Double Bass My unique needs on Upright -- advice wanted

[mdcbass]

The looks really cool. It sounded OK took although a bit trebly, but I don't mind trebly actually. They want you to call for the price which tells me it's probably really expensive. Thanks for the link!

Here's Marc Johnson playing one

I inquired a couple of years ago and don't remember the price but he had a few rentals available for less. The removable neck may be an option you can do without if you don't intend to fly with it.

 

[HateyMcAmp]

What is your general price range for a bass?

 

[PauFerro]

I can afford anything in the decent price range of $1500 plus. Still deciding if I have the commitment to do it. I like the idea of renting one for a while, getting a teacher to give me the basics and avoid injury, and then picking at it to see if it's worth the effort in terms of joy produced in my life. I have this piccolo thing going which is very fulfilling. Not sure...this discussion helps.

 

[TomB]

...sounds like you're on a good track. Let us know how it goes.

 

[Tom Lane]

$1,500 is the bottom, IME. It will get you a decent new Shen, or a slightly better used Shen, which is probably the better deal. For your goals, you could also consider a used Eminence or NS Design CR for less than $2K. The Shen, of course, is the only one that offers a true URB experience and tone, but, you seem to be paving your own path so maybe you'll be one of those players that like and use the EUBs differences to your benefit. Stranger things have happened. Truth is stranger than fiction and all that.

Also, if you like the Brian Bromberg, Gary Burton type of tone, rather than the Ray Brown type of tone, you're more likely to be happy with a EUB because Bromberg, et al, have their basses setup almost as if they were FBGs, really low, low action, very little volume. One more push for getting a knowledgeable jazz bass instructor to help you navigate those preferences in a well-educated manner before you make a decision.

You should seriously consider your air travel needs. I don't play many non-local gigs, but when I do, I really, really, really miss my URB, so I've been jonesing for a removable neck URB that I can fly without much hassle. The thing is, once you buy a URB, you can "enjoy" it - if that's the accurate description of the pain it inflects on the innocent - but it doesn't get along well with most of the rest of the world.