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New bass new bass player..

Discussion in 'Setup & Repair [DB]' started by StreetScenes, Apr 14, 2012.

  1. Apr 14, 2012 #1
    StreetScenes

    StreetScenes

    Mar 14, 2012
    Cincinnati, Ohio
    I just picked up this bass from SamAsh. I have 30 days to return it if I made a bad choice. I have been playing electric bass for about a year with the goal of going to an upright. (blues and bluegrass). I looked a Shen and that is my goal, but this will keep me going until that day. I only have $600 in the bass. It came with a bag/bow and I figured that I could sell it for close to what I have in it down the road. Cheaper than renting.

    It has a new adjustable bridge and I opted to buy the setup program for an additional $50.

    The action is really high in my opinion. The neck is beveled.
    E A D G
    20 18 18 15 mm

    Any idea on the Lark brand..it's a CCB I would guess.

    I have looked at some very good post here on TB and really like this community and it's support.

    Thanks!
    Sean
    IMG_1106.jpg

    IMG_1110.jpg

    More Pics here:Untitled | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

    Any thoughts..
     
  2. Apr 14, 2012 #2
    MostlyBass

    MostlyBass

    Mar 3, 2002
    Oak Park, IL
    I have not had positive experiences with that brand. You will not get much for the case or now that came with it.

    Renting a better instrument would give you a better learning experience and much less instrument frustration.

    Save up for a Shen.
     
  3. Apr 14, 2012 #3
    salcott

    salcott Supporting Member

    Aug 22, 2007
    NYC, Inwood.
    Return it now. It will bring you nothing but grief. Keep saving your money and get the Shen.
     
  4. Apr 14, 2012 #4
    KUNGfuSHERIFF

    KUNGfuSHERIFF

    Feb 8, 2002
    Upstate NY
    Tendinitis waiting to happen. Get rid of it and get a Shen.
     
  5. Apr 14, 2012 #5
    SBassman

    SBassman

    Jun 8, 2003
    Northeast, US
    Ouch. Well that was resounding. :)
     
  6. Apr 14, 2012 #6
    MostlyBass

    MostlyBass

    Mar 3, 2002
    Oak Park, IL
    Sorry but it's true and they are correct. I've been teaching public school and college strings for 16 years and those cheaper instruments make people want to quit rather than play.

    Check out my web site - mostlybass.com for more info.....
     
  7. Apr 14, 2012 #7
    StreetScenes

    StreetScenes

    Mar 14, 2012
    Cincinnati, Ohio
    I was afraid that I was going to hear that...

    MostlyBass- Thanks for the link. I'm going to do some reading tonight.

    I was hoping that it would get me by, but it looks like I may either have them lower the action or just return it.
     
  8. Apr 14, 2012 #8
    Michael Case

    Michael Case

    Jun 4, 2002
    Salt Lake City, Utah
    Also, I wouldn't trust Sam Ash to do any set up work on it. They are not luthiers and wouldn't do the work correctly. You can do better. Save some cash and be patient.
     
  9. Apr 14, 2012 #9
    MostlyBass

    MostlyBass

    Mar 3, 2002
    Oak Park, IL
    I'd return it. After bridge work, the fingerboard may or may not have to be planed. And even putting the the money into the bridge isn't worth it in my opinion.
    Where are you located? Maybe we can recommend places, luthiers, etc.
     
  10. Apr 14, 2012 #10
    StreetScenes

    StreetScenes

    Mar 14, 2012
    Cincinnati, Ohio
    Thanks for the insight.

    The upright teacher at SamAsh said it was a solid bass and my logic was that the Luthier that rents the space is really good. He put the new bridge on. He also did a fantastic job on my dad's banjo...now a banjo and bass are two different animals.

    The extra $50 I paid gave me 2years of setups. I figure it was worth it..if I needed to have the action lowered. I don't know if that service covered the planing the finger board...I doubt that.

    I'm in Cincinnati...I think I'll talk to Nick Lloyd and see what he has.
     
  11. Apr 14, 2012 #11
    powerbass

    powerbass

    Nov 2, 2006
    western MA
  12. Apr 14, 2012 #12
    Eric Hochberg

    Eric Hochberg Supporting Member

    Jul 7, 2004
    Chicago
    Buy or rent a bass from Nick or Bass Cellar. They are both top notch in the business. Don't waste time or money on the Ash bass.
     
  13. Apr 15, 2012 #13
    MostlyBass

    MostlyBass

    Mar 3, 2002
    Oak Park, IL
    +1
     
  14. Apr 15, 2012 #14
    f.c.geil

    f.c.geil

    May 12, 2011
    They're all correct: get rid of it, and save for a Shen. You'll be much happier in the long run, or even next year when you still don't have tendonitis.
     
  15. Apr 15, 2012 #15
    basswraith

    basswraith

    Mar 10, 2003
    Boston
    I agree. Return the bass. I think one main point here is that you don't buy a double bass at a commercial guitar store.
    You buy a a bass from a bass shop, private sale, or a shop that specializes in string sales.
    I had a guy come to my shop with the exact same situation last week. He bought a Carlo Robelli bass from Sam Ashe. Sam Ashe sells these things that are made in China. They are bass shaped objects, NOT real double basses.
    The cost of setting the bass up would exceed the value of the bass. Its like throwing your $$ out the window. I recommended he return it. I tried to explain that one doesn't get a bass at the same place you can hear some one play Stairway to Heaven on a guitar they are trying out. Good luck. A shen would be a healthy alternative.
    Michael Hartery
    Boston
     
  16. Apr 26, 2012 #16
    Timmy-Watts

    Timmy-Watts I like bass. And airplanes. Supporting Member

    Nov 12, 2010
    Cincinnati, Ohio
    Return that hung and go to Nick. I had mine overhauled by him last summer. It has a new life now. He has a great selection of affordable stock and it is all set up. He is the best in the business. I have heard rumors that big names like Steinberger and Gage, etc. have sent basses to Nick for work. After the results on mine I would not be surprised.