Thinking of switching to the dark side...

bluerimedeyes · #1 02-24-2009, 11:59 AM

or is this the light side?

Either way, I am wondering if anyone happens to have any experiance with the brand Artisan strings- my girlfriend's father ( a pretty cool guy, I might add) works for one of the other 'divisions' I guess you could say, of the company, and offered (bribed?) that he could get me a DB at cost, as well as meet the builder, dependant of course, on us going to visit them in Indiana. Anyway, the website is sparse on information to say the least, and not even google has turned up a review on these for me so far. So just curious to see if anyone here knows anything about them. Obviously I also need a teacher, and would have to try one in person before commiting, but trying to research in the meantime.

Thanks in advance for your help, and patience with another 'newb' thread.

Eric Hochberg · #2 02-24-2009, 12:29 PM

Well, it seems Artisan is owned by a larger company that may not want the hassle of importing junk, so they may be decent. They advertise the higher level violins as European made and the lower level have no origin on the site, so they are probably made in Asia.

The best thing to do, is to try a few out and then take the one you like to an independent luthier and have it inspected. Find out where it is made and what factory made it, too. There are too many choices out here to just jump on this because you can get it at "cost". If you don't want this hassle, stick to the recommended "brands" on this site, even though you really should get any bass inspected before purchase. If you've been lurking here, you've probably learned that poorly made basses can really be money pits after the sale due to structural problems, green wood, etc.

drurb · #3 02-24-2009, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluerimedeyes

or is this the light side?

Either way, I am wondering if anyone happens to have any experiance with the brand Artisan strings- my girlfriend's father ( a pretty cool guy, I might add) works for one of the other 'divisions' I guess you could say, of the company, and offered (bribed?) that he could get me a DB at cost, as well as meet the builder, dependant of course, on us going to visit them in Indiana. Anyway, the website is sparse on information to say the least, and not even google has turned up a review on these for me so far. So just curious to see if anyone here knows anything about them. Obviously I also need a teacher, and would have to try one in person before commiting, but trying to research in the meantime.

Thanks in advance for your help, and patience with another 'newb' thread.

Meet the builder? From what I can see on the web site, they don't actually build the instruments here in the USA. A couple say that they are Romanian or German imports. Others don't say at all. Could be Chinese imports. In any case, many shops import instruments from factories all over. Without more specifics, it's very hard to say. I haven't heard of them at all.

TroyK · #4 02-24-2009, 12:35 PM

"middle of nowhere" is cute, but not that informative. If you can make the trip to Indy, do it. If it's an instrument of reasonable quality that you can buy from the builder who will take an interest in your satisfaction and it's the right price point for you ***assumption***, it's a good circumstance. To others points, "builder" is confusing. Is someone really building these instruments in Indiana? They could be importing them and finishing and setting them up here, like Eastman does, which can be fine. What do you want? A solid instrument for you to learn and start working on? Might be okay.

For referrence, think of a new, good quality student laminate bass at $1,800 or so. A good working quality solid wood bass, from a reputable shop for maybe $5,000 - 6,000. There are choices in between. There are choices well north of that range.

Chances for private sales can be cheaper than that, but there's some risk with them. Not undoable, but for a "noobe", can be tough to get right on the first try.

So, depending on what you want to do with said instrument, if "cost" of this bass seems to be a good deal, then I think it could be a good way to buy.

But, his cost could be $1,000 or 8,000. So, compare it to good retail options that you have and decide how you feel about the value.

Hope that helps.

bluerimedeyes · #5 02-24-2009, 12:36 PM

Thank you, and this is pretty much what I had figured. An instance of worth checking out, but not pinning any hopes. And it will be quite a long while before I get to make that trip anyway, so hopefully I can get a chance to go out and try a bunch of instruments before then, just to have a point of reference. But again, thank you for your input.

TroyK · #6 02-24-2009, 12:47 PM

No problem, we live but to serve.

Out of curiousity, how far is the trip for you to check it out? How much is his "cost" and are the basses solid, laminate or hybrid?

bluerimedeyes · #7 02-24-2009, 01:23 PM

distance- I am about to move from fort irwin california, to fort lewis washington. Love the army! But a long roadtrip to visit is in the future at some point anyway, this was just an interesting side point. As to builder- I use this term because I know that some of the work is done here in the states, though how much I don't know. I do know that the very sparse info in the website states that the basses are 3/4 and fully carved.

HTML Code:

http://www.gemstonemusical.com/artisanstrings/models_200.html

Other than that, just something I was hoping to find more info on, though I am skeptical all the way around. Or maybe cautious is a better choice. The fact that there are no reviews to be found on them and no one here has heard of them worries me a bit, but not enough to keep me from checking them out. Again, thanks to all for the advice, it is defineatly appreciated.
PS- I know there will be suggestions to go check out instruments locally, at least for reference, but the middle of the mojave is not just dry on water. However I am told that fort lewis, where I am going soon, is close to tacoma and seattle, so if anyone can suggest good places to begin looking in those areas, it would be a big help. Thanks.

TroyK · #8 02-24-2009, 01:31 PM

I'm happy to help you when you get up to Washington State. You're welcome to come check out my bass (not for sale) and I can tell you where to shop or buy here. There are about 3 places. You catch me on the right week and I might even run around town with you. I love checking out basses. PM me when you get settled.

As for the "never heard of them". It could be fine. If they are importing reasonable quality instruments to the US, then putting their own quality control, fit, finish and set-up on them, then it's a reasonable way to put an affordable instrument out. If they are small scale, we wouldn't have necessarily heard of them. Or maybe they are just newer to doing so with doublebasses. Compared to violins, they're much harder to move around the globe, take up a lot of shop space to have them sitting around and the market is more limited. Doesn't mean it is or isn't a good instrument for you.

If you've got to make the trip for family reasons anyway, let's get you some context before you go and then you'll be in a position to make an informed decision. It sounds like a nice offer either way.

MT Spaces · #9 02-24-2009, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TroyK

I'm happy to help you when you get up to Washington State ....

What a helpful gesture there Troy

!! Good Form. BlueEyes ... You really should take Troy up on his offer there. He's been around the block. Just don't let him talk you into buying his refrigerator box full-of experimented-upon bass strings

.

TroyK · #10 02-24-2009, 03:42 PM

I have a bit of downsizing to do before they'll fit into a fridge box, but it is spring cleaning time!

bluerimedeyes · #11 02-24-2009, 05:25 PM

Thank you very very much for your offer and I most certainaly will take you up on it. I hear ya about spring cleaning. Tend towards packrat myself which aint the best in the army. But ahh well, I manage. This is what I love about tb, the constant helping of others. Reminds me a bit of the army, in a good way. And I agree with the worth checking out- may not be right for me but certainly will be a fun trip. My gf and I have known each other for a long time and her parents have always treated me well and been great. So regardless of whether I decide to buy one of the basses or not, I was also quite touched by and appreciative of the offer. Once again thanks to all of you.