UB Hawkes

bsc · #1 04-01-2007, 06:06 PM

Hey all,

I presume you guys get a ton of these type of messages, but here goes another.I am an electric player who has just started playing double.As such I am looking for a bass to start on, and the UB Hawkes look pretty interesting.From reading on their site however, it seems these instuments are European examples which are imported into the States and set up there.

Now, it seems pretty silly for me to import a bass from the US which has already been exported out of Europe, (I live in Ireland), if you get my understanding.

Does anyone know of any similar examples that I can purchase on this side of the Atlantic?I just dont feel like paying the extra 23% or whatever it is to import goods into the country....

Thanks in advance.

Jeff Guevin · #2 04-02-2007, 11:27 AM

Sounds like a great time for some of our European friends to step in...

Jeff Guevin · #3 04-02-2007, 11:30 AM

Oh, I would think there are some slighly older basses within that price range you might get into. My first DB was a hybrid Rauner, dating to (I think) the 1950s, which I got for $2500. I was very happy with it, and only parted with it due to post-college debt. I'd be surprised if you can't find something like that somewhere on the island, or at least in the UK, and with a good setup you might be quite happy. Sorry I don't know of specific shops to call.

Snarf · #4 04-02-2007, 11:31 AM

lol @ this thread.

Jeff Guevin · #5 04-02-2007, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snarf

lol @ this thread.

Seriously.

EDIT:

Eli_Upright12 · #6 04-02-2007, 11:40 AM

everytime I look at a post about strunal or Upton these two seem to be going at it. No offense just my observation, where is Gary Upton to Chime in, he usually has something helpful to say.

bsc · #7 04-02-2007, 12:21 PM

Well, um, guys what can I say....thanks!

I didnt realise such passions were aroused by this brand. Maybe I should rephrase my initial question to simply ask for peoples opinions regarding a good instrument to start off on.....

I am willing to pay around the $2500 mark(a figure which is somewhat flexible). I suppose I would be mainly looking to play jazz, so maybe a flat back and a carved front. I would prefer an adjustable bridge also. Are these specifictions acheivable on such a budget?

Obviously I would especially appreciate input from any Europeans on the board.

Thanks for the response so far,

Ben

Eli_Upright12 · #8 04-02-2007, 12:29 PM

I like the idea of a hybrid, but i would suggest against a flat back bass, lots of cracking and repair work. Especially if you plan to keep the bass for a while. but Hybrids get real great jazz sound for the money nad if you have it set up well it will be great to play.

theshadow2001 · #9 04-02-2007, 12:44 PM

PM sent

glivanos · #10 04-02-2007, 12:55 PM

I would suggest looking at Strunal basses. They are Czech basses and for the money are a good value, at least here in the states.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsc

Hey all,

I presume you guys get a ton of these type of messages, but here goes another.I am an electric player who has just started playing double.As such I am looking for a bass to start on, and the UB Hawkes look pretty interesting.From reading on their site however, it seems these instuments are European examples which are imported into the States and set up there.

Now, it seems pretty silly for me to import a bass from the US which has already been exported out of Europe, (I live in Ireland), if you get my understanding.

Does anyone know of any similar examples that I can purchase on this side of the Atlantic?I just dont feel like paying the extra 23% or whatever it is to import goods into the country....

Thanks in advance.

theshadow2001 · #11 04-02-2007, 01:47 PM

Speaking of strunals. There's a place in cork "the house of music" thats a dealer for them. Again I'm not sure if they would set it up well or not but they could probably get you one of their basses.

Tritonis · #12 04-07-2007, 07:34 PM

Get the Hawkes. My Hybrid is fantastic.