Is it worth it getting a hybrid? (for rockabilly)

[phyton]

Hi guys,

I've been playing guitar and el. fretted & fretless bass for 9 years and decided that it's finally my time to get myself a double bass, mostly for rockabilly stuff.

I'm in Europe and my budget is around 1000 euro + some extra cash for new strings and a luthier setup. After some reading I've decided that my best option is probably a Strunal from Thomann with the ebony fingerboard and adjustable bridge. The blue one is cheaper but I dislike high gloss finishes.

However, a hybrid Strunal with a carved spruce top is just a 100 euro more? I know that usually hybrids have a better tone so should I go for it instead?

My main concern is whether it is sturdy enough, I won't be throwing it or sitting on it but playing a lot of slap and etc.

[tstone]

* Rockabilly is more about rhythm and slapping than tone.
* You're presumably not going to be playing any arco.
* Durability is always a plus, especially in a touring and/or crowded club environment.
* You'll presumably be amplified, so volume is not a consideration.

To me those things say go with the laminated bass.

[T-Bird]

Hi.

While there's absolutely no reason why the rockabilly players "shouldn't have nice things", a plywood one is always the wisest option (IME/IMHO anyway) for an instrument that sees varying humidities and temperatures. For our style and preferences, solid tops offer little or no benefit.

My vote would go for a ply, but judging by Your location, you should have some vintage ones floating around as well.

Regards
Sam

[phyton]

Thanks for the opinions, I'll just go with the ply then.

T-Bird - indeed, I've seen some old instruments for sale but most of them are owned by classical musicians and are fully carved. I'm not sure if I could find a well made old plywood bass around here.

[littlemark]

For what it's worth, I have an old kay and a 100+ year old italian carved bass. I use both on gigs. I record with the carved. But because the kay is sturdier I use that more often. But keep in mind I use a mic live. So the carved bass sounds "better".

I have very little experience with hybrids. Try them out, see how they sound.