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Double Bass Need Help on Comparisons

Timothy C.

Timothy C.

Guest
May 22, 2014
5
8
Texas
#1
I just graduated from college and will be losing the bass I used at the school pretty soon, so I need to find a bass to call my own. I need something to take on jazz gigs for the most part and these basses below have caught my eye due to their proximity and pricing. I just need help on deciding which is best...

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] - A 1975 Englehardt that had a neck repair done to it.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] - A Knilling with little information on it. I asked the seller some basic questions but he/she has not gotten back to me yet.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] - An Aristocrat which the seller says is an Strativarius copy. Seems nice, but don't know much about them.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] - Seller says it was made by a local luthier which is really cool and kind of scary to me.

I've tried looking these basses up but its hard to compare between threads or reviews. Thanks for the help!
 
#2
Greetings Timothy! What an exciting decision in purchasing your first bass. After checking out your links, I feel that the last option will be your best choice. The 3/4 bass seems to be in good condition not to mention all the add ins that come with it. Believe me, you'll want the rollers for transporting your bass(especially if you are doing a lot of gigs). The last bass also comes with a Brazilian hard wood end pin. A wood end pin vs. metal is said to have better vibrations through the floor(depending on your playability surfaces). If I were you, narrow your choices down to two basses and go from there. Good luck on your search!


Cheers, Landen
 
#4
That Engel is significantly overpriced, especially considering it's their bottom-of-the-line model and has had a major (and sloppy) neck repair.

The Knilling is a half-size bass. You don't want that unless you're five feet tall.

The third and fourth are mystery meat, probably Chinese. As Eric said, purchasing from a reputable bass luthier or string shop is a much safer option.
 
#5
Welcome to the wonderful world of DB-buying! :) Questions such as yours are posted quite often. Start HERE.

In all honesty, you are approaching this in what is, perhaps, the most non-optimal and risky way possible. Take the good advice you've been given. First, do your homework (see the link). Second, visit real bass shops. C'mon back and let us know what you decide.
 
#6
Erich is exactly right. Get some professional advice. For a decent starter bass I would plan on spending $2K to $3K but you might get lucky.

In your list, the only bass which is somewhat interesting is the carved bass made by the local luthier in Dallas. Now - big caveat up front: I can't understand why a carved bass that is hand made would be sold at anything CLOSE to that price! That makes me very suspicious either of the bass or of the statement. But if it were me, and I lived in the area, I'd at least go play it. If you like it, you could take it to the luthier Erich suggested and have him look at it.

You would be safe starting with a reputable brand like Shen, or Calin Wultur. There are others. The hybrid Shen is about $2300 (as I recall). I think it's one of the best sounding basses in the Shen line. I play one for my Colorado bass and am very happy with it. They also have ply basses that sound good for less money.

But basically, take Erich's advice. Good luck and keep us posted!
 
#7
Robert Strickland said:
...In your list, the only bass which is somewhat interesting is the carved bass made by the local luthier in Dallas. Now - big caveat up front: I can't understand why a carved bass that is hand made would be sold at anything CLOSE to that price! That makes me very suspicious either of the bass or of the statement.
Click to expand...
+1-- from the looks of it, that DFW luthier was likely in a Chinese shop when he "made" that bass. :)
 
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#8
drurb said:
Welcome to the wonderful world of DB-buying! :) Questions such as yours are posted quite often. Start HERE.

In all honesty, you are approaching this in what is, perhaps, the most non-optimal and risky way possible. Take the good advice you've been given. First, do your homework (see the link). Second, visit real bass shops. C'mon back and let us know what you decide.
Click to expand...

I appreciate the advice and I have both been to bass shops and read the link you posted. My problem is the bass shops I have been to lose interest in me when I tell them my price range and just point out their CCB's and leave me to my own devices. I have played Upright for 10 years now so I know what to look for in a bass when its right in front of me, I just never bothered to learn about brand quality... :/ I'm going about it this way in hopes of just finding a durable bass that sounds decent. I don't know how much I will be able to play in graduate school which is the only reason I haven't just invested in a decent Shen or some other hybrid. Still, you are correct I suppose... :/
 

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