Newbie Help I'm clueless, Violamaster Prima?

[Doug Parent]

I can get this 3/4 size bass used for $250. The strings are off thus so is the bridge too. Seller is a teen who got it in trade for money owed. He knows diddly squat about UB which is more than I know. Is this a good starter UB for me? I've been playing EB for 30 years. Anything I should check out on this instrument before buying it? Like I said the bridge is just dangling as the string tension is nill. Anything I need to know about tuning this thing up and getting it playable?

[Bass Barrister]

Violmaster = Chinese company flooding the world with cheaply made string "instruments" sold under various names. IMHO, worthless junk. With no strings on it and no bridge, does it even have a soundpost?? A set of strings and a basic set-up will porbably cost you three times what the bass is worth. Stay away.

You would be better served by first reading the newbie links here and then checking out some reputable bass dealers for help. It is possible to find good used basses out there but you will need some help from someone in the know or you will get ripped off. I know nothing about bass guitars and would not even think of shopping for one without the help of friends who have played them for years. The DB is NOT a BG - you need to acquire a whole new skill set.

[Doug Parent]

Thanks, yeah I called a local luthier and he said as much. Thanks for responding so fast, it was one of those last minute things before someone else snagged it which I think they did.

[Bass Barrister]

Wise move . . .

Now . . . check out those newbie links, fondle some real basses and welcome to our world of wood.

Also, take some lessons from a qualified DB teacher. It will make your playing experience far more enjoyable and lessen the change of injury that can come from bad technique.

Good luck.

[KSB - Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by tonenazi

I can get this 3/4 size bass used for $250. The strings are off thus so is the bridge too. Seller is a teen who got it in trade for money owed. He knows diddly squat about UB which is more than I know. Is this a good starter UB for me? I've been playing EB for 30 years. Anything I should check out on this instrument before buying it? Like I said the bridge is just dangling as the string tension is nill. Anything I need to know about tuning this thing up and getting it playable?

Clueless you say? Well so are the companies that make Bass-shaped objects like this.

$250. is the cost of a set of strings on average. A Fingerboard, Bridge, tailpiece, tuners and the wood to make a decent Bass is well over $1000 in a Box at a minimum.

So, what kind of Double Bass can you buy for $250. that will be possible to play and set-up? A stolen Bass? maybe. A person taking a huge loss? Maybe. A Bass bought decades ago that was cheap then and he forgot the value of a dollar? maybe.

The 'Bass is HARD to play even for lifetime professionals. Would you buy a cheap run down car with only 3 tires and try to learn how to drive with it?

Shop around and make sure your money is well spent rather that just out the window. Maybe this 'Bass for $250 is possible to play and he just doesn't know what he has. If it's a playable 'Bass by professional standards, I will but it.

[froedrick]

Originally Posted by Bass Barrister

...check out those newbie links, fondle some real basses and welcome to our world of wood.

Also, take some lessons from a qualified DB teacher. It will make your playing experience far more enjoyable and lessen the change of injury that can come from bad technique.

I'm kind of in the same boat here. I've been reading the newbie discussion threads, but I guess my issue is: Do I just need to get a teacher first, then a bass? Right now I'm just socking away extra cash as it comes so I can afford to put down $2k-2.5k on a decent student bass. Trouble is, with no experience on bass whatsoever, how will I know? What point is there to have me "feel and try out" the bass if I don't have a clue what I'm doing? Should I just place myself at the mercy of a bassist/bass teacher and plunk down the cash at their discretion?

(this is totally not meant to be bitchy or accusatory... I truly would just love answers/opinions to those questions.)

[Jake deVilliers]

If you get a teacher first and take a few lessons on his/her bass, you'll have a better idea of what to look for in a DB.

They might be willing to help you evaluate a possible purchase as well, so I'd say teacher first.

Enjoy the experience!

[KSB - Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by froedrick

I'm kind of in the same boat here. I've been reading the newbie discussion threads, but I guess my issue is: Do I just need to get a teacher first, then a bass? Right now I'm just socking away extra cash as it comes so I can afford to put down $2k-2.5k on a decent student bass. Trouble is, with no experience on bass whatsoever, how will I know? What point is there to have me "feel and try out" the bass if I don't have a clue what I'm doing? Should I just place myself at the mercy of a bassist/bass teacher and plunk down the cash at their discretion?

(this is totally not meant to be bitchy or accusatory... I truly would just love answers/opinions to those questions.)

You almost answered your own question. Even experienced players regularly consult Bass Luthiers to make a more informed decision when buying a Bass. The Luthiers themselves often do not agree but some of that is business and some is experience.

Judging a good buy on a Bass is not something you will pick up after a few lessons. Always ask someone with more experience to help. The more opinions the better.

Save your money until someone you trust (hopefully) can guide you with your purchase.

[froedrick]

Thanks for the replies! Sorry if my post came across in an unfriendly manner; that was completely not my intention.

I'm aware of a few persons locally who might fit the bill, I guess I'll feel them out first.

[jaff]

About 4 years ago I purchased an Englehardt from Bob Golihur (online) for about $1000.
I spent another 250 on strings (Spirocores) and setup. My 2 teachers say it's 'ok' for a beginner's bass but that I should move up to something better. I agree. It happens to have a very easy to play fingerboard and both teachers have commented on what a great setup it has. My luthier said that for 1 k, it was the best he had examined and set up. In retrospect, I wish that I had purchased something much better, but at the time was not sure of my passion and commitment to the instrument.