OK another CCB vs Englehardtpost

[lufletch]

I've been playing electric for 30 years both prof. and hobbiest. I want to get back into DB again (played one in HS) and have come to a decision point:
Bellafina Prima carved bass vs. Englehardt EG-9 or ES-9? I have a friend who plays professionally and has been touring with a Bellafina Prima for 7 years without any issues. He's a pretty good amatuer luthier though too. So what's your opinion: CCB carved Bellafina or Engle?

[lufletch]

Oh yeah, I was gonna jump on a 1940s Kay M-1 or an Epiphone B-5 but was warned against it as the Kays had a lot of quality issues during the war years and the Epiphone needed too much work. Should I stick with new or continue to look at vintage?

[iiipopes]

Depends on your budget. Even Engleharts need setup when you receive them. If you're really considering CCB, have you seen the store-brand offerings of such stores as String Emporium and Gollihur? Pretty fine instruments for the price, all backed up by the store.

[lufletch]

Problem with Gollihur is that I'm in NJ and I'm too cheap to pay the 7% sales tax if I bought from them. Why throw away $100+ when it could be better spent toward a good setup? I'll be be visiting Rob Tice's shop in Sciota PA soon and talk to him about it too.

[michaeln]

If it makes you feel any better, sales tax is 9.5% here in San Francisco California.

[lufletch]

Nope, not feeling better about it at all. I used to live near there - in Menlo Park. I have problems with authority and with blood sucking leaches...obviously! ;-)>

[Matt Ides]

I would steer clear of a $1,500 carved bass. If you are in NJ why not hit up some of the shops in NY and PA if you want to avoid the tax.

I would assume a properly set-up Engel, Shen, Chrissy, Eastman, ect. would do you good.

[lufletch]

I agree. Just having heard some good things about this Bellafina (Shanghai Kei Shen) bass. It's intrigueing to think about because true carved tone woods resonate more with age and playing time. I'm starting to lean toward running down to VA and buying an Engle from Jerry Fretwell (yes, that's his real name) and having it sent up to a luthier. Even though they say they set them up to your specs at Fretwell's shop before hand - with a choice of strings, I'd have it looked at by my local luthier anyway.

[Herbie 80's]

I've never heard of a "professional" bassist using a CCB. Atleast, not what I'm in.

Just look up CCBs on the forum and judge for yourself. Ultimately, it's best to just get what is already often taken - Christopher, Shen, Wan Bernadel, Upton, etc,. You can get a great old ply for cheap as well.

I'd rather have a $1,600 ply than a $1,600 carved, simply because carved does not equal into $1,600 unless the seller is crazy desperate, or the bass is in bad condition. If I were you (and I'm sure everyone else will agree), bring a good teacher or a competent luthier with you when you go to try these basses out.

[lufletch]

OK, here's a link I found for them:
http://www.wwbw.com/Bellafina-Prima-...98.wwbw?mode=1
I've kinda decided to go with the E-L just because it's a known quantity vs. a role of the dice.
Thanks to all who responded. Next stop, the luthier! Gotta get work done on several other axes I have too anyway.