Double Bass older Korean Uprights?

[jpf9]

Hey there, have a chance 2 buy a used 'California Beach Twn' model bass,that a big SoCal store sets up & sells under their brand,with a Spruce top,maple back & sides & my question is how well do these (Korean made ?) basses hold up with age? I know its a general question..guess I'm looking or reassurance that this well known bass shop has good quality control & their basses are made well..seen lots of posts from college kids etc. Raving about their bass& the sound but they are all newer posts..thnx & sorry if this hs been addressed in a 1000 threads

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Is the shop FMI?

 

[jpf9]

Nope, its the fancy one named after small critter..FMI doesn't have their own line off basses to my knowledge..just Shen's &asst. Used ones..

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Buy a Shen.

 

[El Thumpo]

Dear OP, there's no need to be coy about discussing a particular bass, or bass retailer. If you're referring to a model sold by Lemur Music (some of which are named after Southern California locales), then state the specifics and let's go from there. Pretty much impossible to make blanket statements about a line designed to range from beginner-grade to professional level. Then there's the matter of what kind of music you're looking to make.

 

[swingingoodtime]

Couldn't say about the specific model you're look at, but I have a Korean 'Bogey' that's about 15 years old (solid top & back, ply sides). Holding up very nicely and never had any negative comments made from the luthiers that I've taken it to. Side by side with CCB's, no comparison; it's definitely a much better instrument, both in terms of build, refinement & tone. Funds notwithstanding, can't see myself rushing or yearning for a different instrument (an extra bass; now sure, I'll happily entertain that idea, but then I think my wife would leave me & I'd end up entertaining alone...!)

 

[Eric Hochberg]

Lemur is a quality shop. I believe they will back up any instrument they sell under their name. Of course, you have to properly take care of it.

 

[LouisF]

Jerry at Lemur was very adamant about the quality of the work he got out of the Korean factories he used. The basses may be old stock but they will be well checked out and set up.
Louis

 

[jpf9]

Thnx for all the input! I've heard good things about Lemur as well &enjoy the bass videos! they have some incredible basses.. going to audition an older 'Laguna ' model that would be used for amateur orchestral & jazz gigs..just wondered about quality as compared to say Shen's & other Asian Factory basses..cheers!

 

[T Kerr]

I'd put Shen's up against any other basses in their price ranges. Our experience with Shen IS that they beat other basses in their price ranges. And we have compared them side by side with lots of other basses.
Lots of people will tell you, buy a Shen.

 

[marvin spangles]

I know its a general question..guess I'm looking or reassurance that this well known bass shop has good quality control & their basses are made well.

Lemur music are a reliable shop to buy from in my opinion. Their basses will be delivered with a great set up.
What you will get is bass that will be comfortable to play and represents good value for money. I owned their Laguna model for about or 4 or 5 years and it was within my budget and met my needs for where I was at with my technique at that time. Acoustically it wasn't very loud. The set up however was great and it amplified well. If you have the opportunity to try the bass and possibly AB it with a Shen (or any other great value bass) then even better...