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Double Bass Buy a local Cremona or hold out for better?

Battlstarcanada

Battlstarcanada

Apr 22, 2011
16
2
Durham, NC USA
kattalax.bandcamp.com
#1
Hello folks!

New to the board and to upright basses. I've read the stickys about newbies and cheap chinese basses but there seem to be no straight answer on these things.

I've been playing electric bass & guitar for over twenty years and I'm looking for my first upright. I play mostly experimental music you can hear it here:

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I have an offer of a local Cremona bass for $775 with bag and bow included. My current budget allows for almost $1500 but I'm not sure I want to spend all of it on this since I'm new

I will definitely need a pickup since I will probably play it out some in some local clubs.

what do you guys think?
 
#2
I would hold -off, been through it myself many years ago. I no longer own an Upright (maybe soon however) but check out this site(maybe you've been there already) for information and see what they have in your price range:
The String Emporium, Upright Basses, Cellos, Violins and Instrument Cases
You might know a string Bass player (friend of a friend,etc.) that could connect you with a good bass without getting in over your head. This side of Talk bass is great for getting real players to give you sane advice. In any case take it slow, its sort of like buying a car, you don't grab the first one you drive.......Have fun.......:cool:
 
#3
If you already have an amp,you could be ok to get a bass with your 1500. You can find some good pickups on the classified section for 100 or less.

i would stay away from the Cremona unless you are willing to deal with the problems that they have. I had one that had a sinking top and it cost as much as the instrument to repair it.

In your price range I would look at Engelhardt, Christopher, Eastman, etc. plywood basses. There are several good deals on basses in the classified section as well.
 
#4
SplitNick said:
If you already have an amp,you could be ok to get a bass with your 1500. You can find some good pickups on the classified section for 100 or less.

i would stay away from the Cremona unless you are willing to deal with the problems that they have. I had one that had a sinking top and it cost as much as the instrument to repair it.

In your price range I would look at Engelhardt, Christopher, Eastman, etc. plywood basses. There are several good deals on basses in the classified section as well.
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I've got a local all upright bass shop. On the bottom end he sell Sam Shens but they go for $1500 and that's without a pick up or bow. It seems to be what I should go for since he's local and would be great for repairs and such.

I do see basses on ebay in the $1000 range that are pretty tempting that come with everything but they would need to be shipped which is kind of a bummer.... I've seen a couple of Kay's and a Christopher on there lately.

as far as an amp goes, I've got a full 1200W PA in my music room so that isn't a problem! :)
 
#6
SplitNick said:
Cool. i would go with a local Shen. You could go in and try the bass, talk about the set up, and how the bass feels. they might be able to steer you in a good direction for your applications.

Internet purchases can be perceived as bad if you get a good instrument with an awful set up.
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So true, I think you have me convinced!. I've been very scared to hit the "Buy it now" on ebay in fear of it reaching me and being a totally mess.

I think I might comb the local craigslist for a while and see if anything else pops up. At least if it's local I could see it and try it out.

I think in the end I may end up going with the local shop though.... I'll just need to save a bit more. I've never read anything bad about the Sam Shens. They seem to be pretty favored on the lower end of things...
 
#8
Seems high for a Cremona isn't it? Guess it depends on the model. There are some good results with them in some threads here and at least you could see and play it before buying, but I'd think you may find a decent bass for 1000 or so on craigslist etc. Whatever you decide, best of luck to you
 
#11
Steve Swan said:
Check out the Shen basses at Bob Beerman's. He'll take good care of you. Let us know how it turns out.
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I have been in contact with Bob!. Thank you!. I'm going to make an appointment and go check out what he has. I'm thinking that this will be the way to go.

Funny thing about these internets!. It may be the local guy after all that could turn out to be the best bet!
 
#16
Battlstarcanada said:
I think it is a 1/4 sized bass. The guys said it's a little smaller then a 3/4 so maybe it's a 1/2?

Either way I'm looking for something smaller then a 3/4 so It's easier to transport to shows.
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I don't think thats a very good idea. You may sacrifice technique/comfort. You might be able to play beautifully on a half size, but it might cause physical issues in the future if your a big guy.
 
#17
Battlstarcanada said:
I think it is a 1/4 sized bass. The guys said it's a little smaller then a 3/4 so maybe it's a 1/2?

Either way I'm looking for something smaller then a 3/4 so It's easier to transport to shows.
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"Doublebass" and "easy to transport to shows" simply do not intersect so you can drop that idea right now. And as far as the dwarf Kay you found goes, save your $600. I'm being kind when I say that their acoustic volume leaves something to be desired. Plus, you'll look silly playing it.
 
#19
All right! All Right! you guys! You have me convinced. The guy says it's a 1/2 but I guess I should go for a 3/4.

I'm around 6ft tall so That makes sense.

I guess my next question is:

Do I buy the $1500 Sam Shen from Bob my local guy or do I buy one of the $1100 dollar Engelhardts from the other Bob and have it shipped?.

The second option would leave me money to add in a pickup, stand and bow?.
 

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