Doing my homework for first DB purchase...

Welcome wheat. The guys will probably start chiming in soon about all the research you've done. Sounds like you're on the right track. Don't forget that there is the possibility of renting a bass too. I kinda wish I started doing that first before I bought my first bass. Not so much because I wasn't sure about playing DB, but simply cuz I had no experience with DB's in general. Makes the time when you actually shop for a bass for real more valuable. Second thing is, don't be in a hurry to get a DB. Play as many as you can.

And oh yeah, Find a teacher. Not just for learning the darn thing, but also helping you pick out one and another source of opinions.

 

How bout spending $3K? There are a couple of Ahnoldt's und Vill's New Standard Clevelands for sale on this site. They are GREAT basses, just search CLEVELAND or LA SCALA and you'll find that the owners absolutley love them.

 

Darn! For $2.5k you can have one of Upton's hybrids. That price includes their great setup. Options abound.

 

If I were going to buy from that list, my choice would be Upton.

 

Hey Wheat;

I'm only a couple of months ahead of you in the DB world. As a fellow noob I defer to the advice of the old hands but wanted to give a nod to the notion of renting. I, like you, have over 20 years of electric bass experience but I can verify that the DB is a whole different animal. Just the larger scale will put things in a whole new light.

Anyway, I was looking around to purchase having only the advice on the neewbie threads here (which if you haven't read, I also highly recommend). I happened on the idea of rental and let my fingers do the walking (Google, not the yellow pages) and found two shops in Portland (not exactly a huge metropolis). Fortunatly, we have Pete's Bass Shop here in Portland which is everything you need in DB. I'm sure you can find something similar in your neck of the woods. Here is a comprehensive listing of almost every DB business in the US: http://www.gollihur.com/kkbass/luthiers.html

Renting has been great in that it has allowed me to get my feet wet and learn the instrument before dropping the comparitive big bucks. When I am ready, I feel I'll be making a more educated decision.

Oh, and by the way, get a teacher. Best advice on here from the vets.

Good Luck! The DB is harder than I thought but also very addictive.

 

I didn't see much talk about a Bow. Don't go too cheap there either or you will need to add ear plugs to the list. You can buy a better Bow and keep it as you upgrade to better Basses. It will make a world of differences.

 

Dito to that. Good luck!

 

Of your list, I think the Uptons and Shens are a better choice than the Engle. I can't speak about the Chris. One of the site you listed had pretty good prices for the Shens (I believe the prices included setup).

My experiences with rentals have been pretty terrible - some of the instruments were good, but in poor shape and very poorly setup. The end result is that they were not enjoyable to play, especially not for someone new to DB.

But if you rent through a real bass or string shop, you might be OK, since hopefully they will have spent the time to do a decent setup.

The bows that are getting such good reviews through Bob's site, would be a very wise choice.

 

This deal on bows is pretty hard to beat!

http://uptonbass.com/catalog/produc...d/315?osCsid=40a1a65685ba5fc1c57764ac8d9f9f88

 

The other upside to renting is that a lot of place will apply your first years rent to a purchase. In the case of the Bass Church in Seattle they apply your first full years rent to purchase and 50% of the second. They also offer full trade in value if you decide to upgrade. I don't know what you can find in your neck of the woods...but renting can be a great way to get your feel wet.
John

 

I went through a similar process this year and got my first URB in August.

Good luck in finding a luthier closer to home. I traveled three hours to get to Bob Beerman's shop in Greensboro, NC (which you mentioned as a possibility). It is a much longer drive for you, but I'll put in a good word for his service and the quality of his work. I was ordering a lefty Christopher (Shen doesn't do lefties). It took a long time to get it, but he was up front about everything and communicated quickly by email or phone. When I got the bass he had done a very good setup. My teacher and other bassists I have shown it to are very complementary, and I'm pleased with both playability and sound.

I considered the mail-order options (Upton the most obvious) and decided that establishing a relationship with a luthier outweighed other considerations. Of course, a 6 hour drive to and from Greensboro is a pretty big drawback. Good luck.

 

Maybe not. I don't know what your sales tax is in NC but generally, if you purchase from out of state and have the item shipped, you can usually avoid the state sales tax (which could add up depending on the price and your state's rate). Check into it.

 

Plus, Upton is advertising free shipping during the holidays. I haven't called for the specifics, but it sure has me thinking too. Can't wait for the Shens to get set up too. Dern!

 

From what you have posted, Upton seems to be your best choice. I do not have any dealings with them but have heard nothing but good. It looks from what's posted here that you can get the Bass and Bow "Delivered" for $1,799 and with a few extras to meet your 2k budget.
I love Arnolds Basses as he is also my Personal Luthier of choice and also own 2 upper end Shens and know the entier Shen Staff as well as Sam personally. Your numbers though seem best off with the Upton Bass/Bow signed, sealed and delevered.. Oh, and set-up as well..lol

 

Upton is showing free shipping for basses purchased during the holidays!

That's a difference.

 

The Hawkes should have a bigger and deeper sound but may not be best for you. The Smaller Bass may have a quicker and clearer sound and be easier to amplify and play seeing that you are a beginner as well. Consult Upton about this. I believe they will not mislead you givin they have all the facts.