Price of Double Bass

[400$Bass]

I am new to playing a double bass, hence I am anxious to learn more about this wonderful instrument in every detail. As a green bean rookie I own basically a slightly used Engelhardt, student model if you will I assume.

Here is what I am curious about. Now I would never ask someone what they pay for something....part of my Kentuckian parental upbringing. Just a jesture of showing respect. However I can't help but to wonder this. Take a real deal professional Bassist in an orchestra. Someone who would want the a real high end quality instrument.

With all of that being said, what would an up scaled high end quality Double Bass cost some one? I am not in the circle of musicians to ever be advised of such statistics. Hence I figured someone on the forum would be knowledgable on such matters as the price of a high quality, expensive Double Bass.

In the spirit of education, please respond.

[dgelting]

In the spirit of self-education, search. Not only talkbass, but you could search different bass shop's inventory too.

I think it's kind of the same prices as cars. There are lots of different prices for cars, and a professional bassist may be playing a bass that's like a very nice Lexus or Porsche.

[kevinmoore73]

Originally Posted by 400$Bass

Take a real deal professional Bassist in an orchestra. Someone who would want the a real high end quality instrument.

With all of that being said, what would an up scaled high end quality Double Bass cost some one?

I believe some of the orchestral players in my area own basses that cost more than $100,000.

[anonymous02282011]

You could spend as little as several hundred dollars to tens of thousands, but could probably find a nice, used, carved (not plywood) double bass for anywhere between 3K to 5K for starters.

Anyway, how come you're asking?

Every bass is different, and when considering a sale price you have to factor in your personal connection to the instrument and also what kind of work (if any) the instrument will need after you purchase it. A fresh set up might cost 50 bucks, a new fingerboard closer to 1K, and if the top has to come off 1.5K to 2K.

So, it all really depends. That's why it's nice to have an experienced person along when shopping.

[400$Bass]

[quote=adbass;6897463]You could spend as little as several hundred dollars to tens of thousands, but could probably find a nice, used, carved (not plywood) double bass for anywhere between 3K to 5K for starters.

Anyway, how come you're asking? ***** Well I wish I was asking because my playing skill level warrants me to upgrade to a better finer Bass, but it doesn't.

As I have said before, I am anxious to learn all about this wonderful instrument. In addition, this spring I am going to give a program at a local church ministry of retiree's (small group). I want to give an overview on the history of the instrument in as much detail as I can: what is it's origin, what makes it's sound, what are the different parts called, how many sizes, different name terms used to identify it (doghouse, bull bass, upright etc) cost, uses in different styles of music... etc. In addition I would like to touch on how the double bass is the forerunner to the electric bass guitar as we know it today. I will conclude my program by demonstrating on the double bass as well as an electric bass guitar.

I take my involvement in this ministry very serious and desire to make it an interesting and educational program for the attendees.

Thank you for responding.

[Cody Sisk]

I might recommend that you get your Engelhardt looked at by a bass luthier. A lot of times, a good setup can help alleviate some quality issues that the instrument has. The right set of strings, a good bridge, soundpost tweaking, and even swapping the tail wire for something more flexible than the stock Engelhardt wire can make a huge difference. This will be a far cheaper option than an upgrade.

[400$Bass]

[quote=DallasStrings;6897746]I might recommend that you get your Engelhardt looked at by a bass luthier. A lot of times, a good setup can help alleviate some quality issues that the instrument has. The right set of strings, a good bridge, soundpost tweaking, and even swapping the tail wire for something more flexible than the stock Engelhardt wire can make a huge difference. *****

Thank you for the advice. I was advised by the former owner that the instrument had been to a luthier and the manufactured strings and bridge were replaced once. However, upon showing this Bass to a gent who once played Bass in the Butler University Orchestra, He feels like it needs different strings and the strings brought down some. It is my intention to get it worked on. I live in a "cornfield" and must first find the right person to perform the service.