Typical Setup Costs?

[mikeypbass]

Hey I've been looking at the Engelhardt Swingmaster ES9, and i was wondering if it would be cheaper or better to order one with factory setup and have a local luthier to do the work, or to go the Upton route and get it set up and buy it too (I'm close enough that I could get a ride to the shop itself so i wouldn't have to have it shipped. I'm still a ways away before I can afford the beast. Any help/suggestions or any other recommendations would be much appreciated. Also what a typical Jazz/Swing kind of setup would run me if i did go the local luthier way. Thanks in Advance

[MingusAmongUs]

If you buy it from Upton then it would be best to have them set it up too. Factory setup is doodoo.

OTOH, if you're picking it up locally or having it delivered from the factory, there are several good luthiers much closer to you.

In any case, have it set up by a qualified luthier somewhere. It will probably cost a little bit more than the factory setup but it's really the only sensible way to go. Depending on what's needed you're looking at maybe $150-300, give or take. Well worth it in the long run.

http://www.gollihurmusic.com/luthiers.cfm

[Carl Johnson]

Get your bass the cheapest way, either factory direct or through a retailer. Then have a local guy do the setup. It’s important to develop a relationship with a luthier, even ply bass’s need periodic upkeep as you’re playing it.

[drurb]

Originally Posted by mikeypbass

Hey I've been looking at the Engelhardt Swingmaster ES9...

Why an Engelhardt? Tell us more.

[mikeypbass]

I want an Engelhardt because I've played a friend's Swingmaster before and loved it. My EB teacher and one of his other students reccomended them, the price is right, and I'm in love with that Blonde Finish. (Upton Up'ed the price of their blonde bass to $2700 for the laminate last time i checked, so thats out of the question)