Double Bass New bass new bass player..

[StreetScenes]

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




More Pics here:Untitled | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Any thoughts..

 

[MostlyBass]

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.

 

[SAlcott]

Return it now. It will bring you nothing but grief. Keep saving your money and get the Shen.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Tendinitis waiting to happen. Get rid of it and get a Shen.

 

[SBassman]

Ouch. Well that was resounding.

 

[MostlyBass]

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.....

 

[StreetScenes]

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.

 

[Michael Case]

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.

 

[MostlyBass]

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.

 

[StreetScenes]

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.

 

[powerbass]

If you are new to UB and you want to buy an entry level bass you should check this out http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f1/ba...-please-read-before-posting-new-topics-43093/. IMHO it is worth saving your money $1500 - $2000.00 and buying a well set up bass from an UB dealer/luthier. The string height on the bass you posted makes my hand hurt just looking at it.

 

[Eric Hochberg]

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.

 

[MostlyBass]

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.

+1

 

[f.c.geil]

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.

 

[basswraith]

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

 

[Timmy-Watts]

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.