Go Back   TalkBass Forums > Double Bass Forums > Ask a Pro! > Ask Patrick Neher
Register Rules/FAQ/CUP Members List Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Ask Patrick Neher Professor of Double Bass at the University of Arizona


Supporting Membership
Thank You

Latest Supporting Member
Donate to Upgrade Today

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
  #1  
Old 04-13-2007, 06:48 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Looking to buy 1st bass

I am a junior in high school looking to purchase my first double bass. I have no idea what to look for, how much to spend, what is too little - what is too much?
Laminate good or bad?
I will be taking the instrument to a cold weather area for college.
Any and all help I can get is appreciated!
Thnak you
Sign in to disble this ad
  #2  
Old 04-13-2007, 12:45 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Tucson, AZ
First Bass

Hey, thanks for asking!
There are numerous considerations when getting a first bass, but realize that, if you are a growing musician - both in physique and musically, your first instrument you will out-grow pretty quickly (three-five years?). So spend as much as you can on a nice instrument, because it is a big growth time, and don't buy something you cannot re-sell. Laminated is fine as long it is good quality, sounds good to you and your teacher, and has an established reputation as a brand (like Kay). Beware brand new instruments in that they sometimes are made with "green" wood - not that you cannot find a good brand-new instrument. Just consider where/who made it etc. Cold climates are no worse on a bass than warm, but humidy or lack thereof and temperature do play roles in how the bass wears. Cracks often happen on new instruments that were made in a moderately humid climat and move to a dry (like Germany to ARizona). Care must be taken for the first five years, keeping the bass carefull climatized. Size is super important. Don't get a bass that is too big for you (see other threads here).
Good Luck! Involve your private teacher in this.
PN

Quote:
Originally Posted by tomaura1 View Post
I am a junior in high school looking to purchase my first double bass. I have no idea what to look for, how much to spend, what is too little - what is too much?
Laminate good or bad?
I will be taking the instrument to a cold weather area for college.
Any and all help I can get is appreciated!
Thnak you
__________________
DETAILS! Details!
Reply



Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

Follow TalkBass on Twitter   Visit TalkBass on Facebook  

All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:53 AM.




Copyright ©2011 Talk Music Group Inc. All right reserved.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.12
Copyright ©2000 - 2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.