Searching for a new bow and bass this weekend - any tips?

[Future_DB]

I shall be making the trip to Thwaites this weekend to look at basses, and because this is a first time rental/purchase, I was hoping you guys could give me some tips. Things to look out for, avoid etc.

I should be looking for:

- Tone quality
- Build quality
- Physical appearance
- Bow quality
- Strings (what should I look for here?)

Anything else?

Thanks!

[longfinger]

Try your hardest, to make this trip with another double bass player who's been through this before.
:-)

[Future_DB]

That's not really possible I'm afraid. Otherwise I would.

[wayne holmes]

Check out Bob Gollihur's site-I'm sure that he has a list of tips when buying a double bass.

Once you make the trip, unless you plan to get a bass this week-end, you could take pictures of what's available and post them. I'd suggest that you have a written agreement that you will be able to change to another bass if you or your teacher decide that this first bass is not what you need at this time. I know that you are a serious student and an experienced musician, I would hope that you would be able to get a hybrid, at the least. Good luck - keep at it - it will all come together for you.

[dvmweb]

Take your time and do not hurry. See if you can rent or try out first before buying.

Do a search on newbie info.

Good Luck;

Walt MI/USA

[Future_DB]

Walt, that's exactly what I'm doing - renting first.