Selecting A New/Used Bass

[rknea]

I've played electric bass for a number of years and have decided to take the plunge into the UB world! My limiting factor is the $$ I have to spend on the new/used bass.

I'm exploring several options but there are 2 on our local Craigslist that I would value some input on.

1-3/4 Eastman VB-100 with ebony board, tailpiece, violin corners, adjustable bridge, electric pickup, new Diadarrio strings, padded bag, and bow with asking price of $1350

2-3/4 Wenzel Kohler with new strings, TKL case, and K&K pickup. It had a neck repair several years ago but was fixed by a very competent luthier and has had no issues. Asking price $1250.

3-And there is a place in town that sells new Chinese "inexpensive" UB's. Palantino Model 4 for $750 and a blonde corner UB w/ebony fingerboard for $850

I have been all over this forum and have gleaned a LOT of excellent information and that's why I'm putting this up here.

Thanks for your input!

RK

[Eric Hochberg]

If the craigslist basses are both plys, I would spend a few extra bucks and get a new Shen SB80 for $1500 from one of the recommended luthiers on this board. If you like one of the craigslist basses, get it checked out by a good luthier before buying. If you're talking about a broken neck or scroll, I'd stay away from that one unless you can get the bass very cheap and a luthier says the repair is solid.

Do yourself a favor and don't go the Palatino route. I'm sure you'll be happier in the long run.

[drurb]

Well, thanks for checking out the forum first.

Have you been HERE?

If so, then you'll understand why #3 is out. Beyond that, no one here can really advise you about #1 vs. #2 without much more information, pictures, etc. That might not even be enough. I'd be wary of a neck repair, especially given the availability of basses in that price range that don't have such issues.

Just read Eric's post that he got in there while I was typing. Good advice. Funny... I originally wrote that the prices were pushing that of decent, new ply basses. I deleted that before I posted because, once something like a Shen is delivered with bag and all, it's likely to be a few hundred more than the used plys listed and, well, on a percentage basis, that's substantial. Still, if it were me, I'd try to stretch it and do as Eric suggests.

[TroyK]

I agree to "no" on #3 and also really suggest you spend some time in the link provided. The same people you're asking here have put a lot of time into making them helpful. No harm can come from getting that perspective.

I'm guessing, you've got some limited options in Boise for shops and luthiers. You might check to see what's in eastern washington. It's worth a drive to get it right.

That said, the Eastman could be okay. I generally think they make a good instrument at the bottom end of the price range. Definitely not a company with a reputation for unservicable shortcuts, which should be your biggest fear.

Both 1 &2 seem a little expensive to me for what they are. Could be a product of the market you are in. If supply is low and demand is higher, they might get what they're asking. They might also be trying to "get their money back out of them", which isn't always realistic with student basses.

We warn people away all the time here. I'm not really going to do that on these two basses. But, be careful, do some reading as we suggested and consider out-of-town options, either shipped or a day trip to lay your hands on.

[rknea]

Thanks for your input. I've spent a fair amount of time on that link and am still going back to it as I continue my search. The links to the 2 CL postings are below:

Eastman: Eastman upright bass

WK: Upright Bass Wenzel Kohler w/Pickup

The WK has special interest as it has a stamp inside that it was made in Czechoslovakia.

RK

[TroyK]

Originally Posted by rknea

...The WK has special interest as it has a stamp inside that it was made in Czechoslovakia.

...

I wouldn't get too caught up in that. There are some really terrible basses from China, but also good ones in this price range and Eastman is nothing to worry about. They're actually a US company who produces in China and finishes here. Good materials, nothing that would make it a BSO.

I don't know anything about that brand, but it looks like they go back to the 1980s at least. It's probably okay too. The neck repair, you gotta be sure that was done right or it blows the whole deal. If you can talk to the luthier who made it or get it checked by a good neutral one, no worries, if not, very close-up picks posted in the Setup and Repair forum might help. Otherwise, it's a deal-breaker. If you have to make that repair in a few years, you bought the wrong bass.

[rknea]

Well I have an appointment at Pete's Upright Bass shop here in Portland this afternoon to check out what he has! Pretty stoked to say the least!

Bass Shop in Portland | Pete's Upright Bass Shop | 503-777-7027

[TroyK]

Good move, plus, he's on Boise St., which is an Omen.

Let us know. There are good players in Portland, so there must be a good shop or two.

[TDAN]

+1 to seeing Pete before you buy anything. He is a little harder to get ahold of but great to work with. I bought a bow from him last year and will talk to him first next time I am looking for a bass.

[rknea]

Well the trip to Pete's was informative and interesting! Pete's a great guy and has some wonderful basses! I was really drawn to the new Shen SB80 but the price is just a weee bit above where I was hoping to land, but I still might be able to swing it.

Will be checking out 2 other basses this weekend! Gee this is so much fun!!!!

[Thumpie]

You need to have an experienced double bass player to vet any used bass you look at. Either that or buy from a good luthier.

You should be ready to spend $1500 minimum. $2000 is more like it.

Don't buy a cheap bass. Don't wait to take a lesson. I did both of these when I started and I ended up wasting a lot of time and money in the long run.

[rknea]

Great news! I found a 2006 Shen SB-100 in mint condition with pickup, preamp, adjustable bridge, French and German bows, bag, and wheel for $1500!

Brought it home last night and I haven't been able to keep my hands off of it!! Lessons start this week!!!! Let the fun begin!!

[TroyK]

Nice work! Good to see it turn out well for you. The journey begins.

[rknea]

Thanks Troy and everyone else that weighed in with advice! I've been practicing a bit with a tuner and the first and second "fret" positions on all 4 strings and have already surprised myself! I also played around a bit on "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" and loved it!!

[Matt Ides]

Congrats on the bass.

[TroyK]

Looks great.

Raise the endpin until the nut is at about your eyebrow. Don't use your 3rd finger on your left hand below the octave. Keep your elbow up and let the bass fall back to you, rather than leaning over into it. You don't want to support it's weight with the hand that you're trying to make music with. And ... thus ends the internet orientation. A teacher will save you time, frustration and potentially injury.

Nice buy on this bass. Should serve you well for as long as you chose for it to.

[Nate74]

Great thread. I'm just starting my "getting back into DB after 15 years" search myself

[Matt R.]

That bass looks great. It's making the wait for my Shen unbearable Haha

[Violen]

Nice job. Extend that endpin so that the nut is basically at your eyebrow. That way you wont get tendonitis.

[rknea]

That pic was taken as soon as we got home from purchasing the bass. The end pin is now adjusted so the nut is a bit above my eyebrow. I have 2 lessons scheduled with 2 local UB/EB instructors and top-quality local players. First lesson is tomorrow night and I'm ready for it!! BRING IT ON!