Suggestions For a New Bass

[davidsbass]

Im a 16 year old high school student and im a serious about the bass. Ive been using a mathias thoma plywood for about 6 years and its great and i love it. Ive just been playing other carved basses that sound lightyears ahead of this one. I play jazz, orchesral, and classical solo stuff so I think I'd like a pretty versatile bass. WHat should my price range be, and what basses should i keep an eye on? Do I evene need a new bass? INput would be appreciated

[Eric Hochberg]

David, if you love your current bass, and the basses that sound "light years ahead" don't make you feel that you "need" a new bass, then I guess you don't! Seriously though, if you are going to continue in college and want to sound at the top of your game, a better bass could be helpful, the college environment can be competitive and it is more enjoyable to play an instrument whose sound you love.

If you will remain a hobbyist after high school, maybe a new bass wouldn't be as important to you, or maybe it would. I recently met a Northwestern U grad biology student who owns a wonderful carved AES LaScala because he loves playing, but isn't planning on a pro career.

You need to play a number of basses and listen to others play them too. In a variety of prices, too. Then you can decide on what you want from direct experience. Take your time and ask your teacher to help. Just about every commercially made bass has been covered on this forum, so do your research.

[drurb]

As usual, excellent advice from Eric. Reading the newbie links in detail would likely be helpful. Where do you live? If you were to decide to buy a new bass, what would be your budget? No one can really tell you what should be your price range. As a rough guide, and IMO, quality hybrids start at around $2500-$3000 with quality carved basses starting above that range, say around $4000-$6000. After that, the sky's the limit!

As you've discovered, the tonal complexity of a good carved top not only sounds better but can be far more rewarding to play. I find that to be true for classical as well as jazz. I'm one of those who never had and never will have a pro career. I'm a nighttime and weekend warrior with a day-job. I gave up playing a ply bass long ago.

In any case, do as Eric says-- play a bunch of basses and listen to them being played. Go slowly and enjoy!