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engelhardt Ec-1 ?

Discussion in 'Basses [DB]' started by RustyAxe, Jan 12, 2009.

  1. Jan 12, 2009 #1
    RustyAxe

    RustyAxe

    Jul 8, 2008
    Connecticut
    There's one for sale locally ... asking $825, and has a couple of finish issues on the back (marks from a stand). Otherwise said to be in decent shape. Is this worth pursuing? Is the price right? This would be my first foray into UB territory, being primarily a guitar player and electric or electric/acoustic bass guitar player for the past 40 years. I'm in an "Americana" combo, and I'd love to get a true upright thump ... don't expect I'll be using a bow at all. I played UB for a couple of years when my son took bass in middle school and we rented one (1/2 size, if I recall), and had no trouble making the transition (well, I didn't do anything very complicated, either ... :)). I plan to take some lessons to get posture right (critically important I would think!) and get started on the right foot ... who knows where that could lead? I'm really itchin' to give it a try.

    (Should I mention that Upton Bass is just 45 minutes away by car?)

    Thanks for your opinions in advance ...

    - Denny
     
  2. Jan 12, 2009 #2
    Jake deVilliers

    Jake deVilliers Commercial User

    May 24, 2006
    Crescent Beach, BC
    Owner of The Bass Spa, String Repairman at Long & McQuade Vancouver
    Well yeah! Get the seller to take the bass over to Eroy for a look-see. Go with him. You'll know soon enough if its a good deal. :)
     
  3. Jan 12, 2009 #3
    tomshepp

    tomshepp

    Jan 11, 2006
    Maynard MA
    I think I saw that bass on both craigslist and TB. Seems like a pretty good deal to me. Other than the "stand marks" it looked in excellent shape. Research the price of a new one and try to talk with the seller. Remember that if it needs some attention by a Luthier, you can negotiate that cost into the deal. Good luck.
     
  4. Jan 13, 2009 #4
    ctcruiser

    ctcruiser

    Jan 16, 2005
    West Haven, CT
    An EC-1 would be a good solid starter bass. I started with a ES-1.

    If you check Gollihur's website, you will see there are a few options as far as luthiers in CT to check out for advice. Mike Asetta is in north central CT and David Mix is in south central CT.

    Gollihur's website also lists a new EC-1 as $1,049 plus shipping. That would not include set up by a local luthier to tweak it into playing shape. My ES-1 was somewhat playable right out of the box, but I eventually had the fingerboard worked on and changed the bridge to an adjustable one along with a full circle pick-up.

    http://www.gollihurmusic.com/product/1240-ENGELHARDT_EC_1_CONCERT_3_4_SIZE_BASS.html
     
  5. Jan 13, 2009 #5
    EggyToast

    EggyToast

    Jan 21, 2006
    Baltimore
    There were a bunch of Engelhardt EC-1 basses that sold around me this summer for around $700, including a soft case. Granted, that's a good price for just the bass, but as ctcruiser points out, 875 is about 20% off the brand new price.

    If you can talk him down to $800 then yeah, that's a good beginner bass.
     
  6. Jan 13, 2009 #6
    RustyAxe

    RustyAxe

    Jul 8, 2008
    Connecticut
    Thanks, I'm reading all with interest. Spending a few hundred more for a new bass wouldn't be prohibitive. I'm considering renting one for a while from a local luthier who has had two older used ones hanging around in his shop forever (a 3/4 Kay and a no-name?). If after a couple of months I'm likin' it (and I believe I will, if my old hands don't give out) I might pop for a Upton standard or a higher grade Engelhardt. Still runnin' it around in my head (where there's LOTS of room to run!).

    This EC-1 seems to be a good bass, and worth the dough, but it's not the killer deal I would need to snatch up before it's gone.