Double Bass i just cant catch a break!

[arnoldschnitzer]

All im really saying is that 2 basses and 2 strikes have kind of made me realize im not willing to invest 3 grand into an instrument thats so damn fragile. its what stopped me from getting one ages ago. Maybe it's also the other stress in my life attatching itself to this bass and its problems.

Welcome to the world of acoustic instruments. Here's an eye-opening piece of information for you: THEY BREAK! If you will only be happy with an instrument that is 100% reliable all the time, you should consider getting out of the music business, because NO SUCH THING EXISTS! Basses are made of wood, which is an organic and therefore imperfect material. Any piece of wood can crack, split or warp. EWWWWW, that's scary! Mommie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[spacecanoe]

I know this Arnold. I've built solid bodys and done an apprenticeship under Darrin Huff. So I have a good knowledge of the workings of wood. And as for your "get out of music" suggestion,no i don't think I'll throw away 17 years of playing thank you very much.

 

[Michael Case]

Maybe this has been asked or stated earlier, but I'll ask anyway. Who is your dealer? is it a guitar shop like Sam Ash or Guitar Center? Or is it a luthier who has the tools and ability to service the instrument and wouldn't let a bass leave with any damage? If you're going to a retail guitar store then that's your first mistake. I bought a CCB from Sam Ash once and was sadly disappointed to see cracks in the neck and neck heel, then I fished out the repair slip from the body and found out it was a rental that took a bad tumble and SA fixed it. I should've known by the thick brown house paint at the neck heel, but I was a newbie at the time. Luckily I sold the bass for a decent amount, told the person about the damage, and bought a new bass which has served me well.

 

[spacecanoe]

Thanks Mike. No it's a reputable string and band instrument dealer in town, with a string tech and workshop on premise. Perhaps they missed these faults, it happens im sure. Basicly Iv'e made my decision and in 2 months when this rental term is up its going back. Perhaps right now isn't the time to invest in such a fragile instrument. I will get another eventually, when life factors are'nt so hectic.

Thanks again everyone.

Jeremy

 

[Michael Case]

If I could give you some advice based on the experience I had in the past. Go over the bass with a fine toothed comb before leaving the shop, don't hand them any cash or leave until you are absolutley sure the bass is without any flaws. The issues you're talking about don't sound like the instrument being delicate, they just sound like you got a couple of lemons. I've had my Strunal for 5 years, and it's had it's share of hits, dings, and weather changes with no problems thankfully.