I'm in high school and I've played bass for almost 5 years. Currently I am still using a school owned bass, but I am looking at purchasing my own soon. What are some good quality and inexpensive basses that I should consider?
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Double Bass Looking For a bass
- Thread starter Jack Smith
- Start date
It sounds like you're in a school track, so I'm guessing orchestral double bass playing is generally what you're targeting. If that isn't the case it would help to know what your direction is. Also since double bass location and transportation is an important consideration, your general location would be helpful to help direct you to various double bass related businesses.
They aren't "dirt-cheap" but the Shen double basses stand out as some of the finest Asian imports; they are less pricey and potentially a life-time instrument for many people They show up used for sale here in the classifieds pretty frequently.
Also in general there are a lot of nice used domestic and european instruments that also show up here in the classifieds.
As always with any stringed instrument, setup is a major consideration, and in particular with used basses, having them checked by a qualified double bass luthier before purchasing is always a smart idea.
They aren't "dirt-cheap" but the Shen double basses stand out as some of the finest Asian imports; they are less pricey and potentially a life-time instrument for many people They show up used for sale here in the classifieds pretty frequently.
Also in general there are a lot of nice used domestic and european instruments that also show up here in the classifieds.
As always with any stringed instrument, setup is a major consideration, and in particular with used basses, having them checked by a qualified double bass luthier before purchasing is always a smart idea.
Whereabouts are you located and do you have a teacher? If you’re near a bass shop a trip over to one with either your teacher or a bassist with more experience then you would be very worthwhile. Generally Shen and Eastman make really great basses for the money and when it comes to brands would be a good choice. I played a Shen hybrid all through my undergrad and am still gigging with it to this day.
Overall though you need to set a budget and know what styles of music you’ll be using that bass for, which can also help determine budget. Since you’re in high school I imagine you’re at least in orchestra class, so if you’re using the bow a lot ideally you might want a hybrid bass. And most importantly don’t rush. Play as many basses as you can so you have a clear picture of what you like and don’t like. You’ll know which bass you want when you play it. Buying from a shop will give you peace of mind that the bass is healthy, but if you can’t either get your teacher or an experienced luthier to check it out so they can judge if the bass is worthwhile.
Overall though you need to set a budget and know what styles of music you’ll be using that bass for, which can also help determine budget. Since you’re in high school I imagine you’re at least in orchestra class, so if you’re using the bow a lot ideally you might want a hybrid bass. And most importantly don’t rush. Play as many basses as you can so you have a clear picture of what you like and don’t like. You’ll know which bass you want when you play it. Buying from a shop will give you peace of mind that the bass is healthy, but if you can’t either get your teacher or an experienced luthier to check it out so they can judge if the bass is worthwhile.
