URB noob

ThunderousFunk · #1 07-12-2010, 09:27 AM

I've been playing EB 15yrs now, and was asked by my new band if I would be ok with trying out URB. I'm very open to adding another ability to my resume, and was always interested in learning this instrument anyways. I had seen this on my local CL, and wanted to know what you all might think about it for an URB beginner. Also, if there is anything I should be looking for to this particular instrument, as aposed to an EB, that I should be aware of(scale length, etc.). Or if someone could tell me what kind it may be(not sure if one could do that by these pics).Thank You.

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/msg/1828425940.html

eerbrev · #2 07-12-2010, 09:55 AM

1.) All the stickies on the top of this, and the other DB forums are really useful for DB new-folk. take the time, you'll be gad you did.

2.) Try before you buy. A DB often costs as much as a car, and you wouldn't drop a bunch of money on a car without a test drive/ mechanical inspection, would you?

3.) If you like it, which may be a hard thing to figure out because you will likely need some time to know what you're looking for, then see if the seller will let you take it to a qualified bass luthier (A bass mechanic, if you will) for an inspection.

this seems like a lot, but the most important point is, reading through the lines, that you LIKE it. if it sounds good, and doesn't seem unplayable, then go to step 3.

If you're curious about what kind of things you should look for, go to:

How to Buy a DB

and

Newbie Links: SETUP

there's lots of info on this site, should you look farther than your nose

regards,

Alex

Andrew McGregor · #3 07-12-2010, 06:36 PM

Further point: find a good teacher, whether jazz or classical doesn't really matter, for at least a few lessons when you start. This is because you can seriously hurt yourself, especially back and hands, and a good teacher will set you on a path that doesn't include huge medical bills and years of pain. Not to mention that good technique also lets you play far more interesting music with much better tone.

sirero · #4 07-12-2010, 09:49 PM

+1 to that.

As to that particular bass, if I were you I would definitely go try it out, that ad doesn't have any of the "steer clear this bass is going to collapse" craigslist traits, if you can get someone who knows upright basses to go with you that is definitely something you want to do.

wdnewman · #5 07-13-2010, 08:24 AM

If you follow the advice of these guys you will not go wrong.
You cannot just pick up and play an upright. You WILL need a teacher to start. The Craigs List bass does not look bad, and the seller doesn't sound like the typical Craigs List clueless bass player. Take an expert with you to look at it.
Read ALL the newbie threads at the top of this forum. Very important.

ThunderousFunk · #6 07-13-2010, 10:05 AM

Thank you all so much for your advice/help. I do understand that this is not a pick-up-and play kind of thing, and will have to take lessons. I just wanted to look into getting a URB of some quality, without paying too much at the moment. But I will continue on my education of this new journey. Thanks again.

OmnitzGarima · #7 07-13-2010, 10:08 AM

That bass is definitely worth looking at, I would say. Was it $1700 for a fully carved bass? That sounds like a steal to me.

crowsmengegus · #8 07-13-2010, 03:15 PM

ThunderousFunk, this may interest you:

Unlabeled Fully Carved 3/4 upright bass

wdnewman · #9 07-14-2010, 07:46 AM

Interesting, Crowsmengegus. An "unlabeled" Chinese bass. All the really good Chinese basses I know of have labels. I would be leery of anything from that country that does not have a label, if for no other reason than resale value.

ThunderousFunk · #10 07-14-2010, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crowsmengegus

ThunderousFunk, this may interest you:

Unlabeled Fully Carved 3/4 upright bass

Hmmmm.

Looks awefully similar.......

Wait!

It is the URB I've been looking at.

Didn't know they were a TB member. But, yeah, that's her. Thanks.

crowsmengegus · #11 07-14-2010, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdnewman

Interesting, Crowsmengegus. An "unlabeled" Chinese bass. All the really good Chinese basses I know of have labels. I would be leery of anything from that country that does not have a label, if for no other reason than resale value.

It's the same bass, that's the point.

ThunderousFunk · #12 07-14-2010, 12:43 PM

Did I miss something, or are you all suggesting to steer clear?

longfinger · #13 07-14-2010, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThunderousFunk

Did I miss something, or are you all suggesting to steer clear?

If that bass is close to you, go check it out. Bring a friend. Play the bass and get the story behind it. You're not ordering this online, you're seeing it in real life with no commitment to buy, so go now to check it out.

darjama · #14 07-14-2010, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThunderousFunk

Did I miss something, or are you all suggesting to steer clear?

I think that while most are wary of unlabeled chinese bases, most of them are made at the same facilities that make the labeled basses. The one in this ad looks pretty similar to my Eastman VB200, though mine isn't flamed: http://garyphoto.smugmug.com/Music/T...34726350_yhonq

I'd say it's worth checking out. The eastman is my first carved URB after playing an abused Kay for a long time, and I'm quite happy with it.