Newbie Me

Jimmy Bones · #1 09-29-2009, 04:35 AM

Heya guys.

So, I'm a regular over in the electric bass section, I play on a guitar style bass normally. Recently, I've been getting the urge to go with a double bass for some jazz and psychobilly stuff, as well as the opportunity to learn some more classical tunes.

I've checked out some EUBs, and they feel ok, but aren't really what I'm looking for. Instead, I'm looking at some lower priced stuff, since cost is very much indeed an object.

As far as I have been able to divine, there aren't any musical shops on the island (Oahu) which specialize or even sell orchestral instruments, so I'll need to have one purchased and shipped sight unseen.

My question is if you guys can give me your opinions on the following basses I've scoped out within my price range:

http://band-orchestra.musiciansfrien...fit?sku=475991

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-UPRIGHT-ROCK...d=p3286.c0.m14

http://band-orchestra.musiciansfrien...ass?sku=512642 <- Not really in my price range, but still want to know what you guys think about its quality.

There are a couple others, but none of them quite what I want.

If those aren't well thought of, can you recommend another outlet and brand?

Thanks.

Bass · #2 09-29-2009, 05:58 AM

The first two basses suck, they are a waste of money.

The third bass is awesome.

Jimmy Bones · #3 09-29-2009, 06:11 AM

Why do they suck, exactly?

Bass · #4 09-29-2009, 06:26 AM

Because I said so. If you don't believe me, buy one and find out.

sevenyearsdown · #5 09-29-2009, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass

The first two basses suck, they are a waste of money.

The third bass is awesome.

WORD....and to the OP, if a bass is listed as AWESOME ROCKABILLY SLAP BASS, or UPRIGHT STANDUP ROCKABILLY BASS, or any of the other silly descriptions in that ebay scam - it's probably a piece a crap.

Jimmy Bones · #6 09-29-2009, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass

Because I said so. If you don't believe me, buy one and find out.

Wow. Really?

Thanks.

Bruce Lindfield · #7 09-29-2009, 06:54 AM

I hated all those basses and wouldn't be seen dead using them - but that's just a personal taste thing... so I'm probably not the best person to ask. My advice though would be to avoid turning up at Jazz gigs with something like that...

I'm really just waiting for Marcus to turn up though and put you right!!

drurb · #8 09-29-2009, 06:57 AM

The third bass is nonsense as well. Pay for the quality of the bass, not a paint job. I suggest that you read the newbie links and do some searching on this site. If you are interested in a decent instrument, then figure on spending about $1500 at a minimum for a worthy instrument that will not self-destruct and that would be delivered with a good setup. Don't buy a bass from a mass online music retailer or guitar shop.

sevenyearsdown · #9 09-29-2009, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drurb

The third bass is nonsense as well. Pay for the quality of the bass, not a paint job. I suggest that you read the newbie links and do some searching on this site. If you are interested in a decent instrument, then figure on spending about $1500 at a minimum for a worthy instrument that will not self-destruct and that would be delivered with a good setup. Don't buy a bass from a mass online music retailer or guitar shop.

what, no number?

Jimmy Bones · #10 09-29-2009, 07:11 AM

Unfortunately, this is the only way to do so around here. Honolulu doesn't show much support by way of outlets, though Fender has a stranglehold with dealers every couple miles.

I have found one guy who is selling a used DB, but I have no idea what it is, never seen it, and haven't gotten any return calls from him, so I don't know if it's going to help me any at all. Only other way to get an instrument such as this is to go with a mail order/online sort of deal. I trust MF for that, because of services rendered in the past, but I am completely ignorant of DB branding, and am on a budget.

Bruce Lindfield · #11 09-29-2009, 07:17 AM

What might have helped was if you had titled the thread something like - where to buy basses in Honolulu or neaby...?

Then people who live near to you could have spotted this and passed on their advice - as it is, there is a good chance the question will be missed...

Jimmy Bones · #12 09-29-2009, 07:22 AM

You know, that's excellent advice, I'd never have thought of that.

Think the mods might close this here thread for me so I can do just that?

Paul Warburton · #13 09-29-2009, 07:45 AM

Bruce gave you a hint.
Marcus Johnson, as well as Treyzer. Good TBDB members who are in your general neighborhood.
Search their names and Private Message.
Good luck.

drurb · #14 09-29-2009, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmy Bones

...but I am completely ignorant of DB branding, and am on a budget.

Bingo! Trust MF? Not for a double bass properly set up. If you must buy on-line or mail order, there are several BASS SHOPS that can ship you a decent instrument with a good setup.

drurb · #15 09-29-2009, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sevenyearsdown

what, no number?

Indeed, I was remiss.

3032

Marcus Johnson · #16 09-29-2009, 09:49 AM

Hey Jimmy.... I know a couple of guys over here on Maui who might be selling basses. One is one of those Knilling Thinline basses... I don't know if that's of any interest to you. The other is my old Meisel ply, which is a very decent bass, and belongs to a friend of mine who now lives in Texas (the bass is in Kula) and may want to sell it. Still not O'ahu, but maybe better than shipping from the mainland. That said, people do ship basses over here all the time. Bit of a pain.

Did you check out Music Center of Hawaii in Honolulu (it's kinda off Ward ave, right above Kewalo Basin area)? The strings guy there is named Robin Leong... maybe he can help you. I also know several pro players over there who might be able to steer you towards an instrument. Also, take a ride down to the musician's union to see if anyone down there knows of any basses for sale. With the sad state of the orchestras here these days, I wouldn't be surprised to see some basses on the market.

Shoot me an email if you like; just click on my name and it should link to it.

Jimmy Bones · #17 09-29-2009, 10:22 AM

Thanks Marcus. Wish I'd have spoken to you uys about this before, i was over on Maui just a couple weeks ago.

Also, I have no idea where the musician's union is.

Marcus Johnson · #18 09-29-2009, 10:30 AM

It's on Kapiolani, right across from the Blaisdell Arena.

Jimmy Bones · #19 09-29-2009, 03:54 PM

Thanks, I'll try to head over there when I can.

MollyKay · #20 09-29-2009, 04:34 PM

Try this...

http://honolulu.craigslist.org/mau/msg/1392456678.html