That's good. When I go bass shopping I struggle to find a bass I do like, so that's why I interpreted what you wrote the way I did.
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Double Bass Best upright bass for $5K?
- Thread starter MattyHoskins
- Start date
That's good. When I go bass shopping I struggle to find a bass I do like, so that's why I interpreted what you wrote the way I did.
Been a month and wanted to update. I got out to Shank's Strings yesterday. What sweet people! They looked at my Kremona DB-4 which I bought in 2001 for my university studies. There was not much more they could recommend to "upgrade" it. A good, solid bass, and they didn't even recommend a string change from the Helicore Orchestras. If I was going to upgrade, it was going to be a new bass. I told him my price range which was in the 5-6K range. He laid out about 8 basses, and then asked me to take my time and play them to see what I liked. I played both pizz and did some bowing. Found three that were the "best". There was a Chinese made bass that he had repaired that I really loved. Bowed really nicely and dark but warm sound. All his basses generally are strung with Helicore Orchestras, which makes it easier to compare them. I did try one bass at the end a little out of my range. A 1960 bass that had a great pizz sound. The attack wasn't instant, but about a tenth of a second after, the notes just got both big and focused. Loved that about the bass. But I think the 4.5K one, I could get very close to that with some practice. Only issue with the 4.5K bass is the E string was a bit high and out there, but he felt like he could get it where I wanted it.
Overall, I loved the experience. I'm going to upgrade and funny enough, these were the first basses I ever played besides my own and the trash student loaner Englehart the university had on hand when I started there. So I'm OKAY holding onto my current bass for a minute. I really appreciated how they didn't pressure me at all and didn't talk me into any repairs or upgrades. They laid out the facts and let me make a decision. BTW...just so you know...I will want to sell my current bass to finance the next. He said I should get a good $2,500 for it (20 years of seasoning, I guess). So if anyone is looking for a solid, and I do mean solid, fully carved bass with no problems other than it is what it is, let me know.
Overall, I loved the experience. I'm going to upgrade and funny enough, these were the first basses I ever played besides my own and the trash student loaner Englehart the university had on hand when I started there. So I'm OKAY holding onto my current bass for a minute. I really appreciated how they didn't pressure me at all and didn't talk me into any repairs or upgrades. They laid out the facts and let me make a decision. BTW...just so you know...I will want to sell my current bass to finance the next. He said I should get a good $2,500 for it (20 years of seasoning, I guess). So if anyone is looking for a solid, and I do mean solid, fully carved bass with no problems other than it is what it is, let me know.
I was out at Shank’s the week before and likely played some of the same basses. Could not agree with you more about what great, and knowledgeable, people. Think I played about a dozen or so. Mike was upstairs in a different room and could tell which ones I liked. Said when I come back in a few weeks he should have some others as well.
Did you end up keeping this? Still potentially looking at the New Standards...just waiting for more to be in stock somewhere and need to schedule a drive. My price range is gonna likely keep me in hybrid land.Quick update: I went to Sonksen Strings yesterday. What a blast, having racks of great basses right in front of you. I tried a bunch of basses in the $8-12k range (sort fo OT for the original topic of this thread) . All of them were really nice, very high quality -- mostly German. I liked all of them, which made my decision difficult (which maybe is not the worst problem in the world to have). In the end I did drive home with the La Scala for a weeklong tryout at home. Overall (sound, comfort, size, etc.) it just felt like the best fit for me. But I probably could be happy with almost any of those instruments. I also got a chance to try out some of the fantastic super basses, just for fun. They were just awesome. As for the La Scala, it's from 2011, but is basically new and little used. It feels really comfortable and user-friendly, and has a nice balanced mix of warmth and punch (Mark thinks that the bass will open up a bit more over time). I absolutely love the shorter string length, coming from a ~44 incher -- it'll take a little while to get used to it. Right now it has three Evahs (ADG) and a Spiro mittel (E), and a Realist (FCs in stock). So, assuming I keep it, trying out different strings (all spiros? spiro + dominants a la @Chris Fitzgerald.... ?) and PUs could be on the agenda. But right I just need to play the heck out of it; I'm hoping to to get our quartet to come rehearse in our barn this weekend, since even the driveway gigs (which have been fun) now seem like too much of a gamble. Out here in the boonies, the only audience will be the deer and the birds.
Yes I did keep the La Scala, and I'm really enjoying it. Unless you're in the New England area, finding a New Standard might not be so easy. I've seen a handful of used ones in the TB classifieds in the past year or two. But there are a lot of great basses out there; it sounds as though you're finding some nice ones and having a good experience taking your time. Good luck!
My backup is actually also a Shen Gemunder 7/8 flatback willow. It’s a lot of bass for the money bought new but they can be found used for a lot less if you’re willing to be patient and pounce when they (or some other bass) pops up. $5,000 will get you a great bass if you’re not in a big rush to buy. A lot of good choices, especially used, at that price point. The Kay is worth getting repaired, there’s always a market for them.
Greg Clinkingbeard
Commercial User
I got four basses in a CRV one week before I bought a cargo van.
Greg Clinkingbeard
Commercial User
It’s not always possible to recommend brands when choosing basses. Why? Basses of the same model might not be set up the same or maybe one ‘just doesn’t have IT’. When working for Krutz, I set up several basses of the same model in the $7,000 range. Most were very good, some were just OK, but one spoke to me. I bought it!
It’s best to play as many basses as possible and be open to the right one.
It’s best to play as many basses as possible and be open to the right one.
This video changed my life. A big reason I kept putting off purchasing an upright was because I thought my car was too small.
Granted it's not SUPER comfy to drive with it but I've got to San Diego and back to LA with no problems.
Granted it's not SUPER comfy to drive with it but I've got to San Diego and back to LA with no problems.
Idiotic. If you don’t buckle your bass in, it becomes a projectile in case God forbid you have an accident.
You can find a number of (new) New Standard basses at Keiran O’Hara’s shop in Brewster, NY. I believe he’s the primary guy now.
Sales — O'Hara Fine Instruments
Gotta love a site where you click on the image of a bass listed for $104K and it asks, "Add to cart?"
That would make for a neat late night impulse buy - and a heck of a morning after case of buyer’s remorse.Gotta love a site where you click on the image of a bass listed for $104K and it asks, "Add to cart?"
