The Zone of No Bass.

[The Factory]

I'm looking into purchasing a double bass for school, I'll be majoring in music and I want to play double bass. When it comes to buying instruments I know what you typically need to look for and how you need to approach it but there is a problem in this circumstance; there isn't a double bass for sale within 250 miles of me. I live in the cultural wasteland that is West Texas, you'd think with all the mariachi and bluegrass bands around here there would be a dedicated double bass store right next to every Starbucks but the closest thing I have found to a double bass for sale was a no-name for $700 on craigslist and that one was 200 miles from where I live.
So, now that you understand the situation my questions are as follows..
1. Is there a recognized, trustworthy place I can buy a double bass in the West Texas/Eastern New Mexico area that I simply glanced over?
2. If not, what would be the best way for me to go about obtaining a double bass without traveling more than a day's length (my work doesn't really allow me the freedom of anything longer than a daytrip.)
Just so you know I live in the Odessa/Midland area.

Any help at all is appreciated.

[shwashwa]

i dont know where it is in relation to you, but robertson's is in new mexico.

[Matt Ides]

I would assume a trip to Austin would do you well. Plus, Robertson and Sons is in Albuquerque.

Also from Bob's site: http://www.gollihurmusic.com/luthiers.cfm

Quite the list under Texas. Hope this helps in your search.

[The Factory]

Originally Posted by shwashwa

i dont know where it is in relation to you, but robertson's is in new mexico.

I assume that's probably in Albuquerque as I know there are at least two string shops there. Another pretty far drive.

Originally Posted by Matt Ides

I would assume a trip to Austin would do you well.

Oh it would, I'm sure given that Austin is a place that actually supports the arts in this part of the country they probably have plenty of double basses. Problem is that's a 5 hour trip one way, possible but very inconvenient given my current circumstance, and no shop listed in your link is any closer unfortunately.

[shwashwa]

while i generally wouldnt recommend it, you can buy a bass sight unseen over the internet. there are however only a select few shops i would trust for this type of buying. one thing that you want to make sure is that they have a good return policy. watch out for the 15% restocking fee ripoff. that's $1,200, on an $8k bass, just to try a bass that you dont like, and the shop gets it back and gets to sell it at full price all over again. i can understand a small shipping fee, but 15% in addition to the shipping is robbery in my opinion, especially when there are shops out there who do allow you to return a bass.

having said all that, just about the only shop id feel comfortable buying a bass sight unseen, where the shop has consistantly high level basses, is arnold shnitzer's shop and the new standard line of basses. check them out. i have yet to play a bad one, and arnold is really great to work with. do a search on this website and read the many good reviews of his basses and service. call him and tell him what you're looking for. that line of instruments includes plywood, hybrid and carved instruments.
disclaimer: i own one of his basses and i tried it before i bought, but i have palyed many of them here in the NJ/NYC area and at his shop.

[drurb]

Well, seems like the logistics are tough for you. Given that it sounds like you want to be a serious player, IMO, it's worth some serious and extraordinary effort. In the scheme of things, a five-hour drive to find the bass that's right for you should pay some large dividends. It's not uncommon for folks to make such trips or even fly to various parts of the country. Yes, I know you said that your work schedule makes it difficult but, perhaps, you could find a block of time so that it can be arranged. Your only other alternative would be to buy sight unseen/sound unheard from one of the reputable shops that could send you a bass. That's a decidedly non-optimal approach, IMO.

If you were going to go that route, I'd trust a few more than Steve would. In addition to Arnold's shop, people seem to have had quite positive experiences with Upton and The String Emporium to name two. Still, I'd urge you to make the trek to lay hands on one.

[mesmithnm]

Oh, the joy of living in West Texas. Yep, you're pretty well without options except getting in the car and doing some serious windshield time. There's nothing I can think of in NM with a large and high quality selection outside of Robertson's. It can be done - I did ABQ to Flagstaff to pick up a bass from a private seller and then back to ABQ to play a gig that night. You can do it! Just get lots of good tunes on the ipod and a venti from Starbucks and go!

Mark

[The Factory]

Originally Posted by drurb

Well, seems like the logistics are tough for you. Given that it sounds like you want to be a serious player, IMO, it's worth some serious and extraordinary effort. In the scheme of things, a five-hour drive to find the bass that's right for you should pay some large dividends. It's not uncommon for folks to make such trips or even fly to various parts of the country. Yes, I know you said that your work schedule makes it difficult but, perhaps, you could find a block of time so that it can be arranged. Your only other alternative would be to buy sight unseen/sound unheard from one of the reputable shops that could send you a bass. That's a decidedly non-optimal approach, IMO.

You know, I think you're right. Not sure what I was thinking letting something temporary like scheduling and travel times affect something far more permanent but it just seems daunting. It's really frustrating living in West Texas, if you want ANYTHING you have to either travel far away or find another method, and I have grown so accustomed to the latter that thought I could pull it off with upright as well, but it doesn't look to be the case.

Thanks for the advice.

[Matt Ides]

You could plan a few weekend trips through out 2011. Take your time and find the right one.

[derft]

You have a PM

[shwashwa]

agreed that other shops have good reputations on this board as well. i cant speak with first hand knowledge about them so i just recommend the one i know about. but, try before you buy is still best

Originally Posted by drurb

If you were going to go that route, I'd trust a few more than Steve would. In addition to Arnold's shop, people seem to have had quite positive experiences with Upton and The String Emporium to name two. Still, I'd urge you to make the trek to lay hands on one.

[aaronallen]

Originally Posted by Matt Ides

I would assume a trip to Austin would do you well.

Actually, there isn't a whole lot to see here basswise. Your much more likely to find something in Houston.

[EJ_Dad]

You might also check with the teachers at Tech and WT A&M to see if any of their students are selling basses.