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

[peterpalmieri]

Kolstein's has a line of student instruments the DiVacenza line of Carved, Hybrid and Plywood basses, they all fall into your price range and the Kolstein carved instruments Botti and Fendt are played by many well known professional orchestral and jazz players.

There is also a great selection of older instruments to choose from. IMO Barrie is one of the best around and his prices are very reasonable....

[tedlong]

Hey-- word of warning, not to talk trash, but I was in the same situation and bought one of Bob Gollihur's "Bulgarian" axes. It cost 3G for all the add on's, shipping, and setup. It was 3 months late getting to me. The top was carved way too thick (I'll put measurements up later when I can take them) so it sounds nasally and weighs 3x what a normal bass would-- causing too much strain on the case it came in and tearing the seams of the case. I can't get rid of it because no collector in their right mind will trade or buy Kremonas. I would have sent it back, but it got to me in New Orleans right before Katrina hit and I couldn't play it until 7 months after I bought it + it was my first upright and didn't know the first thing about what it was supposed to sound like. These other posts sound like better options. Best of luck bro

[CamMcIntyre]

If your range can take in a $10k bass-DEFINATELY check out the NS Fully Carved Basses. Unless if i go for a 5 string for my next bass, it's a safe bet that I'll be emailing Arnold & Wil for a bass in that range. Between the excellent service-my ply Cleveland kills. I consistently get positive comments from other bassists about the tone.

[bassplayer57]

Shen Rogeri and
Older basses.

I think that older instruments are very good sounding. I have one, and have gotten many complements on the tone.

[natselection]

wow guys thanks a lot for the comments and suggestions. i hope to first hit kolsteins, then david gage in the city, then NS/upton in the lower NE area, and then volker near Boston. i'll definitely post my final instrument/decision on these forums

[kurtsnyder]

I can't believe no one has mentioned the Wan Bernadel. This bass cost about 5g's and is something else!! Looks great and everyone says it sounds like a $10,000 bass. Check it out: http://www.stringemporium.com/bernadel.htm

It will be well worth your time!

[Uncletoad]

Originally Posted by natselection

wow guys thanks a lot for the comments and suggestions. i hope to first hit kolsteins, then david gage in the city, then NS/upton in the lower NE area, and then volker near Boston. i'll definitely post my final instrument/decision on these forums

You are in the enviable position to try a whole mess of basses in all the best places and have enough dough to have some great choices.

Nice.

Post your findings as you go along. I'd be interested in your comparison of the older carved instruments to the newer hybrids. If you can bring somebody with you that can play too that would be useful. Nice to hear your choices from across the room

[drurb]

Originally Posted by Uncletoad

You are in the enviable position to try a whole mess of basses in all the best places and have enough dough to have some great choices.

Nice.

Post your findings as you go along. I'd be interested in your comparison of the older carved instruments to the newer hybrids. If you can bring somebody with you that can play too that would be useful. Nice to hear your choices from across the room

+1 on every aspect-- especially hearing the bass from across the room!

[Bassist4Life]

Originally Posted by natselection

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

You should be able to pick up a decent carved bass for around $5k. Make your way around NYC (your neck of the woods) and visit some shops. Play a lot of basses. Take a bass player friend with you so you can play the bass and hear the bass played.

There's Kolstein Music in Baldwin, NY.
There's also David Gage's shop in NY.
There's Arnold Schnitzer in Brewster, NY.

When you visit a shop you can try out different sets strings quickly and easily. If there's an instrument you're really interested in, you might be able to take it home for a trial period.

You should call ahead to see what each shop has in stock. I think you have to make an appointment to try instruments at David Gage's shop.

Try new instruments and consignment instruments. Don't be in a hurry to make a purchase. Find something you really like.

Hope this helps.
Joe

[Silversorcerer]

You know Ken Smith has those Calin Wulter Romanian basses now in addition to others.