What is a really good classical/jazz double bass that'll last me through college?

natselection · #1 07-10-2007, 02:16 PM

I havn't decided on plywood or carved, I guess just whatever bass produces the best sound for both genres. I'm basically looking for a bunch of suggestions so then i'll go try them all out and see what I prefer. Thanks

By the way, I really love the look of the New Standard LaScala. Anyone try this?

I'm looking at around 5 thousand US dollars

MingusAmongUs · #2 07-10-2007, 03:54 PM

Check this thread for a little info on LaScala. Follow CF's links to sound clips. Very helpful.
Anyone played the New Standard Ply's next to the Hybrids?

I just visited AES today and played a fully carved LaScala and a hybrid Cleveland. The Cleveland has just what I'm looking for - a great bouncy low-end punch, almost feels like it plays back at you - and it has a nice sweet arco tone to boot. A great all-around bass for an old-school jazz/grasser like me who also scrapes a bow across the strings every once in a while. The LaScala I didn't really like, but ONLY because it had old orchestral strings and was set up for classical playing, so I couldn't really get a feel for its pizz capabilities at all. I'm sure it would be a totally different instrument with a different setup. I'm going to try to get back there when he has a hybrid LaScala and again for an all-ply Cleveland.

Paul New · #3 07-10-2007, 05:09 PM

You should probably consider the carved Shens also. 7/8ths Willow is right at that range, I think.

bassist1962 · #4 07-10-2007, 06:21 PM

Gollihur's Bulgarian fully carved are around $2100 USD, and seem to have gotten decent reviews.

countrybass · #5 07-10-2007, 10:48 PM

I was in a similar situation,wanting a bass that I could learn to bow and play classical music,as well as learn jazz with mostly pizz.I bought a Cleveland hybrid and a new bow.I'm sure there are better fully carved basses for a bit more money,but I think a New American Standard would serve you well.The neck was a bit thicker than I was used to,(my other bass is a 58 Kay MIB) but I'm getting used to it.I think these basses would be in your price range.I would strongly suggest you shop around if you can.Play any bass you can just to get an idea of what there is to be had.Do you have a teacher? Perhaps they could help in your search? Good luck and have fun!

natselection · #6 07-10-2007, 11:29 PM

Thanks all, I will try new standard, upton, and some nice vintage basses too. I'm hoping to get around to volker's bass shop in mass, david gage in NYC, and kolsteins here on LI

bdowd · #7 07-11-2007, 08:08 AM

I think you might get more for your money at Arnold's shop. When I was ordering my Cleveland I tried out a couple of La Scalas, and they were great, and to me, they really are as they're described on the website, with a growly, more direct sound. I think they'd be a winner of a college jazz/classical bass.

coreybass · #8 07-11-2007, 11:25 AM

You should definitely stop by at Upton too. Mystic, CT is right on the way if you're traveling up to Boston. They have a nice selection of vintage basses, as well as their own Upton models.

toman · #9 07-11-2007, 03:52 PM

I'd say get a decent plywood bass, like one of those Eberles that can be had for around 1k, and then spend a fair bit for a good luthier to put some decent parts and a really good setup on it. It's whole lot better to have an easy-playing bass that maybe doesn't sound so great than to get frustrated fighting a bass with a lame setup. It'll also stay together better, and if it gets bashed or dropped or something, it's not such a big deal. Also, skimp on the bass and splurge on your bow. Cheap bows suck!

rdwhit · #10 07-11-2007, 04:20 PM

La Scala Hybrid!! I'm a crossover player myself. I wish I lived close enough to Arnold & Will to try out a fully carved one. You may live close enough. If so, by all means, do so. I don't know the Upton line, but check it out if it's close. I think the La Scala will do it all for You. You'll really love it for upper register solo stuff, and the sustain is great for jazz. Several string selections work well on them for crossover playing. I wouldn't mess with most plys for arco studies. It's good to have one around for outdoor or bar gigs though.

CamMcIntyre · #11 07-11-2007, 07:53 PM

Ok-a New Standard Thread, so here's my obligatory Cleveland plug.

I've had my ply Cleveland since late 2004. I'm going into my 3rd year of a jazz bass major. I love this bass. The more i learn about technique and sound production-the bass responds with better and better sound. I've got mine strung w/Spirocore Weichs and unless if something changes drastically, i've found "my setup".

ajbass · #12 07-11-2007, 09:50 PM

For me, fully carved la scala is the way to go. I havn't had a teacher yet who doesn't love the bass and who can't believe that it is both new and under 10g's.

drurb · #13 07-11-2007, 10:17 PM

I suggest you play the new Upton Professor along with any of the others mentioned.

FunkyFlashFive · #14 07-11-2007, 10:39 PM

anything carved is going to be my choice, i picked up a carved Chinese bass used, and it sounds awesome, much better than the best plywood school bass.

Mike Carr · #15 07-12-2007, 04:34 AM

The Shen Willow 3/4's are great basses for the money.

fingers · #16 07-12-2007, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Carr

The Shen Willow 3/4's are great basses for the money.

+1. That's what I have. Love it.

natselection · #17 07-12-2007, 09:29 AM

should i go used or new? the price range extended from 5g to 5g-10g$US

peterpalmieri · #18 07-12-2007, 09:43 AM

Being a fellow Long Islander, you should go to Kolstein's in Baldwin, he has some excellent carved instruments in your price range and is very helpful. His selection is just unreal...

Jeff Moote · #19 07-12-2007, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by natselection

should i go used or new? the price range extended from 5g to 5g-10g$US

For up to $10k, I'd start looking at old basses. You should be able to get a 30-80 yr old European (shop) bass for that money and you'll sound a lot better on that than most new basses. Of course it goes without saying, you should be looking only at carved basses in that price range - ply or hybrid is not a necessary sacrifice with that budget.

Of the new basses, I agree that the carved NS La Scala is an attractive option. As well, some Chinese luthiers may offer good value even though many have European training. Still, all these new basses will sound bright and to some less "open" than an old bass

Bob McHenry · #20 07-12-2007, 10:12 AM

Hi!

I'd suggest taking a close look at a Shen SB-180 hybrid. A LOT of bass for the money in my opinion. MAKE sure that the place you buy it from sets the bass up properly! I think you'd be as pleased with that bass as I am with mine!

Best wishes for continuing success in your musical endeavors.

Bob McHenry bassman10@comcast.net