Looking to start learning double bass and want to pick up a decent instrument. I know I could (and probably should) rent first, but I'm old enough to know my obsessions and I can sell an electric bass to help finance this.
All of my reading says to bring someone who knows how to play to check an instrument out. I found what I think is a good deal on a Shen SB200, but have no way of really knowing. Any advice on where to find someone who might be willing to help?
My first thought is an instructor, but I didn't know if it would be odd to have our first lesson be going shopping.
And, in the off chance you know of someone specific around Philly, that would be even better.
Thanks!
Renting is a really good idea. The biggest reason is because it's difficult to turn over a double bass quickly without losing a bunch of money. Even if the bass is sold at a discount, it could take a long time to find a new buyer. Of course the market varies significantly by location. Not a lot of double basses trading hands where I live.
Samuel Shen Musical Instruments Product Page (cscproducts.com)
I have a very positive impression of Shen basses. The SB200 is their lowest level fully carved bass. These come in a variety of body shapes, sizes, and wood types. They also come in round back or flat back. Higher numbers indicate more figured wood.
The SB150, SB180 and SB190 are hybrids, and AFAIK any lower numbers will be laminate. I nice hybrid should be a significant step up from a laminate bass.
Most of the new SB200 I have noticed recently are willow with a spruce top. Supposedly willow is a bit more resilient/less likely to crack than maple. I believe these basses may actually be hybrids as I have been told laminate is used for the ribs. AFAIK willow basses are a bit darker/warmer sounding.
I believe I have seen a few walnut Shen listings recently as well.
Things you can do. Buy from a reputable seller who is interested and qualified in helping you find the right instrument. Bring along a qualified expert who can evaluate the condition and playability of the bass, as well as assess how well it's tone and response will suit your intended goals.
Experienced players tend to have a range of different preferences for how a double bass should sound and play. I used to go to huge trade shows where I could sample hundreds of double basses, and usually I found one or two that really appealed to me. My point is don't be in a hurry, and try to play a bunch of different basses, till you find the one that feels right.
This advice doesn't really work since you don't know how to play double bass yet...another reason why it's not a bad idea to rent until you develop enough mastery of the instrument to make a better informed decision on which bass to buy.
