What bass?

[RevJPBass]

Ok I know this has been run into the ground, but I'm interested in specific feedback from the gang. I'm playing (and have played since junior high ) a 41 Kay. It's having some structural issues, being one of the Kays that did not have a patch on the back to support the soundpost, hence dimple in the back and sinking top... So, I'd like to restore it, just for fun (another story, another day) but I'm thinking of spending like $2k on another bass. Oddly enough, in Cleveland, I haven't found many basses for sale, certainly non in a bunch. Here's the top candidates- my luthier has a new Shen ply. I am interested in Gollihur's carved Bulgarians, and Steve Greene's carved Eberles. Also Upton plys. I hanker after a New Standard Cleveland, but it's just too much $. Obviously, I'm having to buy sight unseen, and that isn't the way. Somehow these new old stock Eberles call to me.... What's your take? Ok, also, I'm playing in a big swing band right now, amplified 24/7, but I also play in a folk/pop trio and in a community symphony orchestra.

[drurb]

If I am not mistaken, Bob's Bulgarian basses come with a basic setup. If that is true, then you will likely end up springing for some setup work. If you are spending that much, you may want to consider the Upton hybrid. It's a VERY sweet deal.

[thedbassist]

I really like it, but I ended up paying almost $600 for a setup. I got the fingerboard dressed($190) a new bridge($260) and a laborie enpin installation($80) and and tax, so the bridge is just white piece of maple, no freckles or anything, also, the fingerboard will need dressing, but it is a very, very high quality fingerboard, my luthier said its one of the hardest hes ever seen, and he deals with a lot of professional bass players.

[forcedrings]

I apologize in advance for my lack of compassion! If we all liked and heard the same thing there would be one bass manufacturer. You're going to have to either make a leap of faith and make an online purchase or buy the best sounding bass within your budget in Cleveland. I don''t have a lot of sympathy for you. I live 300 miles from a major city. With very little experience and a limited budget, I made the trip and purchased the best sounding bass I could afford. Now I'm at home working my tail off trying to develop my sound on an instrument that has a tremendous amount of potential. Your experience suggests you're a much better player than I am--take the plunge!! I'll make the bet that whatever direction you choose, your instrument will be up to the task!

[RevJPBass]

Forcedrings;
I read your response more as encouragement than lack of sympathy. There are few basses for sale in Cleveland, a weird thing because it's such a musically oriented city. I contacted the closest real string shop, in Columbus, everything they had was out of my price range. I'm thinking that you're right- take the plunge one way or another. I have heard great players get amazing sounds out of hunks of junk. If one has any kind of reasonable instrument, it's all in the practice. After all, how do you get to Carnegie Hall, right?

[forcedrings]

I hear what exceptional values the online instruments are--it was just too big of leap for me, so I drove to the city with a couple grand in my pocket and ended up with a bass that will allow me a lot of room to grow. Is it as good as the online instruments? I'll probably never know. Maybe it's better--it was the best sounding one of the lot of 10 or so basses in it's price range, and it's certainly not holding me back. I wish you the best of luck, and whatever you do I hope you are as happy as I am!

[Steve Killingsworth]

I think the best thing you could possibly do is make a drive to Cincinatti. There are several topflight shops there including TB's own Nnick Lloyd and the Bass Cellar. You would have the opportunity to put your hands on dozens of basses. Even if you had to make an overnight trip of it, it would be a small price to pay.