Beginging to play a double bass...

kpennell · #1 12-25-2011, 02:08 PM

... so I'm planning on buying a double bass.

I'm a memeber of a traditional/folk/bluegrass group in Newfoundland, Canada.

I am stoked about my new purchase, but I'm doing my best to be patient, and I'm limited with respect to trying before I buy.

There is a local guy selling his upright. These are the specs that he posted:

"I'm selling my professional double bass. It's a smaller 3/4 size, gamba shape, and made with violin grade, solid tone-woods, and it's 10 years old with absolutely no issues. Great for the jazz or classical player!"

I don't know the brand, but its going for 3,000 bucks.

I've done and enjoyes a lot reading n this forum. It's a great past-time.

Looking forward to someone's response.

KP

ttreppa · #2 12-26-2011, 08:24 AM

The first question that comes to mind is: have you played it? Maybe take some pictures, look inside for a name, do some comparison shopping on the net by checking out various web sites of makers and sellers to see what is a fair going price keeping in mind that the prices are US dollars so you will have to adjust for Canadian dollars.
Have fun in the search and purchasing. You'll never regret it.

Terry Treppa

Jake deVilliers · #3 12-27-2011, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kpennell

... so I'm planning on buying a double bass.

I'm a memeber of a traditional/folk/bluegrass group in Newfoundland, Canada.

I am stoked about my new purchase, but I'm doing my best to be patient, and I'm limited with respect to trying before I buy.

There is a local guy selling his upright. These are the specs that he posted:

"I'm selling my professional double bass. It's a smaller 3/4 size, gamba shape, and made with violin grade, solid tone-woods, and it's 10 years old with absolutely no issues. Great for the jazz or classical player!"

I don't know the brand, but its going for 3,000 bucks.

I've done and enjoyes a lot reading n this forum. It's a great past-time.

Looking forward to someone's response.

KP

Get your DB teacher to go with you to check it out. It might be a good bass but its hard for a beginner to assess a DB. Maybe the seller will take it to a bass luthier for an inspection?

Good luck!

eerbrev · #4 12-27-2011, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kpennell

... so I'm planning on buying a double bass.

I'm a memeber of a traditional/folk/bluegrass group in Newfoundland, Canada.

I am stoked about my new purchase, but I'm doing my best to be patient, and I'm limited with respect to trying before I buy.

There is a local guy selling his upright. These are the specs that he posted:

"I'm selling my professional double bass. It's a smaller 3/4 size, gamba shape, and made with violin grade, solid tone-woods, and it's 10 years old with absolutely no issues. Great for the jazz or classical player!"

I don't know the brand, but its going for 3,000 bucks.

I've done and enjoyes a lot reading n this forum. It's a great past-time.

Looking forward to someone's response.

KP

You have a PM!

eerbrev

Bass Doc · #5 12-27-2011, 05:01 PM

Here's my 2 cents worth:

Let SOMEONE ELSE play it while you listen from 5-10 feet away. I think its impossible for the player to hear his own bass fully. Take a friend who knows how to play bass with you.

Bass Doc

Matt Ides · #6 12-27-2011, 05:56 PM

KP, try and take someone with you who plays.

kpennell · #7 12-28-2011, 07:16 AM

I had a look, and will certainly visit again, with all of your advice to bring a friend. huge thanks. This forum really does relax you a bit.

I found out the beast is about 10 years old, solid wood.

It's a Stentor Arcadia. It comes with a Czeck bow, padded carrying case and a stand (that doesn't fit the bass exactly). He has kept it in a room with a controllable humidifier. He is classically trained. He is selling it for 3000, haven't discussed yet if the price is negotiable. He also says the strings should last a few years, but for me I'd have to swap them out for plucking (I guess). And no pick-up.

From what I understand, it used to belong to a local luthier, who has recently passed, and THE luthier now in St. John's is now running his shop.

I'll continue to do some camparisons. When he bought it, he paid 6,000 bucks.

AntonLargiader · #8 12-28-2011, 04:21 PM

Can't help with the instrument, but I'll be all ears once you buy it. There seems to be very little folk and old-time here. Mostly Jazz/Classical/Bluegrass.

longfinger · #9 12-28-2011, 05:52 PM

check out this thread for info on Stentors.

Inexpensive Basses in U.K?

**iriegnome** · #10 03-09-2012, 01:57 PM

I am extremely new to Double bass. I have had mine for 1 week now. I can most certainly say that it is pretty cool. I was suprised how big the 3/4 actually is. With that said, I must talk about bass shopping. I have never played a DB before. I have played electric for 30+ years. Way different. Except for the buy there of. Shop. Shop. Shop. I know there are basses out there for under $300 (great for someone like me just messing about) and also there are hundreds of DB's at that $3000 mark. Pick what you want. If you are like me and know a great luthier, then some issues can be easily corrected. If you are out there on your own, please make sure you follow my previous posters and take someone who knows their stuff to help make the decision. Last thing you need to do is drop $3K on a bass that is unplayable. Good Luck.