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Double Bass JZ BAS-II-DOUBLE BASS

M

mikestro

Oct 5, 2012
5
0
Philadelphia
#1
Does anyone have any experience with JZ basses, particularly the bas II double bass. Im considering one as a starter instrument for my son. Iv'e heard mixed reviews about them, nothing on Talk bass. I guess that's a bad sign. Waste of money or worth it as a starter bass. I had some offers for a Shen 80 which sounds like the best option in my price range, but most sellers on Talk Bass would have to ship far. I'm in Philly area. I would prefer to buy from a local dealer.

Mikestro
 
#2
Never heard of them. Got a link?

Your closest best bet is probably Mike Shank. If you feel like driving a little bit, you're not far from New York, which will probably have a broader selection than Philly. My wife and I will be in Manhattan next weekend if you want to come up and have an unbiased opinion to listen to.

Good on you for supporting your boy. My Dad helped me pick out and buy my first (electric) bass, and 21 years later I'm still at it. How old and how tall is he?
 
#3
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The first link is to the JZ music website. The second link is a music store in the Philly (Springfiled PA) area that is a JZ music dealer. JZ makes other orchestral instruments also. Of course this dealer spoke highly of them as a good inexpensive bass. Some comments/reviews I've read online dismiss them as cheap Chinese basses only good for firewood, not worth the money. The dealer in Springfiled quoted me around $950, including a bow and case, unfortunately this is in my ideal price range and I cant afford much more right now and my son needs a bass ASAP. If I could squeeze out $1500/$1600 from my budget I would buy a Shen 80 from Upton or an Enghelhardt EM 1. Kinda broke right now.

The JZ website is sparse as far as product info. I think their line is targeted to school orchestras. My 12 yr old son is about 5 ft 6 or so. Im 6ft and he comes to just above my shoulders. His middle school is teaching him on a 3/4 size.

Any constructive info or comment would help or if you know anyone that has actually owned and played one,I'm sure they could comment.

Mikestro
 
#4
That's a sucker's bet. Call Ideal Music in Manhattan. They might have something decent and European in your price range. I've bought there before, and would be glad to scout it out for you when I go down there Friday. If I see anything local to you I'll let you know.
 
#5
Here's another option -- $483 shipped for a half-size European-made student bass. I had the model just above this one, and it was crude but fine. It appears to have been dropped, probably while it was still in its shipping box. If the damage is cosmetic or minor, you could have Shank fit a bridge for a few hundred and you'd be in business well under your budget. If you elect to pursue this bass, be careful, as I'm not sure it could be returned if other problems are discovered after it is purchased.

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