New guy, school, basses, and more.

[Katarak]

Hey guys,

I'm new, and just like every other new person who seems to join this forum, I have questions.

I'm a big jazz fan, and recently decided to pick up the db for my pure enjoyment. Since I feel the db could be a potential death trap to learn on my own, I found a music school.

http://ecolejazzmanouchemontreal.com...p?page=english

So I get to learn some nice gypsy swing.

That being said. I know nothing about the db, haven't touched one before, and fear the amount of money I'll have to shell out to get one.

I'm wondering, firstly, if I shouldn't be speaking to a luthier about getting a bass through him instead of purchasing a new bass from a music store (it will obviously be chinese). I've been reading all the newbie stuff around here, but it would still be the only type of bass I could afford (though I'd go for shen, eastman or christopher). Do luthiers usually have some basses lying around they would let go for not too much? even if it's a little banged up?
Does anybody know a good reputable Luthier in Montreal?

Secondly, since I have no idea about tone and sound at this time, I feel I wouldn't be able to make a good decision about what bass to buy. So perhaps I should rent one for the duration of the course (8 weeks), and learn about all this stuff in order to make a more educated choice. Does anybody know places around montreal that rent such intruments?

Any other pointers you can give a new guy are good too.
Thanks
K

[pointbass]

If it's a "test run", why not just rent a bass for the immediate future? There should be school rentals somewhere in your area. Most likely the bass will be kinda funky, but at least you'll get a feel for it and be much more informed when you go to make that first purchase ....

[rodmallia]

@Katrak

I'm pretty much in your same situation, pal. I'm still trying to figure out if the DB is for me, and am unsure if I should invest in one. After all, even beginner DBs cost comparably higher than other instruments (beginner guitars, for example). I'll probably have to go down the Chinese route as well if I eventually make up my mind to get one of my own, despite all the negative feedback. It's either that, or else get myself another instrument.

A friend of mine told me that for a good, solid beginner bass I should be looking to spend around €1,200 - give or take a hundred, which is quite a lot, considering. But at least, you might be lucky to find a second-hand bass or else, be able to rent one out. The problem with living in a lousy place like Malta is that the second-hand market is non-existent (same for rents), and even the new market is extremely limited. And I'm really not sure how feasible or cost-effective it is to have one shipped here

[Ike Harris]

Do you know any DB players in the area? Maybe one that teaches? They could be a good source for instruments as well as advice/instruction. There could be a college or other school around that loans or signs out basses to trusted friends or students. It's better to have them played than sitting around in a storage room drying out and eventually cracking(if they're carved wood, that is). Would be worth a look.

Ike

[longfinger]

Hey there,

There are many DB players in Montreal. (4 Universities and numerous CEGEPS with music programs).


You can also walk into Jules-St Michel on Ontario near St-Urbain and try out their basses. Just try them, don't buy yet..

Then walk up the hill to Violin Etc and try their 1 bass in stock which is not a 'starter bass' at all, but will give you an idea of what sound you'd want the affordable basses to emulate.

Then when you check out the used bass posting like this...

http://montreal.en.craigslist.ca/msg/1258585091.html

you'll be in a better position to evaluate it.

For a first bass... in this economic climate, 'used' it a great way to start.