Double Bass Prospective EUB Player

[jhrodgers]

Hey guys, looking for a little EUB feedback. I've always wanted to learn upright bass, so I'm finally taking some initiative and doing it. I'd like a little input on a decent starter instrument. Sadly an accoustic isn't an option as I have a small apartment, and I'd like to spend less than $1,000. I've been reading about the Palatino VE-500 and the Stagg EDB3, I think they're in the lead right now. I've heard the Palatino has some quality control issues, don't know as much about the Stagg. Just wondered if anyone has experience with either of these basses, or something in that price range that would be a good starter bass for me. I just play bass as a hobby, I'm not really concerned with gigs. I'm into classical/jazz

 

[abaguer]

hi
Neither of those will get a good arco sound so just be for-warned. Both will get a decent pizz sound. If you can manage it I would try to score a used EUB of better quality. There were a few in these classifieds. One was from a poster in Nockamixon PA and he was selling one for 900. I believe it was a PL guitars model which is better than both Stagg and Palatino, both of which are not made very well or balance well IMHO.


If I were in your position and had some time I would check the classifieds and craigslist and see if something pops up. There are some deals out there, just gotta be patient.

 

[jhrodgers]

Cool, I appreciate the input. It's disappointing their arco sound isn't up to par, I had heard they weren't made incredibly well. Do you know of any other brands I could be on the lookout for on ebay/craigslist/classifieds?

 

[jhrodgers]

I'm willing to put in some more money in the name of quality, I don't want something that's junk. The bad arco sound gets me a little bit too. Have you heard anything about NS Design? I've seen a bunch of people posting about them as well. The ones I've looked at of theirs don't have the large body like the Palatino does. Call me vein, but I do like that look

 

[patas75]

Look for a used BSX Allegro. They have a nice arco tone. I had one with spirocore weichs and my bass teacher liked the tone for an EUB. They will probably run in the $1500 range, maybe less.

 

[Nate74]

I'd second the recommendation for a BSX Allegro and confirm that even with lousy technique, the arco is quite usable. You'll have to get your own shamrocks though...