Need help Choosing first Bass

[INtrotter]

Ok here is the deal. I have a friend who plays a bunch of festivals and records. Most if Folk type and bluegrass. He has asked me to play Bass Fiddle for him. I know bass and guitar and I am confident I can do ok on the Big Boys Bass. My concern is buying one and where to buy. I am in Southern Indiana about 50 miles frm Louisville and 80 from Indy. Is there A place a gyu can rent on?

[shadygrove]

Way out of my neighborhood, but since I hate to see your post sit here day after day with no replies I'll throw my thoughts in anyway. Here's a list of folks that repair double basses off of Bob Gollihur's website. These are the kind of people you want to talk to about renting/buying a bass, not the Guitar Center/ Sam Ash kind of of music stores that are not knowledgeable about DB and unable to fix problems.

http://www.gollihurmusic.com/luthiers.cfm

I've heard good things about Nick Lloyd and Cincinatti Bass Cellar in your part of the country.

If you haven't read the newbie links sticky in the Basses [DB]forum yet there's a lot of info there. I also recommend finding someone to take a few lessons as EB and guitar theory will transfer but the physical technique with DB is different and it's easy to hurt yourself. You'll save yourself a lot of time and trouble by getting someone to show you the basics.

[Steve Killingsworth]

It sounds like you're about a 3-4 hour drive from Nashville. It would make for a long day but there are several shops worth checking out. Dustin Williams has a rental program as well as basses for sale.

I think you may find the "big boy bass" to be a very different beast from what you're familiar with playing. The technique and physical approach is completely differnet. Just be warned that the big fiddle is very addictive.

[JTL]

Check out Crawdaddy Music in Madison Indiana, they have some real sweet uprights. I don't know about renting though.

[WilliamJames]

Hey, I'm in Southern Indiana as well, Martinsville. I would just wait for a deal on Craigslist if I were you.

If you ever come around Morgan county, check out Champlin music. Dennis is an honest guy and made his name as an upright bass player in jazz trios.

Its a Christian family business run out of his house. You won't get Box Store prices, but you will get incredible service and some good conversation too. He is stocking up with refurbished basses from the local high school soon. They will start under a grand and be like new.

In Indianapolis, Floreks Violin Shop on Washington street is a safe bet for used basses and very good service. Family business as well. They are fair on the price and another good shop. Also musician owned.

Peace

[bluegrass greg]

Last week there was an 800$ engelhart on louisville craiglist, and a 1300$ kay out of the one in cinci.
I hope I'm not steering you wrong, but these 2 caught my eye. Greg
Where are you located. I'm in madison. Lots of bluegrass around here.