Want upright. Need advice!

[Bert Slide]

Keep an eye on the classifieds here. I got a Shen SB180 for $1200 recently. Changed the Spiro mittels to Silverslaps and put a K&K pickup on it and am now gigging it. Total investment= $1440.

[nicktunz]

OK, so some time has passed and I have saved up some cash, liquidated some gear and I think I am going to pull the trigger on this bass. I found out more about it:

It's a Romanian Kark Knilling from 1975-1980.
It's a flatback. It is fully carved. Ummm...It has Spirocore Weich S42's on it. Comes with a bag(not a very good one). It's $3K. I love it. Any thoughts on this? I know you guys obviously haven't played it and haven't seen it but, from that info, how do you feel about it?

I will say that in the price range, I haven't found anything I like more. Not even close. In that price range I have played a few Shens, an Eastman and an Engleharot. I hated the Eastman. Liked the Shen, but for an extra $600 felt that I should go with the Knilling. Didn't care for the Engleharot. And then I played a bunch of really high end basses and I really didn't care for them like I cared about the Knilling. I don't know. Maybe I am crazy. Maybe I am naive. Maybe I don't have a good ear.

[nicktunz]

I should also note that this bass is from Upton in Boston. I feel like I can trust them and they have been very helpful with selecting a bass. Also, the bass is set up and has bridge adjusters. I asked pretty much all the questions I have asked you guys(and you have been very helpful). Josh(from Upton) assures me this isn't a junk bass. I don't know. I feel like I can trust them. You guys seem to think Upton is reputable, as well.

[Eric Hochberg]

I'm sure they will let you take the bass out to get a second opinion if you want. Michael Hartrey is in Boston and is reputable.

[nicktunz]

So I got a bass. Went back to upton for that knilling but decided to play a Shen that I liked when I was there previously. I ended up with the Shen for a few reasons. One, it was $1k cheaper. Two, I liked the bassy tone I was getting that the knilling didn't seem to have. Put some spirocores on it and it's a bit easier to play and it sings. Also, this is labeled an sb190 but it has a 3/4 scale length with a 5/8 body. I guess it was an accident and only like a dozen were made. I like the smaller body. Fits nice in my car. The flat back gives it a bit more volume. It's also a gamba. All in all a good experience. Got a hybrid bass, bag, bow, rosin, pickup all for $2500. I'm stoked. There is already a thread going about this particular accident model bass. Kind of interesting. Tha is to everyone for your help!

[powerbass]

Congrats, now that you've got a nice bass time to get cracking on your practicing!

[RSBBass]

and posting pictures.

[nicktunz]

Originally Posted by powerbass

Congrats, now that you've got a nice bass time to get cracking on your practicing!

Working my way(slowly) through the Simandl book.