OK! I need some help. I just started on double-bass a couple of months ago, lessons and all, and I'm renting a Palatino. My local music store, who I really do love doing business with, is actually pretty clueless when it comes to double-basses. They only stock Palatinos, and only one at a time. They can get Englehardts and some others, but they just bring it in and deliver it to you. I'd like to buy from a dealer that "knows" about double-basses and can help me with my selection of one. I've thought about buying a new one from Upton, but I'd rather buy in person and reasonably local if possible. My rental contract for the Palatino runs out the middle of September, and I really don't want to continue with it. They want $650 for this used Palatino, and I really don't think so.
I'd like to go look at some that maybe I could afford. I'm looking for a used instrument in the $1500 range, give or take, or a new one in the $2000 range, give or take. I'm going to be playing Bluegrass primarily with it, and I've been told by my teacher, and read a lot here on TB that I should be able to get a good bass for my purposes within the cost ranges that I've stated.
As I'm real new to the double-bass scene, I need some help on where to go in the Chicago-land area for "real" double-bass shops. I'd like to go visit three or four or five, or more, if possible and really get some help here. So, any names and addresses would be most appreciated.
! Man, I wish I had known about that in the past! I'm originally from very near there (Arlignton Heights) and I never knew!
