6 string electric or upright????

[AHbassist]

I'm looking to buy either a new electric six string or an upright bass. I'd like to know what you would do in my situation without exceeding $1500. Be sure 2 specify brand and model, pictures are cool 2.

 

[barbarbass]

I'm in a similar spot -- trying to convince my wife to let me spend 1500 on an upright. She wants a car, instead.

 

[Warpticon]

Get a 6 string electric upright.

 

[Ed Goode]

Get a 6 string electric upright.

For sure

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[glivanos]

I'm fortunate enough to have a wife who understands my bass gear addiction, so I have both.

I haven't touched my 6 string for about 3 years. I have however been heavily involved with my upright. Lessons, jam sessions, etc.

I strongly recommend an upright. Once you start, you'll be hooked.

I have a custom made 6 string and a Strunal Model 50/4laminate bass that I am currently using to play out.

 

[Niels Brown]

I voted upright until I saw your price limitation, good luck finding a nice one for that price.

 

[Cairobill]

I have a four string, a sixer and an upright. If I had to lose one it would be the sixer.

You will need to budget for lessons though. Playing upright without learning the ropes is asking for a painful, uninspiring experience. You will also need to get the bass set-up well.

But when you get into playing the double bass, it is the MOTHERLODE.

C

 

[Ed Goode]

I strongly recommend an upright. Once you start, you'll be hooked.

Seriously, I completely agree with this. There is nothing that will be as rewarding through the years as the ability to double on both electric and DB .... you'll get more gigs and you'll gain a much greater appreciation of the art of bass playing.

Realistically, at $1500 you'll be looking at a lower end "student model" upright. Not really an issue for a DB noob, but you eventually want to get a better bass which will provide tonal diversity and will project much better in a band setting. You might be able to find an older Kay or Englehart in that range, but they will likely need some work.

For an electric 6 string slab bass there are numerous options available in the $1500 range. The Yamaha TRB's are pretty cool, the higher end Brice Z6 is a fairly inexpensive way to get your feet wet, and you can always look through the TB classifieds for some good used basses .....

 

[Warpticon]

For sure

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I'm actually shocked at how reasonably priced those are.

 

[Ed Goode]

I'm actually shocked at how reasonably priced those are.

No kidding ..... and they're decent players, too. I'm not fond of the stick type body personally ... I'm too big for such a slim profile. IIRC, the basic 6 is somewhere around $800 ...

 

[glivanos]

There are plenty of threads in this forum regarding low cost uprights.

My personal experience is that 3 years ago I bought a Strunal from Sam Ash ( I know, I know you shouldn't buy from a regular music store) but this particular bass really sounded good.

$1300 later with a $200 set-up/bridge upgrade I have a very durable, good sounding bass for the money.

Did I upgrade? You betcha, I just got my 50's 5/8's restored carved Juzek back from my luthier, but I'm still using my Strunal to play out.

You can also find a used Upton laminate for around $1500 too.

I believe there is one for sale right now on this site

 

[Cairobill]

Start on a $1500 ply then move on up when you're ready and able. It's a great instrument.

C

 

[vampiregenocide]

i thought u meant string electric upright lol id go for a double so minus 1 point of the 6er

 

[bad_andy]

It's a question of why you want either axe. I'm an avid 6 stringer and I love the extra range as well as the ability to play chords easily. I also play a bit of upright and that opens up a whole world of other kinds of gigs. You can get a decent player for either kind of instrument in the used market. I will say that IMHO your budget will go a bit further for a 6 string electric bass than for an acoustic URB.

There are some decent plywood basses out there, but on live gigs you'll be reliant on the pickup system you outfit them with more than the native tone of the bass. Quality acoustic tone costs money. My carved URB cost $3,300 plus shipping and the Symphonic player I went to for some break-in lessons check it out and told me that was a bargain for what I got. As for electric uprights, there are several options including the Wave 4 with some $$ left over for some new strings and a little tweeking.