Having trouble getting my hands on an EUB, what to do?

[gribuski]

I'm in the market for an EUB, and thus far I'm not able to get my hands on one to try out. Basically, here's my situation: I'm in a 3 piece rock band that's going to be on the road a good bit. I'm a fairly recent convert to DB (8 months) after playing electric forever. I'm taking to it pretty well, so in my rock trio, we've put a couple of acoustic songs in the middle of the set, on which I play DB.

Anyway, it's no sweat for me drive to local gigs with DB in my car, but there's no way I can fit it in the van on the road. It's become an important part of our show, and I'm pretty sure an EUB is the answer for me.

I've done a ton of research, and I'm not looking for anything super-fancy, $700-$1000. I've pretty much decided on a Palatino...I understand that they might need a little adjusting and customization to get a quality sound, which is cool with me. And, cosmetically, I like the way they look (as opposed to NS and other 'sticks').

Only problem: I'm totally not a fan of buying instruments w/o trying them out first, and there's nowhere around (Nashville, TN) that I've been able to find one. Any thoughts?

[bongomania]

Maybe call or email Palatino to find out if they have a dealer in the Nashville area?

[gribuski]

Tried that. There is a distributor about 30 minutes from here, and another about an hour away. I called them both, and because of the current economic situation, they're not ordering items like that unless they know they're going to sell...I don't know what kind of demand they have for these, they wouldn't budge.

I can't make myself order one, and think "Hey, if I don't like it, I'll just return it. Seems a might dishonest.

[Basso Musico]

AlterEGO has two lines that approach your budget. The babyEGO is a bit outside your range, but as I understand things, the Unico line is reasonably close to the upper part of your budget - you'll need to confirm with them. They also have a demo program, so you should email them. Check out the website, http://www.alter-ego.it. I have yet to play the Unico, but the babyEGO is incredible (given my very specific requirements).
Best, Rick McLaughlin

[dannster]

You'd think Nashville of all places would have plenty of options.
*boggling*

[buddyro57]

1. Call Bob Gollihur, see what he can tell you about the NS design WAV bass. He's very knowledgeable and a great guy to work with.

http://www.gollihur.com/

OR- get something from Musician's Friend; they have Palatinos and NS design Wav basses that are in your price range. They offer free shipping, no sales tax ) depending on where you are, and a 45 day trial period. You could actually take it to a gig and try it (if you are careful with it); that would really tell the tale.
JS

[JAUQO III-X]

Ergo instruments is not to far, in Chattanooga.

http://www.planadmin.us/ergo/


Here's a Ergo megathread.

Ergo Megathread part I












































I'm an Ergo endorser.

[gribuski]

Originally Posted by Basso Musico

AlterEGO has two lines that approach your budget. The babyEGO is a bit outside your range, but as I understand things, the Unico line is reasonably close to the upper part of your budget - you'll need to confirm with them. They also have a demo program, so you should email them. Check out the website, http://www.alter-ego.it. I have yet to play the Unico, but the babyEGO is incredible (given my very specific requirements).
Best, Rick McLaughlin

I really like them, especially the Acoustic line. They're very cool looking, and I'm sure sound exceptional. I think even the Unico is out of my price range unfortunately. Maybe if I upgrade eventually.

Originally Posted by dannster

You'd think Nashville of all places would have plenty of options.
*boggling*

Agreed...you'd think of all of the towns that would have availability of EUBs, Nashville would be it. But, I've found that it's VERY traditional here, all bluegrass and country - two genres that you have to play an actual DB. I'll probably be frowned upon for playing an EUB. I don't care, though...it's so much more convenient, and I'll still play a DB when I need to (jazz, bluegrass).



And I don't want to buy from Musician's Friend, Guitar Center, etc. I think I'm going to order a Palatino of Bass Northwest for $679 w/ shipping. I've seen several good reviews of them on here. They do a full set-up and inspection before they send it to me, and I have 72 hours to figure out if I like it, and I'd only be out shipping costs if I return it.

I'll let everyone know how it plays out, but if anyone else has reccomendations, feel free to comment. My mind can be changed.