Palentino

Nic9k2000 · #1 02-16-2007, 03:21 PM

So I am looking into buying a used Palentino acoustic upright. It is $600 w/ revolution pickup bow and soft shell case. I am not familliar with Palentino's reputation as to their quality. I already read the tips on buying double basses, but I'm not sure if there is anything I should look out for that this brand has had problems with in the past.
Any advice would be helpful.
P.S. I am just switching from electric bass, which I have played in the realm of jazz for four years + I am in high school.

main_sale · #2 02-16-2007, 03:23 PM

I had one and the neck came off. I'd think twice about one if I were you.

Nic9k2000 · #3 02-16-2007, 03:31 PM

The guy who I'm buying it from said he's been using it for rehersals instead of his main bass. Was the quality/sound good beside the neck coming off?

rdwhit · #4 02-16-2007, 05:57 PM

I sugjest You read the newbie pages again. Most folks think the Palatino is a bass to avoid. The price is always tempting on these, but You will probably need to pay at least $500 to get a qualified luthier to make it playable. I'm not trying to be negative, just realistic. They are too often poorly made in many ways and often fall apart. Sure , some people have had better luck with them, but You could easily wind up spending as much after a good setup as You could for a better bass, one with less danger of falling apart. Ask some people in your area for some places to shop and for more advise. I'd hold of on the Palatino for now.

Steve Swan · #5 02-16-2007, 06:04 PM

"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"

Steve Swan

rdwhit · #6 02-16-2007, 06:16 PM

Mr. Swan makes a good point. Maybe You don't realize what a serious problem that is, and how much it would cost to repair. It would help if You would tell us where You live. Somebody in Your area can help You find decent places to shop, and what to shop for. Good luck.

Nic9k2000 · #7 02-17-2007, 10:09 AM

If what you guys are saying is that the problem is the craftsmanship quality at the factory, and this bass has been used before, it seems less likely that there will be future problems.

This seems like the best option for me, but are there any other more inexpensive models that are of a higher quality?

drurb · #8 02-17-2007, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nic9k2000

...but are there any other more inexpensive models that are of a higher quality?

More inexpensive? My advice is to look for a more expensive new instrument, look around for a great deal on a quality used bass, or rent-to-own a quality instrument.

Lowtonejoe · #9 02-17-2007, 11:45 AM

You will find this thread pretty useful. It has TONS of info (both the good and the bad).

Certainly more helpful.

Click here.

Joe.

Marcus Johnson · #10 02-17-2007, 12:09 PM

That thread won't help him much, he's looking for a double bass, not an EUB.

Lowtonejoe · #11 02-17-2007, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus Johnson

That thread won't help him much, he's looking for a double bass, not an EUB.

Hmm...I thought the name was misspelled.

Heh heh, no wonder the other posts weren't very helpful!

Joe.

Nic9k2000 · #12 02-18-2007, 05:05 PM

I bought the bass this morning. The only problem is high action and nylon strings, but it is a solid instrument. Thanks anyways for your suggestions.

mojoluthier · #13 02-18-2007, 06:00 PM

I will not sell or work on Palentino (or Cremona) basses as they will not hold a set-up, and generally fail catastrophically within 3 years. I have seen a few exceptions, but 5 years usually takes care of those. I have offended a few people by suggesting they burn theirs rather than take advantage of a naive buyer to try to recoup their cost (not investment grade!). Heavy? Responsible! Not unkind in the long run.

drurb · #14 02-18-2007, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nic9k2000

...but it is a solid instrument...

...meaning that, for now, it is in one piece.

Forewarned is forearmed.

You can lead a horse to water...

I wish you well-- really.

Sippy · #15 02-18-2007, 06:02 PM

Congrats on the acquisition! Just for future TBers searching. It would do you well to read the newbie links. It's accepted that Palentino is not a decent brand. And the money you save in purchasing the instrument you will spend in setup and making it playable. Just as Nick has said, his Palentino has very high action. Now if he brought that to a qualified luthier I'm sure they will also provide a list of other things that could be replaced or repaired.
A beginning bassist is usually better off renting his first instrument. Most shops will provide a "rent to own" program, in which your rental fee will go towards the purchase of the instrument. If that is the case you can slowly pay off your instrument, maybe you find out it isn't right for you. Maybe you find a teacher and the teacher says "oh wow I have a great bass for sale that I could give you a good deal on" That way you aren't tied up in an instrument that isn't qualified for heavy use.
In conclusion it is a very good idea to read the newbie links before purchasing. A lot of people have made mistakes in the past and have posted them on TB so we can all learn from them. I suggest everybody takes advantage of it.

Marcus Johnson · #16 02-18-2007, 06:27 PM

Nylon strings? Supernils?...

Anyway... good luck. My kids don't listen to me either. Check in from time to time and let us know how it's going.

Steve Swan · #17 02-18-2007, 08:27 PM

Do your bandmates have safety goggles and kevlar vests for the big event? Seriously, I hope that nothing bad happens.

Good Luck!

rdwhit · #18 02-19-2007, 10:50 AM

I sugjest that You stick with the nylon strings. they are very low tension, and this bass might last longer with them. Also, if You are new to upright bass playing it will be easier to push the strings down with that high action. Try to get it to a luthier who will do the least amount of work needed to get the action more playable, but don't spend very much. Save the money for the next bass when it is time to move up to the next level. Also, continue to shop for a better bass while You begin learning on this one. FIND A TEACHER!! You will find that a little bit better bass which can handle a better set up will be much easier to play . Your progress will be much faster on even a slightly better bass and You will want to play it more. When You find a better one take, the pickup off & keep it . Use that pickup on the next bass. Then sell this bass for as much as You can. Congradulations on Your first bass!, but continue to shop. Start looking around this week, even If You don't think You want to buy a better one yet. Just see what else is out there. Good luck.

mojoluthier · #19 02-19-2007, 12:47 PM

I was a little over the top considering you pulled the trigger! Sorry about thet. I agree that you could keep the Super Nils. The best thing about the Pal-bass is that they usually sound easily, and ought to be OK with the lighter tension. Tension IS what kills 'em. I don't know if it's been mentioned, but what happens is that the neck folds into the body. At first the brdge can be cut down, but after three times there's not enough bridge left. Then the back peels off the ribs, and it springs out surprisingly far and it is difficult to put back on as it was under a lot of tension. Super Nils Good! Spirocores bad!

Sippy · #20 02-19-2007, 03:58 PM

I think some of the comments were out of line. there is no need to belittle somebodies instrument. It's best to give your advice and back off. I hope this instrument is great for him and he learns to play very well! Good Luck!