Perhaps getting into double-bass

[gtrandbass]

Hey guys,

It is late here in ATL so I did not search the topics...I have been playing guitar for a long time and I am now playing electric bass in a jazz combo (quartet). I am considering moving to an upright acoustic, partly because of this new band, and partly due to the demand of upright players in the Atlanta area. Should I make that move and if so what should I take into account when buying the instrument (I am super cheap guy, just little cash to spend). Are those $500 basses on Ebay OK to start with? I believe I could use my existing Hartke rig for a double bass?

Tks for your advice in advance!

[ZombieGhosTrain]

I too was in your position, played electric bass/banjo/guitar for a few years, fell in love with DB.

There are many threads against CCBs (cheap chinese basses), but despite warnings I bought one anyway. $700 Merano from www.onlineguitar.com. It arrived a few days ago, and is more beautiful than I envisioned, as far as the finish and grain go. But the important part is the sound. I can't play well yet, but it had tons of volume and sounded good. The bridge is very high, so I'm paying about $50 to have it taken down a bit, to make it more playable. No complaints, if you have more money there are better basses, but you will get a fine working bass. Some say it is the luck of the draw, and maybe I got lucky. Worth it for me and my needs.

After you learn how to play and get/make a pickup, I don't see why it should'nt work in any bass amp. I haven't plugged mine in yet, however. Good luck!

Adam

[Marcus Johnson]

[flatwoundfender]

Yeah, for under $1000 it's unlikely you'll find a decent upright, especially new. Look for and engelhardt or an old kay. You might be able to find a deal on one of these. I think you can get an engelhardt new for a little over $1000 that should be a decent bass.

[KSB - Ken Smith]

Chinese plywood for sale

[Bellbass]

Being in the same situation, coming from electric bass and so green on DB, i did what everybody here said: take some time to read the newbie threads. From what I gather from all those readings is that buying a very cheap bass will eventually cost you more over a year or two (for a worst instrument) than if you put a little more money up front; one way or another you'll have to spend the dough. Better do it to get a better instrument then to try to salvage a crappy one.

Good luck!

[nicklloyd]

There is a place in Atlanta that services/sells, maybe rents, basses. It is a very good idea to purchase a bass from someone that can service the bass. Ebay is a scam for uprights, imo. Plan on spending between $1,000-$1,500 for a professionally setup, good sounding, well built upright bass.

Oh yes, and read the Newbie sections till yer eyes bleed.

[gtrandbass]

Thanks you all for your advices, I'll read the newbie threads, it seems there really is a lot of beneficial info available here!