Double Bass I am

[Jeffbbq]

New to
The double bass, played it in high school 40 years ago, been playing electric bass and guitar the rest of the time. I want to get into playing and gigging with the double bass, Blue grass and jazz.
My question is should I buy high end dollars bass or to start, keep the cost down. High end I am thinking $5-10k. Low end $1-3 k
It's been 45 years since I played in High school, it was really deep love. I
Met Ray Brown and spent some time just chatting with him then watched him play 15 feet away at the concord jazz festival. I did that fit several years and will never forget it. Now I want to play the upright, it's my time.
So, spend the big bucks as a beginner or work my way up?
Thanks for your input
Jeff

 

[geoffbassist]

I think the main thing to remember is that you don't have to spend a lot of cash. If you get a bass, buy a good set of strings and have it set up by a good luthier you can get a great instrument, without spending too much.

I would also recommend playing the bass before you buy if possible and that way just go with an open mind and find the right one for you. It may well be in the lower price range. Perhaps contact a local teacher as I would recommend taking some lessons to get you used to the new techniques and see if they know of any good instruments for sale.

Another option would be to buy from a dealer who has a good trade in policy. I think Upton bass may offer that, but not sure.

....meeting Ray Brown must have been amazing and it's awesome you are getting a bass and realising the ambition. Good luck finding your new bass!

 

[Jeffbbq]

Thanks
Geoff
I always play as many instruments as I can until I find the one, the one that clicks, has the sound and feel and you know it's your bass or guitar. I am not a mail order purchaser.

 

[Ed Fuqua]

I always recommend buying the bass that sounds most like what you hear in your head that you can afford.

 

[geoffbassist]

I always recommend buying the bass that sounds most like what you hear in your head that you can afford.

Perfectly summed up Ed.

 

[drurb]

You've gotten some fine advice already. Assuming you're committed to this, and it sounds like you are, I'm a fan of getting the very best instrument you can (within reason). The price ranges you mentioned span barely acceptable laminate basses all the way to fully-carved instruments. That's quite a range! It would be best to familiarize yourself with the advantages, disadvantages, characteristics, and care of laminate, hybrid, and carved basses. The search function here can be your good friend.

I recommend starting right HERE.

In the end, buy that bass that speaks to you and that feels right.