Double Bass Cheapest bass I'll find?

[Xynche]

So, I'm an electric bass player. I've been playing for a few years and I've been playing an upright in my schools string section. I'm 'hopefully' going to peruse a career in music (Have a backup plan), I would like to buy an upright bass to have more practice time and will have one for when I go to collage or whatever...

I don't have a lot of money, and I was wondering how cheap would I be able to find a bass? Used would be fine (actually what I'm looking for).

I'm hoping someone will say like $500 :/

EDIT: Also, where would I be able to find one?

 

[bassist4dalord]

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/upright-bass

I imagine they won't be anywhere near the best quality, but they'll work until you determine if you're ready to drop $3000+ on a "good" bass. Best of luck.

 

[MNAirHead]

Electric upright is probably your move...

 

[Xynche]

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/upright-bass

I imagine they won't be anywhere near the best quality, but they'll work until you determine if you're ready to drop $3000+ on a "good" bass. Best of luck.

Already checked there, but I was thinking of buying a slightly higher quality one used for the same price?

How do electric uprights compaire to regular ones?

 

[shadygrove]

Already checked there, but I was thinking of buying a slightly higher quality one used for the same price?

How do electric uprights compaire to regular ones?

#1 - smaller
#2 - you have to plug them in
#3 - they don't blend well in the "strings section"
#4 - it's more difficult to dance with an EUB

But seriously, that's a very broad question. You can get a cheap EUB for less than a cheap DB, but don't expect it to feel or sound like a DB. Have you read the newbie links at the top of this forum ? There's a couple threads in there about EUB-vs-DB and there are also a ton of stickies on different kinds over in the EUB forum.

It's good you're already thinking about better quality and looking at used basses. IMO it's better to save up and get the best instrument you can afford rather than buying the "dreaded cheap chinese DB" mail order and finding yourself wanting to upgrade in a year. If you are "perusing" a career in music that's one thing, if you are serious about pursuing a career in music that's another.

 

[Phil Rowan]

+1

 

[drurb]

So, I'm an electric bass player. I've been playing for a few years and I've been playing an upright in my schools string section. I'm 'hopefully' going to peruse a career in music (Have a backup plan), I would like to buy an upright bass to have more practice time and will have one for when I go to collage or whatever...

I don't have a lot of money, and I was wondering how cheap would I be able to find a bass? Used would be fine (actually what I'm looking for).

I'm hoping someone will say like $500 :/

EDIT: Also, where would I be able to find one?

Read the newbie links, read the newbie links, read the newbie links. If you are considering a new bass, then $1200-$1500 is the minimum you'll need to spend to get a decent instrument with a proper setup. Stay away from cheap basses, guitar shops, and on-line mass merchants. They will likely cause you misery.

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/upright-bass

I imagine they won't be anywhere near the best quality, but they'll work until you determine if you're ready to drop $3000+ on a "good" bass. Best of luck.

No, the double-basses they sell will not "work." See comment above.

Electric upright is probably your move...

Not if the double-bass is the instrument you want to play. An EUB is not a short-term substitute for a DB on any relevant dimension, given what the OP stated.

Already checked there, but I was thinking of buying a slightly higher quality one used for the same price?

How do electric uprights compaire to regular ones?

I suggest you read shadygrove's advice several times and follow it. He's right on target.

 

[Paul Warburton]

Nice. I couldn't have done better myself.

 

[uprightbass.com]

Just to chime in on the original topic, there is a high correlation between people who buy the cheapest double bass that they can find and their quit rate. If tried learning on those basses and all I knew about DB are those crappy basses, I'd likely have put little effort in getting good at it or I would have quit out of frustration and assumption that DB just isn't for me.

 

[drurb]

Just to chime in on the original topic, there is a high correlation between people who buy the cheapest double bass that they can find and their quit rate. If tried learning on those basses and all I knew about DB are those crappy basses, I'd likely have put little effort in getting good at it or I would have quit out of frustration and assumption that DB just isn't for me.

Indeed, the cheapie crap basses end up frustrating students because those basses will fight you all the way. As I've said before, it is the beginners who are least equipped to overcome the shortcomings of an instrument, yet they are the ones who are the most likely to end up with them.

 

[edpal]

Indeed, the cheapie crap basses end up frustrating students because those basses will fight you all the way. As I've said before, it is the beginners who are least equipped to overcome the shortcomings of an instrument, yet they are the ones who are the most likely to end up with them.

Exactly. A used, better quality instrument is better than a new piece of trash. A new one for $500-600 only has a resale value of maybe $300 the minute you take possession, so either only spend $300 on the cheap one that someone else gave up on or spend $500-600 on an $1000-1500 instrument that someone has moved on from.

I would agree with those that say an EUB is not the solution for your situation. Like a pocket umbrella they work - just don't expect too much.

 

[drurb]

Exactly. A used, better quality instrument is better than a new piece of trash. A new one for $500-600 only has a resale value of maybe $300 the minute you take possession, so either only spend $300 on the cheap one that someone else gave up on or spend $500-600 on an $1000-1500 instrument that someone has moved on from.

I would agree with those that say an EUB is not the solution for your situation. Like a pocket umbrella they work - just don't expect too much.

Most who buy new basses in the $1500-range aren't thinking of them in terms of depreciation/investment. Yes, if the budget is very limited, you may be able to find a good deal on a used instrument that, when new, cost about $1500. If it's in good shape, I doubt you'll get it for $500-600. In addition, there just don't seem to be that many around in that price-range that are used and in good shape with a good setup. There's much to be said for buying new at that price-point, especially from dealers who offer generous trade-in allowances if and when the time comes to take a step up.

 

[rusag2]

If you rent for a few months, then you'll have a much better idea if DB is really for you. And if it is, you'll be much more comfortable selling your car to come up with $2.5K or so to get into a an instrument you won't outgrow in 6 months. If it's NOT for you, then you're only out the rental money and you're not saddled with a plywood box that's shaped like an upright bass.

Most cities have some music shop that provides rental instruments to school kids, at very reasonable prices. Check 'em out. In Los Angeles, you can rent for as little as about $60 / month. Not high end, by any means, but enough to get your feet wet.

$0.02 from me

$0.02

 

[ouija]

A lot of the time colleges will have their own instruments that they can lend to students, so not having your own bass might not be a problem once you're in. That said, it'd probably be hard to sound good enough in an audition for a college on the kind of bass your school is likely to have, let alone the problem of practice time.

Renting is a fabulous idea if you can find something decent, like a decent hybrid or something, and sounds like it might be a good way to have something ok to play until college. Because of how soon you'd need an upgrade if you progress normally, I don't think buying a laminate, the sort of bass in the range you're talking about (less than about $2K), makes much sense...

Try to find someone in your area who's selling a bass, and approach them about renting. If they're having trouble selling, you might be able to work out something so they can at least get some money out of it now, and you might end up with something a hell of a lot nicer than what a rental program could offer. Bassists tend to be pretty accommodating people

Good luck!

 

[Xynche]

Wow, thank you guys so much for all the help, I'm sorry for not reading the newbie threads (Didn't really think about the newbie threads, I normally hang out in the bass guitar section)

There isn't any music stores in my town and the closest town that might have one is about 2 hours away. So, I'm not sure about buying one out here, but during the summer I will be visiting my father in California, and will look around there.

Thanks again, and sorry for not reading the newbie thread.

 

[Dubbin]

Just for a difference of opinion, I have been playing a cheap bass for 3 years and I am satisfied. At this point I know several others (in person) with the same experience so I think the newbie links here are not necessarily the final word on the matter. If you are really strapped I'd say ignore the crowd and do it. In my case I have the dough to buy what people here say you minimally need (or far better for that matter) but I don't see a need at this time. If your a hobbyist that doesn't want to invest a fortune, feel free to buy a cheap bass, especially if you are forewarned of the potential issues.

 

[drurb]

Just for a difference of opinion, I have been playing a cheap bass for 3 years and I am satisfied. At this point I know several others (in person) with the same experience so I think the newbie links here are not necessarily the final word on the matter.

Well, to each his own. Your being satisfied is more the exception than the rule. Perhaps you don't expect from the instrument what most do. Perhaps you and the "several others" lucked out. The advice here from experienced players is sound and it is that, a priori, it's a bad idea to go for a cheap bass for reasons cited.

If you are really strapped I'd say ignore the crowd and do it.

Well, the OP should keep in mind just who "the crowd" is here. As they say, know your source!

In my case I have the dough to buy what people here say you minimally need (or far better for that matter) but I don't see a need at this time.

This statement is very telling, as is your profile revealing that you own "various cheap guitars and amps." Hey, that's your choice but I don't think yours represents the usual judgment/desires with regard to equipment.

If your a hobbyist that doesn't want to invest a fortune, feel free to buy a cheap bass, especially if you are forewarned of the potential issues.

Of course, the OP should feel free to do what he wishes. Still, you don't need to "invest a fortune" in a decent instrument. Spending the recommended minimum ($~1500) for a new bass is actually good economy, given the likelihood that money will end up being plain wasted if a cheap instrument is chosen. Consider the collective wisdom and experience around here.

 

[Swampman Cory]

I don't really think you'll be able to find one that's any good for 500.

 

[Dubbin]

Drub: Telling? Do tell then. My side of the story is that it's about the fun of playing music. It's really that simple. What joy do you get writing these great swan songs against cheap basses and invoking "collective wisdom?" You've written a significant number of posts down these lines so it appear so be a very important part of your involvement in this community.

My advice to those reading this (based on my experience, and the experience of others I've observed firsthand) is that the "collective wisdom" here might convince you to forget this silly idea to play bass as you cannot imagine shelling out $1800, when you can have a a load of fun with a ccb. That has been my experience. Should you decide to go with a ccb, be forwarned that you are buying something that could develop fatal quality issues that will not be economically feasible to fix. Should something happen to my bass I'd probably try to fix it myself or upgrade a couple of steps into something of higher quality. After a few years of playing its pretty clear to me that bass is not a passing fancy so it would be worth it.

It's not really of any great interest to me to argue these points endlessly (sorry Drub). I do intend to eventually check back in on the subject with the passing of time to let people know the status of my bass. Don't expect my posts to become the new "Newbie links."

 

[LeslieD]

Drub: Telling? Do tell then. My side of the story is that it's about the fun of playing music. It's really that simple. What joy do you get writing these great swan songs against cheap basses and invoking "collective wisdom?" You've written a significant number of posts down these lines so it appear so be a very important part of your involvement in this community.

My advice to those reading this (based on my experience, and the experience of others I've observed firsthand) is that the "collective wisdom" here might convince you to forget this silly idea to play bass as you cannot imagine shelling out $1800, when you can have a a load of fun with a ccb. That has been my experience. Should you decide to go with a ccb, be forwarned that you are buying something that could develop fatal quality issues that will not be economically feasible to fix. Should something happen to my bass I'd probably try to fix it myself or upgrade a couple of steps into something of higher quality. After a few years of playing its pretty clear to me that bass is not a passing fancy so it would be worth it.

It's not really of any great interest to me to argue these points endlessly (sorry Drub). I do intend to eventually check back in on the subject with the passing of time to let people know the status of my bass. Don't expect my posts to become the new "Newbie links."

Dubbin--it's also fun to play on an old pair of spoons or beat on a plastic pail, but those instruments don't cost five or six hundred dollars. Drurb's and others' comments about the ccbs aren't meant to dissuade people from PLAYING the bass. It's just that the typical experience w/ those cheap basses isn't a happy or lasting experience.

Also I've known a number of bassists that quickly went from beginners to advanced students, "outgrowing" their first cheap laminate instrument in less than a year. A longer "relationship" w/ one of the ccbs is definitely outside of the bell curve.