In a real bind to find a cheap DB

jady · #1 05-28-2007, 07:59 PM

Hi all, I am usually in the electric side but I need some of your collective DB knowledge.

I bought a CRAPPY chinese DB almost 10 years ago. I have had nothing but problems with it after the first year or so. I have had seams open, the bridge warped, all of the hardware (tuners, endpin) has bent or rattled, and it has sounded worse and worse over the years.

Here is the problem, I do about 1/4 of my work on DB (used to be more) so lately I have beefed up my electric equipment first but now I am at a point where I have actually lost work due to the bass itself, I can't record with it because the rattles come out on the tracks. I need a new (or used) DB and pretty quick (the next few months) I have virtually no expendable income due to a stay at home wife and 3 small kids. I can take out a line of credit for $700-800 but thats about it.

What are your recommendations for a bass? I have looked at the Bellafina Basses from Music 1-2-3 but I know nothing about them and a search here came up with nothing.

Any advice would be helpful (I know that I should just save up for a year but waiting that long isn't really an option right now) Thanks!!

CamMcIntyre · #2 05-28-2007, 08:39 PM

Not trying to sound to dark, but good luck. Have you considered renting or borrowing a bass from a fellow bass player for gigs & sessions while practicing on yours?

Some of the more experienced cats will chime in with their wisdom and experience, but for $700-800 i think it'll be close. You're just shy of an engelhart bass from Gollihurmusic.com. I don't know what shops are close to you, but looking for a used bass might be possible.

Overall advice: see if you can rent a bass from a fellow bassist or shop for gigs/sessions while saving up a bit more. Not the advice or magic cure you wanted, but not much can go on for that little bread.....also-check the newbie links about less expensive basses.

TheSuzie · #3 05-28-2007, 08:42 PM

About the cheapest thing that you will find new that IMO is worth buying would be an Englehardt. If you were on the east coast I would say to grab one of the basses from Ideal Music but with the shipping...

I would go to every college and music store in your area and stick notes on the bulletin boards. Look on craigslist etc. Maybe someone is desperate for money or moving at the end of the school year and cant take their bass with them. Have anything you think may be decent checked out carefully before you buy.

Another possibility may be a rent to own deal. That way you can pay it off while you get to play it. This may be your best option since it requires very little cash to get started. Some will even let you apply your rental money toward a better bass if you decide you want to move up.

Please, avoid places like music 1-2-3 like the plague.

Peace,
S

jady · #4 05-28-2007, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSuzie

Please, avoid places like music 1-2-3 like the plague.

That's pretty much what I thought. I got my current P.O.S. from a mail order shop and imagine I would be in the same boat I am now in 2-5 years. Worst case scenario I can afford about $1500-$2000 next time taxes roll around. The wife is pretty darn cool about me dropping a big chunk of our tax check on equipment.

I will check out the rental scene though, I didn't think of that.

anon_6j591b0 · #5 05-28-2007, 09:50 PM

Have you put the word out in the local community of working upright players? You're exactly who these guys are gonna remember as a deserving recipient when that nice old $1000 Kay comes along.

jady · #6 05-28-2007, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbonny

Have you put the word out in the local community of working upright players? You're exactly who these guys are gonna remember as a deserving recipient when that nice old $1000 Kay comes along.

Honestly, I am pretty much the community of working DB players. There are a few older cats who don't play much anymore but no one that I talk to regularly.

Point taken though, in speaking to my wife about this we thought going to a few local music shops and spreading the word would be a great idea. Maybe I'll get lucky, a nice old Kay is just what I need!!!

Ike Harris · #7 05-28-2007, 10:37 PM

Check out high schools in your area and see if there's on old Kay sitting around unused - you might get lucky. Also, there might be some auctions of school systems that have instruments. Might be a fixer-upper out there somewhere.

Ike

flint · #8 05-29-2007, 06:43 AM

also check with music rental stores to see if some of them might have some returns at the end of the school year that they might be willing to part with.

drurb · #9 05-29-2007, 07:04 AM

Some of the luthiers mentioned on these pages may have "beater" basses taken in trade that might be fine functionally but poor cosmetically. It's worth a shot. I suggest giving them a call.

anon_6j591b0 · #10 05-29-2007, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jady

Honestly, I am pretty much the community of working DB players. There are a few older cats who don't play much anymore but no one that I talk to regularly.

I was thinking more expanding the search to the Bay Area symphony and jazz players...especially the ones who teach.
And maybe you should talk to those old local cats more often.

I got a great '30's Czech bass for half it's street value from an old guy who just wanted to have someone to hang with two or three times a month.

Jason Sypher · #11 05-29-2007, 03:47 PM

Two possiblilites. There are still folks out there that don't know Kays run $2000 now! Keep an eye out for anything even garage sales etc. I don't know what other skills you might possess but if you find something you like you might also trade some labor for a reduction in price. Basically, just think out of the box and talk to ALOT of people. You will find the bass you need.

**Thor** · #12 05-29-2007, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbonny

I was thinking more the expanding the search to the Bay Area symphony and jazz players...especially the ones who teach.
And maybe you should talk to those old local cats more often.

I got a great '30's Czech bass for half it's street value from an old guy who just wanted to have someone to hang with two or three times a month.

And who wanted someone to have the bass who would love it.

Tejano Bass · #13 05-30-2007, 09:11 AM

Wow! Old Kays must be a lot cheaper on the left bank . . .

no way are ya gonna find a decent one around here for less than $3K

Jason Sypher · #14 05-30-2007, 05:30 PM

I'm thinking more like the local paper at Mt. Airy or Galax. Folks down yonder sell basses for a right friendly price on occasion...

Dbassmon · #15 05-30-2007, 06:52 PM

Find a local luthier and have him repair your bass. Pay him on time. $700 buys nothing new or used of any worth. So if you already own a junker, then get it repaired enough to work. Gluing a few seams is not that expensive.

I appreciate your dedication to your family....good man.

You need about two grand +/- to get a decent ply bass. Get your other bass repaired and put $25 of each gig you do with that bass away in the fund. You'll get there. Good things come to those that work their arses off.