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Double Bass Doing my homework for first DB purchase...

#41
The only drag about the Upton hybrids is that they only come in that sloped sholder style (like the Medio Fino ply bass). I know this is pure vanity, but I really don't like the look of those as much as the broader shouldered ones (like the Hawkes model). Maybe I should wait until they get the Shen's rolling.

Even if I do end up getting a hybrid eventually, I don't think it would be a bad idea to have a ply bass around (for outdoor gigs, road trips, bad weather in general). Maybe the ply can be my road bass and, later on, I can get a hybrid for the house, recording, etc.

As for the King's, I think they look pretty cool, but I'm not a rockabilly guy. I think a bass with flames on it might get the cold shoulder on a jazz gig, don't you? Depends upon how well you play it, of course. But with me being a DB novice, that would be two strikes. :)

Wheat
 
#42
wheat said:
The only drag about the Upton hybrids is that they only come in that sloped sholder style (like the Medio Fino ply bass). I know this is pure vanity, but I really don't like the look of those as much as the broader shouldered ones (like the Hawkes model). Maybe I should wait until they get the Shen's rolling.
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I gotta say I'm with you on this one. My preference would be the Hawkes model for a hybrid if I had a pick; but I'll compromise if it's a good deal.
wheat said:
Even if I do end up getting a hybrid eventually, I don't think it would be a bad idea to have a ply bass around (for outdoor gigs, road trips, bad weather in general).
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I've only played a few DBs and have owned one (1 1/2, but that's a different thread). I've been considering a ply to start on, b/c the price point just puts it into another bracket for me. IMO, if plys are good enough as a starter for some of the really good players on this board, then I'll be fine with one. If I had the money, I'd go straight for the Cleveland, or better yet, hybrid. But I couldn't take it to the park and feel comfortable. Heck, I wouldn't let anyone touch it; and most of my friends would want to play it pretty bad. Plus I live in NW Florida and don't like running the AC/heat all the time or dealing with a humidifier, so it's gotta be pretty rugged. (But that's just me.) Also, I think it's important to consider when and how it is shipped. (But that's prolly pretty minor an issue.)

I'm anxiously awaiting the posting of the Shens and info on the Upton site; and possibly getting a side x side from some of the players on this forum. These guys and gals have helped me more than they can ever imagine. :) I hope you post when you decide on something and give a review with pics.
-Jesse
 
#45
jmain said:
...

I'm anxiously awaiting the posting of the Shens and info on the Upton site; and possibly getting a side x side from some of the players on this forum.
-Jesse
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The car is all gassed up and pointed toward Mystic. When the Shen's are set up, I'm there to play them side-by-side with the Uptons. Can't wait!
 
#47
Although I'm sure the hybrids are a better long-term choice, you might want to keep a full ply bass under consideration. I've been playing an Engelhardt EM-1 (same bass as the Supreme, but poorer finish) and am happy with the tone it has developed. I purchased it from Bob Gollihur along with a good Brazilwood bow, quiver, case, and bass stand for about $1800 with shipping. I replaced the strings (I play mostly orchestral & the Thomastiks that came on it were more for hybrid applications), and also had the fingerboard dressed & bridge replaced. The bass has a nice warm tone with good resonance, and I'm sure that something similar would probably work well for your jazz/rock/bluegrass gigs if you had it properly set up. It seems to me that you probably want something loud and durable, with a full sound, and a well-set up ply could easily fit the bill without busting your budget. BTW, I'll be replacing my bass soon, but it's because I need something with sloping shoulders for solo work, not because I'm unhappy with the one I've got. I'm considering keeping the 'hardt & setting it up for rock/jazz. I think it's tone is really well suited to that type of playing, especially if I swap out the orchestra strings. Good luck!!! :)

-Shut up and play!
 
#48
dbgal said:
Although I'm sure the hybrids are a better long-term choice, you might want to keep a full ply bass under consideration. ...
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No real disagreement about good plys in general. The point, however, was that if it can be fit into the budget or the budget expanded slightly, the extra $$$ that a hybrid costs is usually well worth the difference. That is, the step up to a good hybrid is not trivial.

I played a very well set up Kay for years in orchestras. Good as it was for a ply, there just was no comparison when I upgraded to a hybrid. If you can swing it to begin with, all the better.
 
#49
I agree that for whatever you're buying, it's almost always best to go with the best you can afford. But I'm convinced my ply is about as close to bullet-proof as you can get. This summer I played outside gigs in the sun where the guitar player couldn't even touch his guitar, it got so hot. Then a few weeks ago I played an outside concert on Veteran's Day at the community blast where the temperature was in the 20's & my bass was soggy with condensation. Yeah, the sound was completely dead (& my fingers frozen), but the bass survived unscathed. Had I been playing a hybrid or carved bass at either gig, I'd have been really concerned. Which is why I'm thinking about keeping the ply even if I do find one with smaller shoulders.

I guess it just boils down to personal preference & what your priorities are- just like everything else ;-)
 
#50
dbgal said:
I agree that for whatever you're buying, it's almost always best to go with the best you can afford. But I'm convinced my ply is about as close to bullet-proof as you can get. This summer I played outside gigs in the sun where the guitar player couldn't even touch his guitar, it got so hot. Then a few weeks ago I played an outside concert on Veteran's Day at the community blast where the temperature was in the 20's & my bass was soggy with condensation. Yeah, the sound was completely dead (& my fingers frozen), but the bass survived unscathed. Had I been playing a hybrid or carved bass at either gig, I'd have been really concerned. Which is why I'm thinking about keeping the ply even if I do find one with smaller shoulders.

I guess it just boils down to personal preference & what your priorities are- just like everything else ;-)
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Well, yes, if bullet-proof is a priority, then nothing beats a ply! If you regularly play in harsh environments, it sure is good to have one. After I bought my hybrid, I kept my Kay around for just that reason. I realized I didn't really like playing it and I also didn't often have to play in unfriendly environments. I ended up trading them both plus some $$$ for a fully-carved. Every summer when I have an outdoor gig I am plenty nervous. I go through all kinds of gymnastics to gradually change the environment for the bass. So far, so good.
 
#51
I think this my 1st post here and I can say fer sure that this forum has been quite an education for me.

As some one who has always lusted after an UB, I finally went and did it, but only after much deliberation and help from you all, thanks. I think my combined experience with an UB is about 1/2 hr total.

After years with various EBs, I just ordered an Upton Hawkes lam from Gary. We had 3 great conversations as he patiently educated this novice. I can't wait now...getting too impatient. But it should arrive in time for Santa to drop it off. I know it ain't gonna fit down no chimney.

Now I just have to learn to play the bass all over again!

Tell me...exactly how long does it take for the skin to grow back on a rookie's fingers? :D

gomez
 
#53
Cool, Gomez. I expect pictures and a full report on it. I need to get on the phone with them and see what I can do. I really like that Hawkes model. And their price is hard to beat--especially considering that no one here has had a bad thing to say about that shop and the people who run it.

Wheat
 
#54
IMHO searching for your first DB can be great fun. There is, however a difference in the mindset of DB players from EB players when it comes to instruments but you may not acquire it until you've played DB for some time. And, lots of folks don't really stay with it (its alot harder to become competent on DB than EB). So a NEW hybrid or lam may be a good choice. For you. I just haven't EVER played a great new DB. :hmm:
But, if you end up loving it your appreciation of nice DBs will probably change. You WILL want old & carved! Nothing else will do. I have 3 fully carved basses 70, 72 & 100 yrs old. I paid less than $900 for 2 of them + $200-300 each for repairs/setup/tailpieces/bridges etc.
The last acquisition though is the 100y/o 1905 John Juzek flatback ($8700) from Hammond Ashley - this baby's opened up.
Good luck - I hope it sticks - we need new blood.
 
#55
pnchad said:
IMHO searching for your first DB can be great fun. There is, however a difference in the mindset of DB players from EB players when it comes to instruments but you may not acquire it until you've played DB for some time. And, lots of folks don't really stay with it (its alot harder to become competent on DB than EB). So a NEW hybrid or lam may be a good choice. For you. I just haven't EVER played a great new DB. :hmm:
But, if you end up loving it your appreciation of nice DBs will probably change. You WILL want old & carved! Nothing else will do. I have 3 fully carved basses 70, 72 & 100 yrs old. I paid less than $900 for 2 of them + $200-300 each for repairs/setup/tailpieces/bridges etc.
The last acquisition though is the 100y/o 1905 John Juzek flatback ($8700) from Hammond Ashley - this baby's opened up.
Good luck - I hope it sticks - we need new blood.
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Sorry, but there is no such thing as a 1905 Juzek. He may have 'BOUGHT' a few basses in the 1920s but the oldest I have seen with a date (made by Anton Wilfer) was 1936. I have seen others that look old as well with no dates in them but I can't be certain of it's date. There commercial business with imports to the USA started in the 1920s. Juzek (John) himself never made a single Bass in his life. All the Juzek imports were made by other shops. Sorry!
 
#56
thanks for the encouragement, pnchad...I feel your pain when it comes to wonderful old carved basses. Back in '75, when I was playing in our 1st blues band, I used to go down to the Loop, where they had all the great instrument shops that are long gone. I walked into Sid Sherman's one day and saw about a dozen beautiful old basses, (even then I knew what was a Kay and what wasn't) The prices were more than my '63 Fender, but not that much more. Of course I've seen my ole candy-apple red Jazz bass go for as high as $6K nowadays and I only paid $325. Oh well.

I've always had a secret love for the upright, so I'll start out modestly and see where it leads.

gomez

ps. new blood is good...but mine certainly isn't young! :)
 
#57
KSB - Ken Smith said:
Sorry, but there is no such thing as a 1905 Juzek. He may have 'BOUGHT' a few basses in the 1920s but the oldest I have seen with a date (made by Anton Wilfer) was 1936. I have seen others that look old as well with no dates in them but I can't be certain of it's date. There commercial business with imports to the USA started in the 1920s. Juzek (John) himself never made a single Bass in his life. All the Juzek imports were made by other shops. Sorry!
Click to expand...

Mr. Smith, I am well aware of the history of the Metropolitan Music Company, their travels and subcontracted building methods. Whatever this bass is or who made it can be argued with the nice folks at Hammond-Ashley who both dated and attributed it. I think you will find that, prior to the generation that became simple 'middle men' there were builders in the family.
In fact, for several years this bass had its own site, as the best example of their work. Don't know its viability as a classical instrument but it is one of the nicest jazz basses around. Not just MO. I've gone through the inventory at David Gage and Kolstein in search of a better pizz bass at any cost. Doesn't exist. One day I'll provide pix.

Be wary of dogma. :D
 
#60
1905 or not, Juzek and his brand has nothing to do with it. It may the the best Bass and be from 1905 or be a Juzek import and not 1905. My point is that 1905 and the Juzek name does not exhist. Dealers love to use names and famous ones at that. Juzek never made a bass in his short making history regardless of the Basses with his label in them. It is reported that almost all the Basses ever sold to Juzek were from the Wilfer Family and shops working for them. Many Basses made by Wilfer and other similar shops making similar looking Basses are often named Juzek by dealers just to have a name. For me, knowing as much about the Family as I do it sends up flares everytime I see the name mis-used or mis-dated.
 

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