What, in your opinion, is the crème de la crème of fully-carved URBs?

[In Absentia]

Well?

[lindseyp]

I had to look up "URB." I guess it depends on what you mean by carved. do you mean like the traditional double-bass shape, or any carve/cut? I prefer the NSD basses, especially after hearing one up close.

[In Absentia]

Originally Posted by lindseyp

I had to look up "URB." I guess it depends on what you mean by carved. do you mean like the traditional double-bass shape, or any carve/cut? I prefer the NSD basses, especially after hearing one up close.

I guess what I mean is hand-made and hand-carved. I'm not speaking specifically about the cut.

[drurb]

Originally Posted by In Absentia

Well?

Are you asking what folks think is the best fully-carved double-bass? Somehow, "fully-carved" and "upright bass" just don't go together too well for some of us.

If that's what you mean, then it's sure not an NSD bass.

The question is just about unanswerable. There are many fantastic, venerable, old double basses that each have rather unique characteristics. It's a bit like asking, "What is the best vintage wine?"

[forester]

mine.

[anonymous02282011]

Originally Posted by drurb

Are you asking what folks think is the best fully-carved double-bass? Somehow, "fully-carved" and "upright bass" just don't go together too well for some of us.

If that's what you mean, then it's sure not an NSD bass.

The question is just about unanswerable. There are many fantastic, venerable, old double basses that each have rather unique characteristics. It's a bit like asking, "What is the best vintage wine?"

Couldn't have said it better myself.

I think by fully carved he means non-plywood. I've heard that terminology before.

Didn't Kolstein have Arvel Shaw's bass for sale at one point? I bet that's up there.

[In Absentia]

Originally Posted by drurb

Are you asking what folks think is the best fully-carved double-bass? Somehow, "fully-carved" and "upright bass" just don't go together too well for some of us.

If that's what you mean, then it's sure not an NSD bass.

The question is just about unanswerable. There are many fantastic, venerable, old double basses that each have rather unique characteristics. It's a bit like asking, "What is the best vintage wine?"

It's simply a matter of opinion. I'm asking for everyone's opinion of what they like the most.

Who's making the good stuff these days? I understand that an old URB will almost always sound better than a fresh off-the-line bass, but this isn't that hard.

[anonymous02282011]

Originally Posted by In Absentia

It's simply a matter of opinion. I'm asking for everyone's opinion of what they like the most.

Who's making the good stuff these days? I understand that an old URB will almost always sound better than a fresh off-the-line bass, but this isn't that hard.

There's some good info in the stickies on the Double bass side if you're looking to purchase an instrument.

[hdiddy]

Originally Posted by In Absentia

It's simply a matter of opinion. I'm asking for everyone's opinion of what they like the most.

Who's making the good stuff these days? I understand that an old URB will almost always sound better than a fresh off-the-line bass, but this isn't that hard.

You don't get it. All basses are made by hand. The older they are and the more they have been played, generally the better they are. It's not about any particular manufacturer. Even two of the same model from the same manufacturer can sound radically different. If you want an idea... see this: Your dream bass.... (DB forum thread)

The answers are wide and varied. Some have to do with more of who's played it than who the maker was. Also, you're looking probably at 5 figures or more for each one of those basses. (except for the stupid EB player answers)

[drurb]

Originally Posted by In Absentia

It's simply a matter of opinion. I'm asking for everyone's opinion of what they like the most.

Who's making the good stuff these days? I understand that an old URB will almost always sound better than a fresh off-the-line bass, but this isn't that hard.

As with so many issues, the answer you get depends upon how you frame the question. Your original question was, "What, in your opinion, is the crème de la crème of fully-carved URBs?" Now, that original question asks for an opinion as to what individual bass or manufacturer is the quintessential. It wasn't limited to new basses or current manufacturers so, by default, it included all basses, old and new. As I already explained, that's virtually an impossible question to answer.

Now you have fine-tuned the question and seem to be asking what current manufacturer each of likes most. Again, that's a tough one.

I suspect you are really asking, "What current builders of fully-carved basses do you consider to be among the best." If that's what you're asking, then I think that's one that could be answered. Is that your question? If that is your question, then I'd refer you to hdiddy's post above and point out that, in terms of buying, the answer to that question wouldn't be necessarily useful in terms of guidance. Perhaps that's not why you asked.

[Paul Warburton]

Originally Posted by In Absentia

I'm pretty sure that I'm not the one that's not getting it. How hard is it to tell me what bass manufacturer YOU like?

You're NOT getting it.
Some old Master basses can go for close to a Million bucks. Diddy can't tell you what bass manufacturer he likes, maybe because he doesn't like ANY.
There are a few MASTER LUTHIERS here on our board, that have basses for sale depending on what you are looking for.
You need to determine what you are looking for by doing some simple, fast search work on TBDB.
You need to learn the terms we use for our instrument and parts thereof...Luthiers are those people who make and/or repair string instruments.
As Diddy says, when you start out using terms like UB, you need to do some work.
Take a look at different basses from all over the world in your price range...You can start by looking at some of our personal basses here, under Basses...the TALKBASSES..EYE CANDY. If that doesn't inspire you, you're in deep ****...There are links in many of our TBDB Basses Forum Heading. You can shop around the world for basses right here if you only take your time.
And please don't cop an attitude with Diddy. He was just stating a fact...Not to get corny, but pretend you're about to embark on a fabulous journey with very beautiful woman.....
Unless you're not man enough.

[mjt0229]

Originally Posted by drurb

As with so many issues, the answer you get depends upon how you frame the question. Your original question was, "What, in your opinion, is the crème de la crème of fully-carved URBs?" Now, that original question asks for an opinion as to what individual bass or manufacturer is the quintessential. It wasn't limited to new basses or current manufacturers so, by default, it included all basses, old and new. As I already explained, that's virtually an impossible question to answer.

Now you have fine-tuned the question and seem to be asking what current manufacturer each of likes most. Again, that's a tough one.

I suspect you are really asking, "What current builders of fully-carved basses do you consider to be among the best." If that's what you're asking, then I think that's one that could be answered. Is that your question?

What he said. Even among the great masters of old, there are lesser and greater instruments. I could name some makers whose instruments today are often of high quality. But even amongst these makers, every instrument is different. Some are so different that you'd need to look at the label inside to find out who made it.

[In Absentia]

Originally Posted by drurb

As with so many issues, the answer you get depends upon how you frame the question. Your original question was, "What, in your opinion, is the crème de la crème of fully-carved URBs?" Now, that original question asks for an opinion as to what individual bass or manufacturer is the quintessential. It wasn't limited to new basses or current manufacturers so, by default, it included all basses, old and new. As I already explained, that's virtually an impossible question to answer.

Now you have fine-tuned the question and seem to be asking what current manufacturer each of likes most. Again, that's a tough one.

I suspect you are really asking, "What current builders of fully-carved basses do you consider to be among the best." If that's what you're asking, then I think that's one that could be answered. Is that your question?

Sorry, my communication skills are terrible (just ask my wife). Yes, the other question you asked is the right one.

[drurb]

Originally Posted by In Absentia

Sorry, my communication skills are terrible (just ask my wife). Yes, the other question you asked is the right one.

Ah, success! Okay, now I edited my post to inquire of you why you are asking. If your question is academic, sure, some of us can tell you what current luthiers turn out great products. If you are asking as part of arming yourself with knowledge so that you can buy a bass, then, as others have so succinctly pointed out, that information won't really be fundamental. If this is to get help buying, then it's best to tell us your budget and then folks can point you in the right direction.

[In Absentia]

Originally Posted by drurb

Ah, success! Okay, now I edited my post to inquire of you why you are asking. If your question is academic, sure, some of us can tell you what current luthiers turn out great products. If you are asking as part of arming yourself with knowledge so that you can buy a bass, then, as others have so succinctly pointed out, that information won't really be fundamental. If this is to get help buying, then it's best to tell us your budget and then folks can point you in the right direction.

Let's go with academic.

[Paul Warburton]

Right, and don't live up to your user name by being Absentia in your PROFILE...we like to insist on this, so we can learn more about you.

[Paul Warburton]

Cats, I don't believe this guy is listening....
I'm out.

[Steve Swan]

Hey, Doublebass Dudes. We've got an enthusiastic newbie-ish guy asking what basses you like. Instead of chasing him away by making him feel hopelesly out of place here, why don't we welcome him to the club and share are own enthusiasm for for favoirte instruments by throwing out a few names and telling why we like them. I play 4/4 Paesold or Hofner factory basses that are light and responsive to gut strings and they run less than $10,000.00.

Who's next?

[Paul Warburton]

Originally Posted by Steve Swan

Hey, Doublebass Dudes. We've got an enthusiastic newbie-ish guy asking what basses you like. Instead of chasing him away by making him feel hopelesly out of place here, why don't we welcome him to the club and share are own enthusiasm for for favoirte instruments by throwing out a few names and telling why we like them. I play 4/4 Paesold or Hofner factory basses that are light and responsive to gut strings and they run less than $10,000.00.

And you don't think that price won't scare him off?
Cool business move, Steve.

[Steve Swan]

Instead of beating a newbie guy up over how he asked us what we like, I shared with him and the rest of you what I personally play and gave an indication of where on the huge price continuum my choose happens to lie. I'm usually proud of being part of this club, but this thread is really embarassing to me. Now who's next to tell what their own personal favorite bass is? Am I missing the point, or did he ask us what we think is rewarding to play? C'mon other happy bass guys...