Double Bass Newbie trying to choose between 2 Thomann DBs

[oink]

Hi y'all,

This is my first thread on Talkbass . I have a follow-up question on this thread, but even though I didn't see anything in the rules I suspect the mods don't like it when users resurrect zombie threads. Hence this new one. Hope that's ok.

I would love to learn the double bass, and I am trying to decide between the two Thomann compared here.

I can't really tell what the difference is between the two, other than one is made in Romania, the other in China. Can anyone hazard a guess? Theoretically I can't afford either but... You know... What the boss doesn't know can't hurt her, right...

What do you think? Cheap Romanian, or cheaper Chinese? Make every vote count!

 

[Eric Hochberg]

Do a search for Thomann in this forum. Tons of info.

 

[ErikvanD]

My music school bought a 111 just for me. Nice gesture but after a month or two the bass became unplayable... the strings are now lying flat on the fingerboard from nut to about the heel of the neck. The neck seems to have warped to the back of the bass. Since then my teacher is arguing with Thomann on the warranty and repair.

Until then the bass played ok (but smelled horrible). My own experience with Thomann is good, also when it comes to warranty (even though my only experience so far was a dented kazoo that was replaced promptly). So the bass could be just a bad one as I have also read quite a few good things on this model.

 

[oink]

Thanks guys. I was able to rule out the 111E: €400 + €159 (Spirocore medium) + €100 (?) for setup = €659
=> That's just €140 short of the 11E model. However I still don't know much abouth the 11E, if anyone has any input?


@Erik: Thanks for the input. I made my peace with the fact that ordering an instrument online is a lottery....

 

[The Spanier]

You will get what you pay for (a stringed wardrobe). But consider that they do not set up the bass; in fact and due to packaging reasons, they will send you the bass without the bridge installed. So keep in mind you will have to visit a Luthier and spend
Some more money in a basic setup.

 

[Capt.Obvious]

My advice would be get the cheapest one. All of those factory ply-wood basses are similar enough and quite good really, especially for a beginner. Great fat sound if perhaps not the best action, but a good bass tech can work magic. I still enjoy playing my Czechoslovakian factory bass.

Try to rent one if at all possible to see if you even like it. I've seen more than a few bass guitar players give it a go for a month and then give up. The theory is the same but the mechanics are quite different and takes some time to get your hand used to it. You'll get your bass player's claw soon enough though, with steady practice of course.