Thomann Busetto

[Samie]

Ok, I have this really crapy chinese DB which I have actually set up myself (with some help). I bougth the bridge from bob G as well as all the other missing parts and strings (i think I have a post somewhere about that).

The bass now sounds good enough for what I do(pizz live, arco practice), I have got it to my sweet spot, I am happy.

Sadly I can no longer keep it. I need a new one.

Here is the thing.

I looked at this bass
http://www.thomann.de/es/christopher...rabass_3_4.htm

ebony board, hybrid (carved top) and I love the shape.

Since the chinese was good enought for me, I really dont want to spend more... I was actually wondering if anyone here has actually bought from thomann.

I also ordered a full circle and a fisher pro bass eq

What u guys thing of the bass?

[Silversorcerer]

I've never heard or seen that particular model in person, but I have seen a good number of other Christophers. Sound and design are the strong points. Minor issues with construction, but no serious defects. These are very respectable basses usually. I've never heard a bad sounding Christopher. As for the supplier, I don't know anything about them.

[bassist14]

Originally Posted by Samie

I was actually wondering if anyone here has actually bought from thomann.

i have bought there many times (amps, cabs, cables, etc. no basses), everytime everything was ok, good communication, fast delivery, 30 days money-back-guarantee.
i recommend them

[Samie]

Originally Posted by bassist14

i have bought there many times (amps, cabs, cables, etc. no basses), everytime everything was ok, good communication, fast delivery, 30 days money-back-guarantee.
i recommend them

Dont tell me that!!! now i have no excuse, i must buy the bass!

Cant afford it now, but who cares.

[bassist14]

¡buena suerte!

[kurtsnyder]

A friend of mine has that exact bass. I heard him play it pizz without a pickup and it sounded great. He also played it on a jazz gig with a pickup and it sounded good there too. I messed around on it for about 2 minuets and it was a nice bass. The Busetto is such a unique look too. Go for it!

[Samie]

What is CHRISTOPHER anyway? is that the brand name? are these european basses?

[COUNT ZACULA]

Originally Posted by Samie

What is CHRISTOPHER anyway? is that the brand name? are these european basses?

No, they are Chinese. But good quality Chinese along the lines of Shen and Eastman. I own one and have played several others and all have been well above average for thier price range. here's mine:


hope this helps and good luck.

[Kevin Hsieh]

count zacula-

your bass is gorgeous. is that a replaced cutaway fingerboard and a pecanic tailpiece?
and you also upgraded tuners and fancied up the body too?

[Jake deVilliers]

Hey Kevin, that's one of Brent Norton's beautiful basses.
See more of them here: http://www.nortoncustoms.com/

Unfortunately, Brent got out of the bass and accessory business, but there are some very cool instruments still around to remind us of his impeccable design sense & unmistakable style.

[mpoppitt]

I love Zac's bass. Long live Norton!

[Samie]

Originally Posted by mpoppitt

I love Zac's bass. Long live Norton!

why did he leave the business? the basses look great.


So I guess the title of this thread is wrong, its not a thomann bass, its a christopher.

How does a chinese higher quality compare to a similar priced european like the actual thomann 3 series.

http://www.thomann.de/es/thomann_kontrabass_33_02.htm

[T-34]

Thomann's home-branded basses are all made by Strunal, I have one (Thomann 2W = Strunal 35/5 W)

Construction is very good, finish has some very minor flaws but I've got it for 880 EUR on a flash promo, that's almost 200 EUR off the regular price, that's maybe why there were flaws.
Fast shipping, good package protection, the shop service was good as always. And the setup was actually very good.

[Caoimhín]

I have the Thomann 3 (Strunal 5/7). Lovely bass. Got it from a local luthier so he set it up nicely for me. I've never actually bought from Thomann but loads of my friends get stuff there (guitars mainly) all the time and I've only heard great things.

The busetto model you're looking at looks lovely by the way

[holzwurm]

There's a German Christopher website with some informations and better photos than Thomann has: www.christopher-bass.de/. The English versions isn't available, yet.

[MingusAmongUs]

Originally Posted by holzwurm

There's a German Christopher website with some informations and better photos than Thomann has: www.christopher-bass.de/. The English versions isn't available, yet.

Google has a nifty translaor tool -- you can see the site loosely translated. A little is always lost in translation but if you want to try it out, here you go:
http://translate.google.com/translat...hl=en&ie=UTF-8

[Samie]

look what i found

http://www.concordgroup.com/index.html

http://lando-music.com/product_info....128a37a41b646e

Chi "Christopher" Yang, was a db concert-soloist for the singapur symphony orchestra. He studied in julliard at newyork where he also worked in violin restoration and construction.

He founded the concord group back in the 80's. They also make the eminance portable eub.


As i said, i mainly play pizz, but do study arco. I just ordered a full circle and pro eq. Playing mainly jazz, flamenco, blues, and at jam sessions. Not my main source of income.

So far:

Pro's
Thomann 33: Price, fully carved, european build

Christopher 304: Looks, adjustable bridge, US market orientated(more jazz, less clasical).. did I mention its beutiful?

Its a tough call, any of the two will do nicely I guess.

Sound? I really wont be able to hear any of the two before I buy them. but I am not worried, I have been able to get a sound out of my current-luthiered-by-me-no-good-chinese-box.

helpppp

(advice -- dont look up chi yang on google) lol

[Samie]

I got the cash, i am going for the christopher. Just thought I would let u guys know . The people at Thomann say that their luthier can set it up for me. I spoke to one of their luthier yesterday, very nice guy. Did'nt try to sell me anything, just gave me good advice.

I will keep you posted.

[tinyd]

Originally Posted by Samie

...I will keep you posted.

I'd be keen to find out how you get on - I'm thinking of getting a Strunal from Thomann, and it sounds like they do a good job of setting them up.

It looks like you'll be getting yourself a nice bass and I hope you'll be happy with it!

[holzwurm]

there's a double bass poster with a Christopher double bass available for free at the German Christopher website. You just have to pay for the postage from Germany.