It’s been since late December 2011 since I got my first double bass. I purchased a Thompson RM-200 from String Emporium in Chandler AZ. Against the advice of just about everyone everywhere including all the posts on this board, I purchased a bass without seeing our hearing the actual bass I was getting. I’ve purchased other instruments by reading all about them and finding reputable companies to buy from taking advantage of the accessing the world market through the web. I’ve had success and I really wanted it to be the same for a double bass. Before I go on, I didn’t get ripped off or anything, it’s just that, like everyone says buying a double bass is different. This is about my feelings about the beginners bass buying process. The best way I can describe it is it’s personal, very personal. You are picking a partner in a journey and there is only so much you can understand about that partner over the phone and web. I’ve loved many instruments I’ve owned but never really understood how different it is for this instrument. Each one is unique even though I’m sure they try to maintain consistency in production.
The RM-200 I bought is not a bad bass. It will serve as a fine student model and when I can actually play the thing it will serve for any gigs around here too. It’s quiet though, which is one of the first things my teacher noted, but he also pointed out that the action is set very low. I have to give credit to Steve’s (String Emporium) shop because knowing I was a beginner he had it setup for me with an easy to play action, the second thing my teach said was it plays really really well. So it probably has a lot of potential for more of the sound my ear is wanting with some strings (have Spirocores now) and another setup. No matter how good a recording is you can’t know what a bass sounds like, you can’t know how the sound make you FEEL unless you are there. You don’t just play this instrument you feel it. My teacher said it was fine and would serve me well. But I feel more like I was issued a bass instead of picking one out that I wanted. The exception being the way it looks, I like the look and it was a big factor in looking at the Thompsons.
There really is nothing in this town, everyone drives to KC Strings and I’m told are presented with many options and everyone I’ve talked to that has done this seems very happy. I couldn’t even make a sound so I think I was intimidated by the thought of buying a bass in person. I needed to get over that. I could’ve had someone at the shop play it for me but at least I would have known the sound I was buying.
Money. I also knew it was likely going to cost more money at KC Strings, gas to drive up there many spend the night etc. I spent just shy of $2500 on my Thompson. But now I would have been okay charging another $1000 or more if the bass and the sound matched my expectation and if I want to explore making this bass sound better I’m looking at what, $500 or so for strings and setup?
I’m not unhappy with Steve or the basses he is selling. He did a good job, and it WAS easy, which is what I wanted. But I’m saying buying a bass is not a situation to take the easy way. I don’t think much of the Brazilwood bows though (German). My teacher said it was like a kids bow or something it’s like ¾ size. I emailed Steve at the time and asked him what I needed to do to get something different but I never heard anything and I didn’t follow up either. It’s serving the purpose.
So for anyone who is thinking about buying your first bass, my advice would be to listen to wisdom that is repeated over and over again here.
The RM-200 I bought is not a bad bass. It will serve as a fine student model and when I can actually play the thing it will serve for any gigs around here too. It’s quiet though, which is one of the first things my teacher noted, but he also pointed out that the action is set very low. I have to give credit to Steve’s (String Emporium) shop because knowing I was a beginner he had it setup for me with an easy to play action, the second thing my teach said was it plays really really well. So it probably has a lot of potential for more of the sound my ear is wanting with some strings (have Spirocores now) and another setup. No matter how good a recording is you can’t know what a bass sounds like, you can’t know how the sound make you FEEL unless you are there. You don’t just play this instrument you feel it. My teacher said it was fine and would serve me well. But I feel more like I was issued a bass instead of picking one out that I wanted. The exception being the way it looks, I like the look and it was a big factor in looking at the Thompsons.
There really is nothing in this town, everyone drives to KC Strings and I’m told are presented with many options and everyone I’ve talked to that has done this seems very happy. I couldn’t even make a sound so I think I was intimidated by the thought of buying a bass in person. I needed to get over that. I could’ve had someone at the shop play it for me but at least I would have known the sound I was buying.
Money. I also knew it was likely going to cost more money at KC Strings, gas to drive up there many spend the night etc. I spent just shy of $2500 on my Thompson. But now I would have been okay charging another $1000 or more if the bass and the sound matched my expectation and if I want to explore making this bass sound better I’m looking at what, $500 or so for strings and setup?
I’m not unhappy with Steve or the basses he is selling. He did a good job, and it WAS easy, which is what I wanted. But I’m saying buying a bass is not a situation to take the easy way. I don’t think much of the Brazilwood bows though (German). My teacher said it was like a kids bow or something it’s like ¾ size. I emailed Steve at the time and asked him what I needed to do to get something different but I never heard anything and I didn’t follow up either. It’s serving the purpose.
So for anyone who is thinking about buying your first bass, my advice would be to listen to wisdom that is repeated over and over again here.
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