new upright help

[fretlessness]

so ive been playing regular electric bass for about 3 years now, and ive been playing fretless for two of them and i wanna make the big, giant leap into doublebass-hood. I was wondering what i should buy for my first bass? Should i buy some cheap 400 dollar bass off of ebay or craigslist? do i HAVE to save up thousands? I live in san diego california by the way

[drurb]

Originally Posted by fretlessness

so ive been playing regular electric bass for about 3 years now, and ive been playing fretless for two of them and i wanna make the big, giant leap into doublebass-hood. I was wondering what i should buy for my first bass? Should i buy some cheap 400 dollar bass off of ebay or craigslist? do i HAVE to save up thousands? I live in san diego california by the way

It would be best for you to take a look a the newbie links first. IMO, and in the opinion of most here, if you are looking for a new bass, figure on spending around $1500 for something decent that will include a decent setup.

[Jim Breece]

Here's my take: Here in Ohio $1000 seems like baseline (no pun intended) for a playable upright. I bought the cheapest one I found for $600.00 but had to spend $400.00 to get it in shape- bassbar coming off, top coming unglued etc. I haven't outgrown it yet. The big chains always seem to have a couple on the floor, but I never found anyone there who knew more about them than I did, so IMO you're better off paying a little more at a store where they know something, or maybe buy from Bob Gollihur or similar reputable website. My intonation still sucks and my vibrato is pathetic, but I get more gig offers than I have time for and it's just a blast to play. I'd like to get a tuba too, but we already gave a chair to Goodwill to make room for the upright and there are limits...

[Heli Bass]

Fretlessness;

I would go to the San Diego store Of Hammond Ashley.

If they are anything like the Seattle Store you will find them helpful and informative.

Also Lemur's is just up the road in San Jaun Capistrano. Very helpful folks also.

The style of music you want to play will somewhat dictate the style of bass you will need. A well set up Englehardt is a good bass to get you started, a strunel or other plywood bass will work just as well. All of them will be in the $1,800 range after set up, good strings, taxes, accessories, etc.

Renting one first is a great way to get started. Many places will apply rental money to a purchase and if you deal with a reputable store, you will get a well set up instrument to learn on for very little out of pocket expense.

Read through the newbie links here on site. Great information.

Good Luck!

[Kevin Hsieh]

if you ever come up to the L.A. area, we could hang out in Long Beach for a couple hours and fool around on basses at World of Strings. Jon is the man! P.M. me if you're interested