Thinking about getting an upright bass

Greg Goodson · #1 06-15-2010, 01:48 PM

Hey folks,

I am considering getting an upright bass. I would play primarily bluegrass with it. But I don't know a darned thing about them! I play guitar and some mandolin, and I'll say that I am half decent at the guitar and I know my way around the fretboard, but there is something about the bass that's calling my name. I actually used to play the cello 15 years ago come to think about it...

Any ideas how much I would have to spend for a decent bass? Any recommendations on where and how to look for one? Really not sure where to start

I was looking at some on Craigslist but I don't know if I'd be getting a good deal or getting hosed.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/msg/1793091749.html

Thanks!

- Greg

wdnewman · #2 06-15-2010, 08:29 PM

1. Go to the newbie section and read EVERYTHING there about buying a bass.
2. Go to google and do a search on Karl Meisel basses. Read everything there
that you can.
3. After you find out everything you need to know, play dozens of basses before you
make any decision to buy. Get a teacher to help you. An upright bass teacher.

I will say that buying an upright is like buying no other instrument. It requires that you know something about what you are doing, which is not really a factor with a guitar. It MUST be setup correctly by a professional, or even quality basses can be unplayable. Buying a used bass on Craigslist or Ebay is a gamble at best.

Good luck.

standupbassman · #3 06-15-2010, 08:40 PM

1200 dollars is a steal! Honestly, I would jump on that bass quick. Even when the luthier adjusts it you'll save a bunch of money compared to most uprights. For a first instrument you won't really know what you are looking for and I can guarentee that you won't find anything that cheap again. Playing upright is a lot of work but it's potentially the coolest sound you'll hear.

Marton · #4 06-15-2010, 08:50 PM

Looks like a 70s plywood bass. If the bass is in good shape that seems like a very good deal !

We have similar basses at school, but they have been abused, and I would not pay $1200 for any of them.

It's just depends on a lot of things.

OmnitzGarima · #5 06-15-2010, 09:09 PM

Finding a good local shop will help you a lot. If you're playing at bluegrass jams, talk to the other bassists. Reading the newbie section on TB is an excellent idea.

All of that said, I bought my first bass new online. I have a pretty nice shop and I was able to correct the factory setup, if you can't do that you'll need to find a luthier that works on basses.

If the bass is calling your name, listen.

TheSuzie · #6 06-16-2010, 03:09 PM

Must have a pro check it out. Double basses can have lots of hidden problems and repairs are expensive. My Kay required about $600 of repairs almost right away. Doubt I would have bought that bass if I had known but I was younger and more ignorant that I am now.

Good Luck,
S

Greg Goodson · #7 06-17-2010, 07:45 AM

Hey folks,

Thanks for all the detailed replies... definitely helpful!

I'll take your advice and talk to some folks about them at jams, as well as get to a shop around here and talk to folks that could help me out more.

To the newbie forum I go!

- Greg

M Ramsey · #8 06-17-2010, 08:41 AM

Greg,

If it's any consolation to you, Barry Bales (bassist for Alison Krauss last 20 years), has been playing a Meisel bass similar to this for the past 22-25 years.

If you've ever seen her in concert during this time period, you've probably seen Barry playing his Meisel bass. He owns several other nice basses, but this is the road dog he's been hauling around all during that time.

see his other basses by going here:

http://www.barrybales.net then click on The Gear link.

Jake deVilliers · #9 06-17-2010, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M Ramsey

If you've ever seen her in concert during this time period, you've probably seen Barry playing his Meisel bass. He owns several other nice basses, but this is the road dog he's been hauling around all during that time.

Hey Mike, is Barry's Meisel plywood? I have a bluegrass playing client here in Vancouver with a fully carved Meisel that sounds great. Its got that really long hollow aluminium end pin too!

M Ramsey · #10 06-17-2010, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jake deVilliers

Hey Mike, is Barry's Meisel plywood? I have a bluegrass playing client here in Vancouver with a fully carved Meisel that sounds great. Its got that really long hollow aluminium end pin too!

Yep. I played it WWAAAAYYYYYYY back in the day when Alison Brown was the banjo player in AKUS.

Barry can make it sound good, but he's a very physical player (at times). He told me it's nothing exceptional, but he can get a really good even sound when he runs a signal from it to the colossal sound systems they're accustomed to playing through.