Double Bass Newbie questions about double bass

[squeally dan]

Very cool. I will check it out.

 

[squeally dan]

I talked to a guy at the local string shop. Its the only place here that has any basses. They carry mostly Eastman basses in all price ranges. I found some old posts here about Eastman. Anyone have an opinion on the lower end Eastman basses? Would I be better served to get and Englehardt or something else in the same price range?

 

[400$Bass]

I talked to a guy at the local string shop. Its the only place here that has any basses. They carry mostly Eastman basses in all price ranges. I found some old posts here about Eastman. Anyone have an opinion on the lower end Eastman basses? Would I be better served to get and Englehardt or something else in the same price range?

I know nothing about Far-Eastman. My wife bought me a 10 year old Engelhardt C-1 Bass, your basic student model for $400.00 (included two tuners, gig bag and books)
I had a very able Luthier re-do the bridge and set it up. Playing this "cheapie" Bass makes me happier than a gofer in soft dirt.

 

[Jake deVilliers]

I talked to a guy at the local string shop. Its the only place here that has any basses. They carry mostly Eastman basses in all price ranges. I found some old posts here about Eastman. Anyone have an opinion on the lower end Eastman basses? Would I be better served to get and Englehardt or something else in the same price range?

Eastman does a very good job on their instruments. That said, you'd need to compare 2 basses side by side to find the one you liked best. There's a lot of wood in a DB and it all sounds different.

 

[lizzzyb]

Hello i need a double bass and want to spend no more than £1000. I've been playing a full size and really enjoying it but as i am quite small i was wondering if a 3/4 size would be better? i've never played one, would i be sacrificing tone or anything from a smaller one?

 

[zeytoun]

yes

no

 

[Freddels]

Hello i need a double bass and want to spend no more than £1000. I've been playing a full size and really enjoying it but as i am quite small i was wondering if a 3/4 size would be better? i've never played one, would i be sacrificing tone or anything from a smaller one?

Most basses are 3/4.

 

[400$Bass]

You mentioned Eastman. I know it's not apples to apples, but a friend of mine who is a serious guitar freelancer and has done everything from the top down professionally in guitar, huff puff, has an Eastman guitar. He uses it occasionally as needed (when a certain type guitar sound is needed) and he loves it! Now he does jokingly refer to it as the "Far" Eastman. Just food for thought.

 

[fdeck]

Hello i need a double bass and want to spend no more than £1000. I've been playing a full size and really enjoying it but as i am quite small i was wondering if a 3/4 size would be better? i've never played one, would i be sacrificing tone or anything from a smaller one?

This is a common source of confusion, since 3/4 is the "standard" size bass that most of us play. In addition, basses within a given size class vary in their dimensions.

It might be helpful for you to measure the string length from the nut to the bridge, and then you'll know what you've got.

Also, a lot of short people play the standard size... some advice on how to actually get around the bass might be as beneficial as trying a smaller bass.

 

[lizzzyb]

Thanks for the advice, that all makes sense it is a 3/4 i've been using, whats a half size like? are they harder to come by or cheaper?

 

[Freddels]

Thanks for the advice, that all makes sense it is a 3/4 i've been using, whats a half size like? are they harder to come by or cheaper?

There are some 5/8th basses. Anything smaller is usually for children.