wanting a first bass

[yoimb0b]

So the time has come for me to buy a double bass. Since im a beginner at playing upright, what would be a good starter bass? Ive seen like carlo robelli (sam ash/ guitar center ) uprights for about $1000 new. I also have been looking in the classifieds such as recycler and craigslist. Has anyone ever heard of a EM-1 Maestro Bass? What is normally reccomended as a good beginner bass, keeping my price range of $1k-$2k in mind. I am in los angeles if that makes a difference as to price.

[philip sirois]

This is like the movie "groundhog day".

Everything that anyone will tell you is already in these forums many times over.

You can get a decent instrument for that budget. The usual suspects: Shen, Upton, Christopher, bassesonline.com, gollihur.

The englehardt you mention is probably a notch or two below those mentioned, but lottsa folk have them and like them well enough, others aren't too impressed. There's plenty of chatter about them around here too.

Be patient.

Buying your first bass from a good bass shop rather than the classified or a general music store might be a good idea.

[drurb]

Originally Posted by yoimb0b

So the time has come for me to buy a double bass. Since im a beginner at playing upright, what would be a good starter bass? Ive seen like carlo robelli (sam ash/ guitar center ) uprights for about $1000 new. I also have been looking in the classifieds such as recycler and craigslist. Has anyone ever heard of a EM-1 Maestro Bass? What is normally reccomended as a good beginner bass, keeping my price range of $1k-$2k in mind. I am in los angeles if that makes a difference as to price.

1) Welcome!

2) Read the newbie links thoroughly. This has all been addressed in these threads many, many, many times before.

3) Do not buy a bass from a guitar store. I repeat, do not buy a bass from a guitar store.

4) Buy a bass from a reputable bass shop.

5) For $1-2k you can do MUCH BETTER than an Engelhardt EM-1. I and others here consider the skinny necks on the Engels to inhibit and hamper good playing practice. In addition, there are MUCH BETTER laminate basses available within your budget. They are, overall, built better, play better, and sound better.

6) Return here with specific questions after reading the newbie links. We're a gang who is happy to help after you do that bit of homework.

[jfv]

Rule #0: If you want best results, get a teacher first, choose
carefully, a good teacher will help you find the first bass and
avoid all those pitfalls the noob postings here will warn you
about.

[yoimb0b]

my other question was, what is a good place to go to, to ask questions/ try out, see some upright basses? I am in southern california, so i could use the name and location any place around the valley or la that specializes or carries uprights. Since as of now, I have only played and seen the carlo robelli and guitar center uprights which are about $1000 new.

[jtlownds]

Since you're in LA, I would suggest that you go over to Lemur Music in San Juan Capistrano. Jerry and Toni Buffa are super people and have a wide selection of basses avaiable. They will also to a complete setup on any instrument you buy, that is second to none. They also carry the Engleharts that you mentioned, but I personally would stay away from that brand. Good luck shopping.

[Silversorcerer]

+1 on Lemur. I get their catalog and I'd love to browse the selection, even if I were just window shopping. They definitely have the high and low end covered and they have a good reputation for selling good sounding instruments even here in Atlanta. I've seen heard and played some of the Sunrise basses they sell and the sound was quite pleasing.

[Rayzorx]

Originally Posted by yoimb0b

So the time has come for me to buy a double bass. Since im a beginner at playing upright, what would be a good starter bass? Ive seen like carlo robelli (sam ash/ guitar center ) uprights for about $1000 new. I also have been looking in the classifieds such as recycler and craigslist. Has anyone ever heard of a EM-1 Maestro Bass? What is normally reccomended as a good beginner bass, keeping my price range of $1k-$2k in mind. I am in los angeles if that makes a difference as to price.

One place to go is the World of Strings in Long Beach. I think they're on Cherry Ave. They have a whole room of basses you can try and John, the resident Luthier is always glad to talk to you and answer questions.