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Double Bass A what bass???? Weitzl???
- Thread starter Brandon Tuomiko
- Start date
- Status
Greg Clinkingbeard
Commercial User
Brandon,
You've really made big strides in becoming understandable. Just compare one of your later posts and compare it with your first few posts on this thread, and you'll see. Bravo!
And your Kay probably is a piece of crap, given that it was stuck in standing water for so many weeks. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt on that one, since I've never played a bass that's been stuck in a flood. No problem.
You're young right now, and seem a bit stubborn. That's okay also. Everybody's a little stubborn, and stubbornness helps in situations in which you know that you're right, because you've gained the knowledge and experience to say so. Brandon: stubbornness doesn't work as a neophyte, and you're a neophyte.
Believe me: I was in a similar situation as you. Looking at the shiny, brand new Cremonas on eBay selling for less than $1000, and thinking they were a great deal. Funny thing was, that I had 4 years of experience under my belt in high school and I had played some great basses at the All-City Orchestra in NYC. But I had only a faint idea how much basses really cost, and I didn't even know that i could get them setup to my exact standards (I only knew they could be repaired). It was fate, I guess, that I found out about luthier setups from a person who was selling a bass that I was interested in. I already had a bass, the one I mentioned a few pages back, and it was hard to play, just like your Kay; after the setup, it was easy.
But had I not run into that guy, I probably would have spend a few thousand bucks on a bass that I wouldn't have been too happy about; instead, I managed to spend only about $350, including strings, to revive my old bass.
Brandon, that fate you've run into is Talkbass. The guys on these boards know what they're talking about, so listen to what they're saying. You're looking for the cheapest carved bass possible, while everybody's flashing red flags at you. There's a reason why everybody says that entry level basses, and I mean plywood basses, start ar $1500 or so (although some good ones are slightly lower). There's a good reason why Arnold Schnitzer and Wil De Sola can sell their plywood basses for more than some decent carved basses can go for. It's all about sound, playability, and durability. The 'brand' name only gets its value if those criteria are good.
How do you know what's good out there? Play the bass, and ask your teacher or an experience bassist to try it out for you as well to get their take on it. Play lots of basses also. Avoid eBay and mail order basses, IMO, because you don't know what you're going to get.
How do you know whether the bass will be durable for years to come, or keep popping its seams or even implode after a couple of years or less? The 'brand' name helps in this case, as basses get their reputations for whether they can stay together for more than a few years. Also, a luthier can inspect the bass and its internal construction and let you know.
As for the Jim Laabs basses, I haven't heard much, but some say their decent for the money. Some have said that the company that makes them presses the tops instead of carving them, which makes them kind of risky IMO. Also, Jim Laabs has a reputation of being an *******, but that's just a seller problem, not a bass problem.
So in conclusion:
1) Listen to everyone here, and form your opinion based off of that instead of listening to your own stubborn self.
2) Read the various thread in Talkbass, especially the Newbie threads.
3) Try out as many basses as you can.
4) Don't be impulsive when it comes to buying your bass or other equipment. As Kevin noted, it can cost you a lot of money in the long run.
You've really made big strides in becoming understandable. Just compare one of your later posts and compare it with your first few posts on this thread, and you'll see. Bravo!
And your Kay probably is a piece of crap, given that it was stuck in standing water for so many weeks. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt on that one, since I've never played a bass that's been stuck in a flood. No problem.
You're young right now, and seem a bit stubborn. That's okay also. Everybody's a little stubborn, and stubbornness helps in situations in which you know that you're right, because you've gained the knowledge and experience to say so. Brandon: stubbornness doesn't work as a neophyte, and you're a neophyte.
Believe me: I was in a similar situation as you. Looking at the shiny, brand new Cremonas on eBay selling for less than $1000, and thinking they were a great deal. Funny thing was, that I had 4 years of experience under my belt in high school and I had played some great basses at the All-City Orchestra in NYC. But I had only a faint idea how much basses really cost, and I didn't even know that i could get them setup to my exact standards (I only knew they could be repaired). It was fate, I guess, that I found out about luthier setups from a person who was selling a bass that I was interested in. I already had a bass, the one I mentioned a few pages back, and it was hard to play, just like your Kay; after the setup, it was easy.
But had I not run into that guy, I probably would have spend a few thousand bucks on a bass that I wouldn't have been too happy about; instead, I managed to spend only about $350, including strings, to revive my old bass.
Brandon, that fate you've run into is Talkbass. The guys on these boards know what they're talking about, so listen to what they're saying. You're looking for the cheapest carved bass possible, while everybody's flashing red flags at you. There's a reason why everybody says that entry level basses, and I mean plywood basses, start ar $1500 or so (although some good ones are slightly lower). There's a good reason why Arnold Schnitzer and Wil De Sola can sell their plywood basses for more than some decent carved basses can go for. It's all about sound, playability, and durability. The 'brand' name only gets its value if those criteria are good.
How do you know what's good out there? Play the bass, and ask your teacher or an experience bassist to try it out for you as well to get their take on it. Play lots of basses also. Avoid eBay and mail order basses, IMO, because you don't know what you're going to get.
How do you know whether the bass will be durable for years to come, or keep popping its seams or even implode after a couple of years or less? The 'brand' name helps in this case, as basses get their reputations for whether they can stay together for more than a few years. Also, a luthier can inspect the bass and its internal construction and let you know.
As for the Jim Laabs basses, I haven't heard much, but some say their decent for the money. Some have said that the company that makes them presses the tops instead of carving them, which makes them kind of risky IMO. Also, Jim Laabs has a reputation of being an *******, but that's just a seller problem, not a bass problem.
So in conclusion:
1) Listen to everyone here, and form your opinion based off of that instead of listening to your own stubborn self.
2) Read the various thread in Talkbass, especially the Newbie threads.
3) Try out as many basses as you can.
4) Don't be impulsive when it comes to buying your bass or other equipment. As Kevin noted, it can cost you a lot of money in the long run.
i do listen to everyone on here, but I dont always agree. The problem is, is the only basses near me are $8000 and up or $500 and less. so its hard to play one I would like for the money.
Alright, get someone to drive you to KC Strings. It's 166 miles down route 29. No more excuses!
trust me on the fact you want to stay away from stuff on ebay and stuff that's really cheap and you can't hear.
kcstrings will be nice
kcstrings will be nice
MollyKay
Supporting Member
Here is what is up with the Kay
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
...we are not close enough to be of any help...sorry
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
...we are not close enough to be of any help...sorry
Greg Clinkingbeard
Commercial User
Brandon,
I honestly want to help you. If you are serious, I will take time off work to meet you there.
Call KC for sure. A shop the regularly deals with Double Basses(repairing, selling etc) is a great way to find a really good sounding bass that is set up well. One piece of advice... Make sure you play several basses before you make a decision. When I was near your age, I purchased a nice shiny new bass, and it turned out to be one of the worst instruments I have owned. Also you do not have to have a fully carved bass to play with a bow! You can find some great sounding plywood and hybrid(carved top)instruments that will help you to learn and get a sound with. When you start to develope a sound and/or are starting to look for work with symphonies, or theatre you can step up to a carved instrument. If you get a chance check out the Christopher line of instruments. They have been discussed quite a bit here, and are great instruments to start off on. Don't think that the guys/gals on this board are against you. We really want to help. Remember MOST of us have been in the same position as you!
Brandon, my boys have offered you almost anything with the exception of picking you up, taking you to a shop, paying for the bass, and living with you to give you lessons.
I miss two words...Thanks anyway.
I miss two words...Thanks anyway.
This thread includes two things:
1. how useful Talkbass can be in terms of opinions and viewpoints shared
2. the ignorance and arrogance that Talkbass can do without
Good luck trying to figure out which is which!
1. how useful Talkbass can be in terms of opinions and viewpoints shared
2. the ignorance and arrogance that Talkbass can do without
Good luck trying to figure out which is which!
Greg Clinkingbeard
Commercial User
Brandon,
A shop that supplies most of the schools in the area AND many of the pros is a valuable resource to you. With basses priced from just over $1,000 to over $30,000 there are plenty of basses to choose from.
An interesting video:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
How about this. Sounds fishy but comes with a nice bow. its carved too.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Fully-Carved-3-...ryZ16222QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Looks great
http://cgi.ebay.com/Fully-Carved-3-...ryZ16222QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Looks great
As an eBay Associate, TalkBass may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
They're in Oregon and will only do a local pickup. Not sure how you're going to swing that, but best of luck. I hope you get a bass that suits you.
i think he means that he doesnt really want to ship, but i may be able to convince him. I read about the company, and they make world class instruments. And that bow is quite something. $600!!!! and its a snakewood, thats rare!
It seems like a good deal. I will try to sell my organ, and bass for it. maybe fork over my piano. but thats pushing it for a bass
It seems like a good deal. I will try to sell my organ, and bass for it. maybe fork over my piano. but thats pushing it for a bass
Brandon Tuomiko's Keywords:
Carved
Bass
Cheap
Snakewood
Prescott
Good
As someone said before, Double Bass is not like an electric bass where certain brands can connote quality. Carved doesn't even imply quality. It's just a different method of construction. Snakewood does not necessarily mean it's a good bow either.
WHY WON'T YOU LISTEN?!
Carved
Bass
Cheap
Snakewood
Prescott
Good
As someone said before, Double Bass is not like an electric bass where certain brands can connote quality. Carved doesn't even imply quality. It's just a different method of construction. Snakewood does not necessarily mean it's a good bow either.
WHY WON'T YOU LISTEN?!
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