-2010, 06:45 PM

First of all go to the newbie section of this forum and read EVERYTHING that is posted there. There are answers to every question that you could possibly ask. Do not spend a dime on an upright until you get some understanding about what you are buying.

There are beginner basses in the $1500 range that are professionally setup and are perfectly acceptable. An older, German made bass that has been repaired by someone you do not know may not be what you need.

After you have read the newbie section and get some information on what you want, get you an instructor to help you decide on what you need. It may pay to rent a bass while you learn.

But by all means, do not jump into this because you saw a bass you want to buy.

The trip is worth the effort. The destination, which none of us will ever reach, is only a reason to take the trip.

Oh yeah. There is NO correlation between EB and DB. Two different planets.

AMJBASS · #3 06-03-2010, 05:43 AM

Agreed. Definitely read the links at the top of the "basses" forum. There is a lot of really good information there. You will learn that 3/4 size is the usual size for a bass. In your price range there are some decent instruments available. These basses seem to get very good reviews(I haven't had opportunity to play one yet however):

http://www.stringemporium.com/thomps...ood-basses.htm

You could also keep an eye out for an older German plywood(Hofner etc). I would say that there is nothing at all wrong with a new plywood bass, as there are some very well made basses out there.

wdnewman · #4 06-04-2010, 06:18 AM

There ARE some very good (new) basses in that price range. But be aware that there is a lumberyard or two of junk ebay stuff floating around.
Stick with the brand names if you are buying new. Be sure it comes with a professional setup. "Factory" setup doesn't mean diddle.
Thompson has a good rep.
Shen has a good rep.
Upton has a good rep.
There are several others.
Beginning upright, I would start with one of these better grade (read "resellable") uprights or a rental. After you get your technique going, then you will have a better idea of what you want. I, personally would stay away from a repaired instrument at this point.

InfinityJaco · #5 06-04-2010, 06:42 AM

Thanks wdnew. Why would you stay away from a repaired bass?

I saw Upton too, I like the looks of them but wish I could try one first. That's my one concern about ordering online...

InfinityJaco · #6 06-04-2010, 06:45 AM

By the way, where is the newbie section in the DB forum? I don't see anything named that or related to it, thanks.

drurb · #7 06-04-2010, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InfinityJaco

Thanks wdnew. Why would you stay away from a repaired bass?

I saw Upton too, I like the looks of them but wish I could try one first. That's my one concern about ordering online...

You're in Boston! So are they.

Edit: I see you changed your location to DC.

InfinityJaco · #8 06-04-2010, 07:29 AM

Nope, not in Boston anymore...forgot to change my location,.

eerbrev · #9 06-04-2010, 07:42 AM

The "newbie links" are the third sticky down. from the top on this forum.

good luck in your search,

Alex

Paul Warburton · #10 06-04-2010, 07:49 AM

Well? And?..........................
A strange and sometimes wonderful thing happens when a person comes in here asking for information. They get it.
The "wonderfulness" usually works best when the person who asks the question can give the people who are trying to help them some information about where they are located.
You never know, the DB of your life may be waiting for you right around the corner.....you never know.

InfinityJaco · #11 06-04-2010, 07:53 AM

Paul - Indeed, but it's been awhile since I've been on here and have subsequently moved many a' time.

eerbrev - Thanks, I see it now.

crowsmengegus · #12 06-04-2010, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InfinityJaco

Thanks wdnew. Why would you stay away from a repaired bass?

Pretty much every old bass has been repaired a bunch of times, but repairs may create problems down the road if they weren't done properly. Bad repairs (or repairs needed) are not necessarily obvious and they are not uncommon, especially on random stuff you might see on craigslist or in a guitar shop. I just spent over 3k repairing and updating an old bass I bought on craigslist (with advice from TB of course!).

As has been said before, a professional setup is very important. A decent new or used plywood bass with a professional setup will probably be perfect for you. The best bet is probably to find a good local shop that will sell or rent a nice plywood. Some reputable brands you'll see are Eastman, Shen, Kay/Engelhardt. If you can't find something local, there are also good online options (such as Upton, String Emporium, Gollihur, and others). Generally, you should stay away from the cheap stuff on ebay.

Also, you should find a teacher right away (maybe even before you buy a bass!). It is very easy to injure yourself trying to adapt guitar technique to DB. A teacher may also be able to help you pick out your first instrument. Your teacher may also recommend to you which type of bow to start on (french or german) depending on their preference. Good luck! Have fun!

EDIT: found this one not too far from you....

wdnewman · #13 06-06-2010, 11:21 AM

Crow is right on. The only thing about a used-repaired bass is that you don't know anything about how well it was repaired unless the job was done by a well known and respected luthier. I was told by one of those guys that used/repaired older basses under $4,000 tend to "have problems".
For a first bass I stick to my guns. Get a brand name plywood or hybrid, or rent.