total newbie needs help - Page 2

ZachDad · #21 10-12-2007, 08:41 AM

I think you have a good option of buying one already well set up in the area.

ZachDad · #22 10-12-2007, 09:02 AM

Mike, I don't think you want to deal with a carved bass up there. What causes one to crack are temp and moisture changes based on the different pieces of solid wood expanding/contracting at different rates. I take a lot of comfort from my ply knowing it's durability. I think you should see Nick Lloyd about one of the Shens. It will already be set up sweet by Nick.

MingusAmongUs · #23 10-12-2007, 09:19 AM

Ultimately the decision is yours to make but on the question of carved vs. hybrid vs. ply:

Big considerations are
1) the weather where you live
2) the sound you're after
3) the type of music you'll be playing

a carved, and to a lesser extent, a hybrid bass is naturally going to be more susceptible to weather problems. going from extreme cold (unpacking the bass out of your car in AK winter) to extreme hot (a fireplace-heated pub), over and over, could shock a carved bass, regardless of quality, eventually causing the parts to shift separately, which results in cracks, etc.

but the sound is a little sweeter and more complex, especially in arco passages

plywood basses have the advantage of being a bit more durable to knocks and dings and less susceptible to weather issues. they also tend to be a little louder or boomier, having more of that front end punch when playing pizz. IMO this is the better choice if you're going to be playing strictly bluegrass, blues or traditional jazz.

hybrid combines the best (and worst) of both worlds.

considering you're just starting out, you have a limited budget (as most of us do) and your luthier may or may not be a DB expert, I would recommend not going carved, at least for now. i know living where you do you do not want to make a habit of having different basses shipped to you every 6 months, but unless you're going to do symphony/orch work or you want to be a thumb position master of modern jazz, i would see first how you make out with a ply or hybrid... but this, like all other of my posts, is just pure opinion. take it or leave it, i wont get mad!

jtlownds · #24 10-12-2007, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MingusAmongUs

plywood basses have the advantage of being a bit more durable to knocks and dings and less susceptible to weather issues. they also tend to be a little louder or boomier, having more of that front end punch when playing pizz. IMO this is the better choice if you're going to be playing strictly bluegrass, blues or traditional jazz.!

+1 on the above.

I spent a year in Thule, Greenland, back in the 50's. Quite a bit further north than you are. The air force provided us with gut strung Kays. I used to go to the service club, and check out the bass, with unpadded bag, in a 75 degree F room, and then carry it 2 miles in a -50 degree F environment to the officers club, NCO club, etc. for a gig, and then return it after the gig, the same way. After a solid year of doing that 3 to 4 times a week, the bass never had an open seam or any other kind of problem. I have never been a big fan of Kays or Englehardts, but they are built hell for stout, and I suspect that for the music you want to play, and the location that you will be playing in, that you probably can't go wrong with an Engle.

Phil Rowan · #25 10-12-2007, 12:47 PM

+1
A ply will probably suit your needs just fine. I myself am a fan of Kays (at least mine), and I also have an old hybrid. I'm holding on to the Kay because it has a it's own sound which comes in very handy in certain situations/groups.

Akbrownsfan · #26 10-12-2007, 01:57 PM

I am starting to lean toward getting the St. Antonio Hybrid from the local Luthier. it will either be that or a shen or Engelhardt swingmaster. Bob emailed me back and had good ideas and says he can ship to Alaska for the Swingmaster.

If I buy local it would make my local guy happy, and he would be very inclined (I hope) to make sure to keep me happy.

I never did get any feedback on the St. Antonio?? Anyone ever play/own one? He says it is the best for Alaska. It is coming down really to that or Bob.

Thanks everyone. Buying something this expensive is nerve-racking.

Now does anyone know a great instructor in Anchorage? lol.
Thanks, $2000 times!!

Mike Vechter

MingusAmongUs · #27 10-12-2007, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Akbrownsfan

I never did get any feedback on the St. Antonio?? Anyone ever play/own one?

Not heard of it but found this on a search:
http://www.bassworks.com.au/store/category40_1.htm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Akbrownsfan

Thanks everyone. Buying something this expensive is nerve-racking.

It sure is.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Akbrownsfan

Now does anyone know a great instructor in Anchorage? lol.

Ha! good luck with that one. We jest, but it's very important that you find one, somewhere, somehow, because as you'll read elsewhere, books and DVDs can only take you so far -- it's crucial that you get started with the proper technique to avoid developing bad habits and even physical injury.

Good luck!

ZachDad · #28 10-12-2007, 02:23 PM

Is your luthier going to do a complete setup? By the way... how much does he want for that baby? Still feel free to give me a call!

tonequixote · #29 10-12-2007, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Akbrownsfan

I am starting to lean toward getting the St. Antonio Hybrid from the local Luthier. it will either be that or a shen or Engelhardt swingmaster. Bob emailed me back and had good ideas and says he can ship to Alaska for the Swingmaster.

If I buy local it would make my local guy happy, and he would be very inclined (I hope) to make sure to keep me happy.

I never did get any feedback on the St. Antonio?? Anyone ever play/own one? He says it is the best for Alaska. It is coming down really to that or Bob.

Thanks everyone. Buying something this expensive is nerve-racking.

Now does anyone know a great instructor in Anchorage? lol.
Thanks, $2000 times!!

Mike Vechter

I don't know who your luthier is but I do know that from what you've wrote he is full of bull. The two biggest factors that cause damage to basses up here are rapid humidity and temperature shifts. Both of which you know we have plenty of in the extereme. Taking proper care to minimize the hazards is not dependent on which label is on the bass. There is a luthier on the Hillside IIRC that crafts violins, cellos etc and has an excellent reputation. Sorry the name eludes me at the moment, but I'll try to track him down.

As far as finding instruction I would suggest a few avenues to explore.
UAA has a great music department.
Anchorage Symphony Orchestra has a couple of good players that might help.
Anchorage Folk festival is also a decent resource. I'm suprised you didn't connect with any players at Talkeetna for references in town. Hope this helps.

Akbrownsfan · #30 10-12-2007, 07:56 PM

Well I am so new at DB I don't know what I'm talking about really either. The Luthier has tons of experience with Violins, and he and his dad have been in Alaska forever. I think he really, really wants me to buy one of his bass's. I don't agree with what he said about Eberhardts after reading what everyone says. He does seem to know every bluegrass player in the state, and I doubt they would deal with a Total BS guy. I have no idea really. He either just is trying to sell his own bass or trying to make sure I get the very best. I try to think the best of folks so I think a little of both. I've talked to him at shows and stuff, but he most likely thinks I'm a non-musical idiot. I've run into that a couple time recently while researching the DB. I kinda even understand it as dealing with newbies can be frustrating. (thanks all for the help!! I have a feeling I am pretty frustrating.)
If you can remember the luthier on the hillside that woudl be awesome!!
Talkeetna is a drunken fest for teenagers. I haven't gone to that festival in 7 years. I usually go to Hunters Creek before Ken died or Trappers Creek now, and Anderson Bluegrass festival. And the Hope festival, and Granite Creek.
Sometimes I go to the one in Soldovia, and next year want to fit in the one down in Haines and that one in Dawson. Beyond that whatever get together I hear about at the above festivals.
I didn't totally decide to get a DB till after the festival season was over. I had so much fun playing on stage a couple times with the washtub (boy we sucked lol

) that after looking into it I decided to take the plunge. I've been looking for a used bass for 2 years hoping to keep it cheap, and then realized I was never going to find a used 3/4 in Alaska.

Tonequixote...your suggestion for the lessons were great! thanks a lot and I will check them avenues out. Do you play in a band up home?

tonequixote · #31 10-12-2007, 09:56 PM

I don't question your luthier's rep so much as his hard sell, which you've picked up on.
I think your best route is to find a teacher first and then enlist thier aid in helping you find a suitable instrument. Could very well be the one you're considering. Taking into account your lack of knowledge I think you would probably feel better about making a purchase this way. Like you say it's a significant investment for you and going about it in a methodical fashion as many here have suggested seems to work .
Once in a blue moon I see an old Kay or two pop up for sale, nothing I'd count on. Thier was a listing on Anchorage Craigslist about a week back for a sweet custom Clevenger. Not what your looking for but rare around this area.