Upright Basses. What are good lower end models?

[Ianant]

I play electric so I am very knowledgeable and know what to look for in finding a quality lower end electric bass that fits my hands nicely, gives me good tone and sound, etc.

Can’t say the same for uprights since this is new territory for me. I don’t have thousands of dollars to fork out for a bass, so I am asking advice in finding a solid lower end bass I could respect and value which isn’t going to put me in the poorhouse.

Please tell me the price range for any of the models you might mention.

[four2oh]

might want to ask this in the DB forums.

[GeneralElectric]

Upright basses in the Bass guitar forum?

AHHHHHHHHHHH!

*head explodes*




Seriously though, you'll have a load more luck in the DB forum where this thread belongs.

[Rockman]

Originally Posted by Ianant

I play electric so I am very knowledgeable and know what to look for in finding a quality lower end electric bass that fits my hands nicely, gives me good tone and sound, etc.

Can’t say the same for uprights since this is new territory for me. I don’t have thousands of dollars to fork out for a bass, so I am asking advice in finding a solid lower end bass I could respect and value which isn’t going to put me in the poorhouse.

Please tell me the price range for any of the models you might mention.

First, put this in the DB forum. Second, your SOL because lower end upright basses pretty much start around 2,000 bucks.

[Pilgrim]

Go to the DB forum and asked about used basses.

[Ianant]

Ok, didn't realize there was a special forum for upright bass. I'm new to the site. Forgive me.

[Buskman]

Originally Posted by Ianant

Ok, didn't realize there was a special forum for upright bass. I'm new to the site. Forgive me.

No worries, Ianant. Welcome!

Originally Posted by Rockman

First, put this in the DB forum. Second, your SOL because lower end upright basses pretty much start around 2,000 bucks.

Not so, Rockman. I just pulled this off of Musicians Friend (total search time: a matter of seconds):

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...fit?sku=470245

There are lots of good deals on lower end uprights to be had out there - just gotta look for 'em!

[Rockman]

Originally Posted by Buskman

No worries, Ianant. Welcome!





Not so, Rockman. I just pulled this off of Musicians Friend (total search time: a matter of seconds):

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...fit?sku=470245

There are lots of good deals on lower end uprights to be had out there - just gotta look for 'em!

Alright, you get that bass, and it doesnt come with a set up or decent strings. A setup will cost probably around 300, plus strings, so you spend about 1,000 on the bass. Versus going to a reputable luthier like upton or lemur and purchasing one of their basses, which you know will be better due to the fact thats all those companies do is double bass. So let me rephrase, a pos chinese made bass will be less than 1,000 possibly, but it wont act like a better bass will.

[ghiadub]

I have a cremona (china made) 3/4 upright. I picked it up on the local craigslist for $400 (with pickup).

The action was high, but I was able to lower it without too much trouble.


You are going to want to take at least one lesson to learn how to adjust the end pin, proper ergonomics, and posistion playing.

There is a ton of useful info on the URB side of TB, check it out when you get some time.

[Buskman]

Originally Posted by Rockman

Alright, you get that bass, and it doesnt come with a set up or decent strings. A setup will cost probably around 300, plus strings, so you spend about 1,000 on the bass. Versus going to a reputable luthier like upton or lemur and purchasing one of their basses, which you know will be better due to the fact thats all those companies do is double bass. So let me rephrase, a pos chinese made bass will be less than 1,000 possibly, but it wont act like a better bass will.

True... but at the same time, the OP clearly stated that he is completely new to the instrument, not to mention doesn't have thousands of dollars to fork over on a bass.

To pay $2,000 for an istrument that you're not 100% you're even going to end up enjoying playing (let's admit - it's not for everyone) is an expensive gamble. IMO you might break even on the resale, but not likely. POS's they may be, but that's why they're called "Student" instruments, as opposed to ones geared for the pro (or even semi-pro) player.

Plus, the OP didn't even mention what he planned to be playing on it (if anything at this point). He might be in the marketfor a POS beater for a rockabilly or bluegrass gig. Personally, I'd have reservations on bringing a $2K upright to a potentially rough venue... but that's just me.

[Snarf]

Don't go any lower than say $1400. You can get a used Kay, but the necks are thin (NOT a very good thing for upright technique) and the necks can break. Englehardts aren't worth the money, they just feel cheap. I'd say a decent option is a laminated Shen bass. Some here like Christophers too.

[jakrees747]

i got myself a christopher as a begginer bass, i looks and sounds wonderful! feels solid, and apart from shaving the bridge down a bit it plays like a dream too. theres a few models around the £1000 poun mark.
have you considered a eub? i got me a cheap one of those first to smooth the transition

[Chef]

Ianant:
look here:
http://www.lemur-music.com/
http://www.uptonbass.com/
http://www.gollihurmusic.com/index.cfm


Call these guys; talk to them. Tell them what you're looking for.
Be prepared to spend $1800-$2500 to get a bass that will be good enough that you'll actually want to play it without killing yourself, and have decent re-sale.
Think about budgeting for a decent bag to carry it around in.
Bobelock and Mooridian are two common, decent bags, ~$250.
Also, might want a pickup, preamp, bow...etc...

It ain't cheap, but it's real fun.

[Mastermold]

I've got a King "slap king" upright on order, and the guys I talked to at King swear these are fully road worthy and just a durable as their "road king" model. And they sell for just a little over $2,000.

[Chef]

The "new" Kings....good luck with that.
Many have had good experiences with them; mine sucked, royally.
I hope yours is waaaaay better than mine was.

Should the bridge "sink into the top" at all?

[Mastermold]

Originally Posted by Chef

The "new" Kings....good luck with that.
Many have had good experiences with them; mine sucked, royally.
I hope yours is waaaaay better than mine was.

Should the bridge "sink into the top" at all?

Yikes -- your pics are no longer posted in that thread but I got the gist.

King's factory (and showroom) is just a few miles from where I work here in California so if I have any problems with it I'll be driving it over to them in a heartbeat. Hopefully all goes well!

[Chef]

Plenty of guys like them.
My personal experience was bad; and not very well supported on their end.

Several years, and many customers ago since then.

You'll prolly be fine.

Mine was black with white stripes, and sounded-ok-played nice enuff-til the trouble started.
It did eventually end with me getting taken care of, but it was harder than it shoulda been.

[Dbassmon]

Double bass is a very different creature. If might suggest:
1. get some professional instruction. Trying to play a DB without correct technique can cause serious physical injury. No Kidding
2. If you have a teacher, he/she can help you select a decent bass.
3. Play a bunch if you live in a metro area that has a real bass shop (not Guitar Center)
4. Chef has listed reputable dealers. If you see a new bass for $549 , run, don't walk away.
5. I would budget at least $1500

[tomshepp]

Hey,
To the OP, in my area, there is a string shop that will rent DB's. The basses are quite nice and renters can get started for a reasonable amount of $. I think you could also work out a rent to own plan with them. I think if you were to go with something really cheap, you'd end up wanting a better bass and then losing $ on the cheap one. Best of luck!

[Rockman]

Originally Posted by Buskman

True... but at the same time, the OP clearly stated that he is completely new to the instrument, not to mention doesn't have thousands of dollars to fork over on a bass.

To pay $2,000 for an istrument that you're not 100% you're even going to end up enjoying playing (let's admit - it's not for everyone) is an expensive gamble. IMO you might break even on the resale, but not likely. POS's they may be, but that's why they're called "Student" instruments, as opposed to ones geared for the pro (or even semi-pro) player.

Plus, the OP didn't even mention what he planned to be playing on it (if anything at this point). He might be in the marketfor a POS beater for a rockabilly or bluegrass gig. Personally, I'd have reservations on bringing a $2K upright to a potentially rough venue... but that's just me.

You'd have trouble finding a buyer for one of those cheapie basses because most people know what theyre looking for. In this case if i were him id look for a rental possibility because a rental will be better than that instrument. The 500$ is pretty much the equivalent of those toys that are shaped like guitars in walmart. No resale, no good aspects except for being freakin cheap. And trust me when i say, for an upright you need a quality, responsive instrument that is well set up, because if it aint no matter how hard you try you will not like the bass.