First upright from e-bay

[BOBTHEMONKEY]

I have been eyeing an 3/4 upright from Fantastic Musical Instruments on e-bay for approx. 600.00. They don't give a brand but they say it ships already with a basic set up. I already play electric bass. anybody buy from these guys? Seems like the only reputable seller, but I haven't seen them all, on e-bay, quality wise. I am from Seattle and Hammond Ashley Violins has some nice basses but they are pretty pricey at the moment and 99 bucks a month to rent plus insurance. any thoughts on Fantastic Musical Instruments?? The link is kinda long....Im a newbie here also...

Thanks,
Bob

http://cgi.ebay.com/3-4-UPRIGHT-BLACK-BASS-FIDDLE-HOT-Weedwacker-Strings_W0QQitemZ120325057218QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH _DefaultDomain_0?hash=item120325057218&_trksid=p32 86.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A 1|240%3A1318|301%3A0|293%3A8|294%3A50

[reedo35]

Their version of "Basic Setup" is virtually unplayable. You will spend more than the bass is worth, for a proper setup, and then, before you get too tired of it, it will fall apart anyway! Sorry to be a doomsayer, but I've seen it happen too many times. If it looks too good too be true, it usually is. HA are reputable guys. Maybe they have a rent to buy program, or decent payment plan?

[EggyToast]

Well, you're a bass guitar player, right? Would you buy a $50 bass guitar?

[piperwarrior197]

Save your money for a used Englehardt or something decent for just a couple hundred buck more. I've heard too many horror stories about these cheapos literally falling apart in your hands.

[shadygrove]

Hammond Ashley has a rent to own program. Bass Church usually has a selection of basses similar to HA. Trading Musician and Guitar Emporium (in Ballard) also often have DB's.

[BOBTHEMONKEY]

Good point, eggytoast, I wouldn't spend 50$ for a electric bass. Seeing as buying one off of e-bay is risky at best and although it's not what I want to hear, spending more to get more is the way to go. I have ventured to Hammond Ashley, as well as rented from them in the past, so I have not had the pleasure of playing a crappy setup or bass. I guess they are phasing out the rent to own program. Spoiled from the onset I would be dissapointed to order something sight unseen and have it be a piece of #@%!. I would like to try and find a cheapo just to see what they are all about.
What about a Shen?
I did try a couple of basses at Guitar Emporium, a little spendy but I am sure the stock is constantly changing. I'll check the other places and call around.
Have people had good luck with Upton bass?
Thanks for the input.
Robert

[zeytoun]

People generally like their Uptons and Shens.

The cheapo one is going to cost at least a few $100 to get proper set up, by then you're already at about the price of used Englhardt, which is perfectly acceptable in the Rockabilly world, but have their limitations just the same. Just a few hundred more, and you're in the range of Uptons and Shens, which are usually respected as decent entry-level double basses.

A lot depends on what you plan to do with your bass. Are you going to just play amped rockabilly, or are you interested in jazz, bluegrass, or orchestral? If you're open, but unsure, remember that some basses will leave you room to grow, whereas others will limit you severely.

[aacyr]

I bought a bass from FMI because I didn't know any better and was on a budget. The setup was ok and got me buy. The quality of the CCB's are shotty at best. It will start to come apart w/in a 6 months of heavy playing. I have since bought an Upton and am pleased w/ the quality and setup. My next purchase will be a Kay or something oldish. The sound of oldies are great.

But don't hesitate to buy a cheap bass if;
1. you won't come into more money anytime soon
2. want to have a tinker bass to you can learn on b4 you spend thousands on something better
3. not sure if you'll like playing DB
4. realize it isn't a quality instrument
5. mind making repairs on your own (You'll learn some skills in that area quick.)
6. Don't have the cash to buy better and really want to start playing

I would go w/ the Engles or Shen first. They are inexpensive and sound good.

[Gary Lynch]

Shen SB90, good looking Rockin' unit. The SB80 is a good value too. ONLY IF a pro luthier sets them up. Besides the player, THE SETUP is key.

Don't buy junk.

[scotty77]

There's a Shen Hybrid in the TalkBass Classifieds right now located in Seattle. He's asking $2100.00. Stroll down and take a look at it.
Good luck.