Thinking about getting a stand-up

jdthecrazy · #1 12-31-2007, 10:02 PM

Hello, I'm JD. I've been playing electric bass since I was a teenager. I play fretted and fretless, and love playing both. I recently got a gig with an old school jazz/blues band and am thinking about getting a stand-up bass. I must admit that I know little about stand-ups or the differences in them. For example: I don't even know if there is a difference in a stand-up bass and a double bass, or if it's the same instrument with different names. (Ignorant huh?) Anyway, I was wondering what you folks would recommend for a first stand-up. I can't afford to spend thousands, but I don't want to buy junk either. Thanks.

drurb · #2 12-31-2007, 11:05 PM

Welcome to the dark side!

Yes, they're the same instrument. Check out the heading of this forum:

Basses [DB] Discussion on the instrument: double bass, string bass, contrabass, bass viol, acoustic bass, upright bass, standup bass, bass fiddle, bass violin, doghouse bass, bull fiddle...

I'd recommend starting right here. After you read those newbie links thoroughly, c'mon back with questions.

Blacksheep · #3 01-01-2008, 12:52 AM

It seems like people say the same thing, "I want to start, but I dont want to spend thousands."

If you want to start, you'll have to accept that a good instrument will cost you. It's probably hard for us newbies to the instrument to really get a grip on, I know it was for me. 3 grand is alot of money anyway you slice it, but I know I'll be getting a quality instrument that I can grow with and rely upon, and it will not hold me back, which is very important to your growth I'd think. You wouldn't enjoy playing if you were playing a poorly made piece of junk that made you feel like it wasn't worth it.

Just my 2 cents

bassist1962 · #4 01-01-2008, 06:02 AM

I was lucky enough to inherit an instrument. The only problem was that it needed some general maintainence repairs done. Still expensive (hundreds of dollars), but considering the price of a new instrument - just a drop in the bucket. It's a whole other world the double bass, string bass, contrabass, bass viol, acoustic bass, upright bass, standup bass, bass fiddle, bass violin, doghouse bass, bull fiddle... But well worth the experience.

dakpluto · #5 01-01-2008, 08:53 AM

Was I the only one that read the thread title and thought he was looking to buy a comedian?

Uncletoad · #6 01-01-2008, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dakpluto

Was I the only one that read the thread title and thought he was looking to buy a comedian?

Yea I did too. Thing is they just aren't a good bang for the buck. Give em a few standup gigs where everyone laughs and they want their own sitcom.