Well not exactly, but I am an electric bassist of 16 years looking to expand my knowledge and step into the world of upright basses. I know you guys must get inundated with these types of posts, but I do need help with my purchase like nobody's business.
First and foremost, I do appreciate quality, as I worked closely with an amazing luthier (originally trained as a violin maker) for 5 years. AT the same time, my beer budget will not allow the kind of cash needed for a top notch instrument. And as I have done my research this is becoming more and more apparent. I realize that I will be buying a plywood bass and more than likely, a beginner's bass. I was hoping to spend 1K. Maybe up to $1500. And I know in the world of DB this is about like spending 300 bucks on an electric (or so it seems). So what is the decent sounding, stays in tune, plays well upright bass version of the 350 dollar Fender Mexican P-bass? Does that make any sense?
My first trip was to Austin's Bass Emporium. I found this bass that I thought played incredible!!! In my budget, too. Sounded decent, but I haven't played many... maybe not as "open" sounding as the 2K bass next to it. But I was told by a salesman at Violins Etc that it was a piece of crap and it seems that is the general consensus ... it's Chinese and has the name "Franz Hoffman" on it. Used. $850 with case and cheapie bow I would just toss...
I have read nothing but crap about this bass, but I really thought it felt good.
There's a German Made bass here I think I would love but a little more than I have money wise....
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I am sure the bassist is probably a member here.... and it seems he really knows his stuff and uses a luthier etc.... which I cant even imagine the cost of a good setup so that is very important...
SO basically should I get new, used, or vintage? If so are there a couple of brand names you can toss my way or models? I am lost here....
I did go to Violins Etc in Austin too, but the salesman was the biggest jerk I have ever dealt with. I got treated like a 12 year old after I told him my budget...
First and foremost, I do appreciate quality, as I worked closely with an amazing luthier (originally trained as a violin maker) for 5 years. AT the same time, my beer budget will not allow the kind of cash needed for a top notch instrument. And as I have done my research this is becoming more and more apparent. I realize that I will be buying a plywood bass and more than likely, a beginner's bass. I was hoping to spend 1K. Maybe up to $1500. And I know in the world of DB this is about like spending 300 bucks on an electric (or so it seems). So what is the decent sounding, stays in tune, plays well upright bass version of the 350 dollar Fender Mexican P-bass? Does that make any sense?
My first trip was to Austin's Bass Emporium. I found this bass that I thought played incredible!!! In my budget, too. Sounded decent, but I haven't played many... maybe not as "open" sounding as the 2K bass next to it. But I was told by a salesman at Violins Etc that it was a piece of crap and it seems that is the general consensus ... it's Chinese and has the name "Franz Hoffman" on it. Used. $850 with case and cheapie bow I would just toss...
I have read nothing but crap about this bass, but I really thought it felt good.
There's a German Made bass here I think I would love but a little more than I have money wise....
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
I am sure the bassist is probably a member here.... and it seems he really knows his stuff and uses a luthier etc.... which I cant even imagine the cost of a good setup so that is very important...
SO basically should I get new, used, or vintage? If so are there a couple of brand names you can toss my way or models? I am lost here....
I did go to Violins Etc in Austin too, but the salesman was the biggest jerk I have ever dealt with. I got treated like a 12 year old after I told him my budget...
