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Double Bass Beginners Bass?
- Thread starter Coreyasl
- Start date
As far as I can tell, there's no description for this instrument, beyond the word "new". So the's absolutely no way to tell what you'd be getting. But when you consider that the cumulative rent-to-own cost would be under $2K, it's probably safe to assume this is an instrument that falls in the "cheapo DB" category. Generic set-up (if any), generic strings...the fact that it's a rental doesn't change any of the musical variables.
If you want to give DB playing a try, but aren't sure yet about taking the full financial plunge, I'd suggest this: find a teacher first. Most will either have a bass or two that you can rent (for comparable rates, by the way), or can steer you to a local rental source. This online thing = pig, poke.
If you want to give DB playing a try, but aren't sure yet about taking the full financial plunge, I'd suggest this: find a teacher first. Most will either have a bass or two that you can rent (for comparable rates, by the way), or can steer you to a local rental source. This online thing = pig, poke.
Whether buying or renting a double bass, it should be done from a real bass shop. Forget about guitar shops and mass musical merchandisers. Keep in mind that the value of a good setup simply cannot be overestimated. A good setup can be the difference between an instrument that is a joy to play and on which you can progress rapidly and one that will fight you all the way.
I managed to find the bass model depicted on that image. It's a Palatino VB-004, otherwise known as the cheapest of the El Cheapos from that El Cheapo of a company.
They can be purchased new, with a two-year warranty, for $650.
Total cost from this rent-to-own outfit? $1,905. So no, not the best of deals. And not the best of basses. (In fact, pretty much the definition of a BSO)
As to finding a teacher: if might help to know where you are. "A relatively small town in FL" ain't exactly a pinpoint description.
They can be purchased new, with a two-year warranty, for $650.
Total cost from this rent-to-own outfit? $1,905. So no, not the best of deals. And not the best of basses. (In fact, pretty much the definition of a BSO)
As to finding a teacher: if might help to know where you are. "A relatively small town in FL" ain't exactly a pinpoint description.
Haha. Yea, I knew rent to own really sticks it to ya. But sometimes it's easier to come up with $60 a month than $1000 once.
I keep coming back and reading all the DB postings. I just gotta follow this to see where it leads.
My current city is Port Saint Lucie, FL 34986
Thanks for everyone's feedback. You guys rock! (unless you jazz, or insert other positive image here)
In the very short time I have been playing EB, I have gone from nothing to
Washburn T 14 'Natalie'
Fender Standard FSR Jazz 'Yasmine'
Steinberger Spirit XT2DB 'Shenikwa'
Dean acoustic 'Sun n Moon'
But something is pulling me to really get into a 'real' bass. =
so I'm determined to find a way to make the finances work.
My dad always said buy the best and cry once
Corey
I keep coming back and reading all the DB postings. I just gotta follow this to see where it leads.
My current city is Port Saint Lucie, FL 34986
Thanks for everyone's feedback. You guys rock! (unless you jazz, or insert other positive image here)
In the very short time I have been playing EB, I have gone from nothing to
Washburn T 14 'Natalie'
Fender Standard FSR Jazz 'Yasmine'
Steinberger Spirit XT2DB 'Shenikwa'
Dean acoustic 'Sun n Moon'
But something is pulling me to really get into a 'real' bass. =
so I'm determined to find a way to make the finances work. My dad always said buy the best and cry once
Corey
There are good rent to own, programs. Locally (doesn't help you, I know) for about $60 you get a student plywood of good make and model with a pro setup and good strings and a bow. 100% of that rental cost for up to, I think 2 years, can be applied to the purchase of ANY bass, not just the one you have. Hammond-Ashley also guarantees 100% trade value for life of any bass you buy from them (assuming you don't damage it).
It's good business for them because they know that what seems like a lot of money getting into it starts to make sense as you develop as a player and they want customers for life to stay loyal to them.
Look for a reputable shop in FLA, even if you have to drive down to Palm/Broward, up to Orlando or over to Tampa. It's worth it.
It's good business for them because they know that what seems like a lot of money getting into it starts to make sense as you develop as a player and they want customers for life to stay loyal to them.
Look for a reputable shop in FLA, even if you have to drive down to Palm/Broward, up to Orlando or over to Tampa. It's worth it.
Something about rent-to-own is that it's vastly better to do this with a bass that you'd really want to own -- or at least that you could turn around and sell. If the rent-to-own is based on an inflated price of a crummy bass, then it could be worse than just a straight rental.
