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Double Bass Need a Cheap Upright with Moderate Quality

I

Ibanez_Bassist

Sep 14, 2011
23
0
#1
#2
That pic looks like a Strunal, but elsewhere on the Internet Stentors look different.
Invalid Link Removed

What city are you in? Did you go to the store and try out this bass yet? Were the staff at Long & McQuade helpful when you went? Did you look at used instruments for sale by current or former University music students in your area?

Did you read the stickies at the top of the Basses section?
 
#3
longfinger said:
That pic looks like a Strunal, but elsewhere on the Internet Stentors look different.
Invalid Link Removed

What city are you in? Did you go to the store and try out this bass yet? Were the staff at Long & McQuade helpful when you went? Did you look at used instruments for sale by current or former University music students in your area?

Did you read the stickies at the top of the Basses section?
Click to expand...


Well, I'm in a small town and they don't sell double basses in any of the stores. Usually the staff and products at Long and Mcquade are amazing though. Thanks for the reply.
 
#6
Ibanez_Bassist said:
Should I buy this bass? Long & McQuade - Stentor Student II Bass Outfit 3/4

I really can't spend too much because I'm trying to save for an expensive University tuition. =( Plus with a gig bag... Long & McQuade - Crossrock Standard Series 3/4 Double Bass Bag

and with tax it comes to $2841.95, For my music program I'll need a double bass and I really can't spend past $3000 preferably cheaper if the quality holds.

Please help. :help:

Thanks
Click to expand...

I bought a Schoenbach/ Strunal Hybrid from L&M about 6 years ago. The bass is decent, although I paid about $1000.00 more than this one. You will probably need a decent bow, and surely will need a setup by someone other than them. A new bridge will be in the works soon too. Pick-up, amp. (Sounds depressing EH). Welcome to the DB world.;)
 
#7
aqsw said:
I bought a Schoenbach/ Strunal Hybrid from L&M about 6 years ago. The bass is decent, although I paid about $1000.00 more than this one. You will probably need a decent bow, and surely will need a setup by someone other than them. A new bridge will be in the works soon too. Pick-up, amp. (Sounds depressing EH). Welcome to the DB world.;)
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Whoa. I plan on joining the jazz program so I won't need a bow right? Wouldn't it be set-up when I buy it? Why would I need a new bridge and pick-up? The ones on the bass aren't good enough? Why would I ever need an amp? Very frustrated now ahaha. If all this is true..I really can't afford to university and pay like 5-6k for a double bass when I plan on doing an electric bass major.
 
#8
Arco will help develop your ear for intonation. And that bass will probably not be particularly playable brand new out of the crate. I had a Strunal last year; it was an OK instrument that benefited from a fantastic setup, which alone probably cost at least $500.
 
#9
You'll get good results if you take the train into Toronto. If you look in the Greater Toronto Area, you'll find bass stores with basses in stock, as well as postings for used basses for sale by private individuals. There are a few good options on the GTA Craigslist right now.


This place is in Kitchener, so close to Guelph.

Stringed Instument Sales and Repairs, Riedstra's Violin Shop

Go check it out. Talk to the people there and play some basses.


(The more info you give out, the easier it is for us to help. We found out where you live after a few posts, but we still don't know what school you'll be studying at , with which teacher etc. Help us help you.)
 
#10
longfinger said:
You'll get good results if you take the train into Toronto. If you look in the Greater Toronto Area, you'll find bass stores with basses in stock, as well as postings for used basses for sale by private individuals. There are a few good options on the GTA Craigslist right now.


This place is in Kitchener, so close to Guelph.

Stringed Instument Sales and Repairs, Riedstra's Violin Shop

Go check it out. Talk to the people there and play some basses.


(The more info you give out, the easier it is for us to help. We found out where you live after a few posts, but we still don't know what school you'll be studying at , with which teacher etc. Help us help you.)
Click to expand...

I'll be studying at UoT hopefully. Not sure of which teacher. A lot of those basses on that list are expensive and the ones in my price range are iffy...Stentor seems decent from what I've heard. I've been told to watch out for Czech and Chinese double basses though, I've heard they have terrible craftsmanship.
 
#11
There are Eastern European and Chinese basses well within your budget that of very good quality and would be just fine for a young man interested in playing jazz. If you spend a bit more time on Talkbass and read up there is a lot of info these lower priced basses. And yes, you will need a bow. Check out recordings ranging from jazz icons like Paul Chambers and Slam Stewart to more recent players Christian Mcbride to discover a whole world of exciting bass in a jazz context using the bow.
 
#12
Ibanez_Bassist said:
I've been told to watch out for Czech and Chinese double basses though, I've heard they have terrible craftsmanship.
Click to expand...

No, NO, NOOO. Many decent brands - Shen, Eastman, Christopher, among them. It's generally the sub $1k basses as on Ebay that should be avoided. I would guess Riedstra's only sells decent quality instruments. Buy from a quality bass or violin shop and you should be fine.
 
#13
Mike Carr said:
There are Eastern European and Chinese basses well within your budget that of very good quality and would be just fine for a young man interested in playing jazz. If you spend a bit more time on Talkbass and read up there is a lot of info these lower priced basses. And yes, you will need a bow!
Click to expand...

Hmm..I've never seen a Double Bassist use a bow in jazz. Invalid Link Removed I usually just see finger picking. I will check the forum for more info regarding basses. Thank you.
 
#18
Do currently have a double bass teacher?
$2800 +/- is a decent budget for a starter instrument. I would get your teacher to help your choose a bass. Buy something used, get a lot more for your money. Like any instrument, you want to play it before you buy it. If you have no experience, a teacher can help you make a good choice. Start looking in local bass shops, classifieds ads, etc.
 
#19
I would stay away from things from Long & MacQuade. A fellow poster here works for L&M in the repair shop, and I think he might say the same thing.

Your best bet is to email a teacher at U of T, and ask him his opinion for the best place to go in Toronto for a bass. Ask him if he knows of any students selling a bass that they have out grown.

Also, take a few lessons with a teacher to get a feel for the instrument, and then bring them to Toronto (or ask them to refer you to a friend of theirs in Toronto), and bring them to try out basses.

The biggest point that people will be trying to get across to you is that you don't know what you're doing just yet, so go with a professional. Always.
 
#20
You've gotten a bunch of good advice here. I'd steer clear of the bass you asked about. At $2199, that "carved" top will likely be something more akin to cardboard that's not likely to either sound very good or hold up for very long.
 

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