Vienna Hamburg bass

[jonathonriver]

I played upright in my high school orchestra and unfortunately 10 years have passed since I have picked up a bass. I have been looking to get back into it and have found a bass but I am unsure if I should buy it. It is a Vienna Hamburg bass, and it’s in great shape with no scratches or obvious repairs. The guy selling it has a number of electric basses and says he got the upright about 8 years ago and never got into it, he says it has stayed in its stand for the last 3 years. I talked him down to $550.00 and he is throwing in the case. I am just getting back into the bass and will not be performing anytime soon so I don't need the most professional of instruments. I guess I am wondering if this is a good buy.

[crowsmengegus]

Hi, welcome to talkbass!

Assuming you have not already made the purchase, my advice is to steer clear of "Vienna Hamburg" basses. Take a look around for basses with a proven track record, like an Engelhardt, Kay, or a laminate Shen or Eastman. Expect to spend a minimum of about 1200 for a bass with a decent setup, 550 is not realistic.

Tell us where you're located and we could possibly recommend places to go look at basses.

Though, there used to be a guy, Brandon Tuomiko, on talkbass who liked them....

[bass_lord_mutha]

It doesn't matter much what we think. Some here will think you're getting a steal, while others will think you're wasting your money. The important things for you to consider are:

1) Is it easy to play? Of course, even if it didn't have the best setup, a competent string repairman can give most any upright a great setup.

2) How does it sound to you? Is it anemic or boomy? Does it have a better arco tone/volume than pizzicato or vice versa?

3) And the most important thing: Do YOU like it? Everying else are moot points if in the end you still aren't too keen on the bass yourself.

Different strokes for different folks

BTW, I just paid $200 for a 1989 Glaesel Georg Herrmann DB-66 and it kills the $2500 Eastman in my store right now

[drurb]

Originally Posted by crowsmengegus

Hi, welcome to talkbass!

Assuming you have not already made the purchase, my advice is to steer clear of "Vienna Hamburg" basses. Take a look around for basses with a proven track record, like an Engelhardt, Kay, or a laminate Shen or Eastman. Expect to spend a minimum of about 1200 for a bass with a decent setup, 550 is not realistic.

Tell us where you're located and we could possibly recommend places to go look at basses.

Though, there used to be a guy, Brandon Tuomiko, on talkbass who liked them....

+1

[fdeck]

Just to help you with your research, it's my understanding that "Vienna Strings" is the house brand of Jim Laabs Music. Here's one thread that crops up:

Jim Laabs Music Superstore upright basses

[jonathonriver]

I appreciate the input from everybody and I believe I have made my choice. I agree that if it looks and sounds good it doesn’t matter how much you pay for it, however I feel that I would have to put a little work into the Vienna. I have decided to save up for an Englehardt EM-1 Maestro Bass that comes with a pro set up and a $150.00 allowance for strings included for under $1200.