I play electric Bass and would like to start on a DB. I have never played one but I am thinking about a used Shen 3/4 Hybrid. Good idea??? yes-no?
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Double Bass Shen 3/4?
- Thread starter quindecima
- Start date
Very good idea. A well setup Shen is a great bass, not just for a beginner either.
yes thats a great option make sure you get it setup. I'd buy brand new strings for it and a fresh setup to get you going.
If at all possible, try to avoid it. If you're buying it from far away, the seller could take it to a luthier and have them help with shipment. Basses are shipped partially disassembled, so it's a bit involved.
Yes, definitely. However, I would echo the comments about no shipping it if at all possible. In fact, if you’re in the Pacific Northwest there should be quite a number of bass shops that have basses in store to try out. When I say in store I mean in their shop which might even be at their house. My point is contact some guys and see what they have in store, try it out in person, and they might be able to show you some great alternatives to the Shen and if they don’t have one in stock.
I'd like to get one off TB, I can probably get a little better price plus it's probably already set-up. The nearest DB dealer is in Portland as far as I know, I'll have to check further.
While yes there are deals to be had here, first the DBs here are usually closer to fair market value, whereas the BG section is usually a bit lower than Reverb or EBay pricing in general- Reverb and EBay don’t sell as many used DBs though; and secondly it’s good to hook up with a bass repairman because you’ll need periodic repairs- weather moves the bass, seams pop, endpins need readjustment, boards need planed, Basses are big/doors are small, etc
Also (forgive me if you realize this) if you are considering buying new, the factory setups are usually very bad of at least went south during shipment, and a shop might fix that as well as upgrade the strings and maybe put a nicer bridge and endpin and hook you up with a nice case and bow to sweeten the deal. The last thing you want to get stuck with is a bass that sucks joy to play.
(Edit: this is why I don’t like buying from music stores or violin shops, who typically unbox it and put it right on the floor for sale. Bass shops always make it nicer)
At a shop you might find you don’t bond with that bass you did all the research on, and they might have a similar deal on an old Kay or something that you do vibe with.
If they have something really nice ($10,000+ pro grade), they’ll let you play that too so you can see what you’re comparing it too. There’s usually no pressure or judgement to let you check out something they know is out of your price point. Same with bows.
(Edit: this is why I don’t like buying from music stores or violin shops, who typically unbox it and put it right on the floor for sale. Bass shops always make it nicer)
At a shop you might find you don’t bond with that bass you did all the research on, and they might have a similar deal on an old Kay or something that you do vibe with.
If they have something really nice ($10,000+ pro grade), they’ll let you play that too so you can see what you’re comparing it too. There’s usually no pressure or judgement to let you check out something they know is out of your price point. Same with bows.
You could check the Henry Strobel shop to see if they have a bass you'd be interested in; or if they can suggest other shops:
Oregon Violin Shop
Oregon Violin Shop
I can vouch for going that route. I wouldn't get it shipped, though. Take yourself a road trip or two.
I'm in the OP's shoes. Live in a remote area. Ready to take on DB as a new focus. Had an old DB many years ago but it had issues and I was more focused on electric and ABG at the time so I sold it. Now I'm on the verge of ordering a Thompson Hybrid UB from String Emporium. I've read it's similar to the Shen brand but a bit less expensive. It's advertised as a "good value economy bass that's built better than usual." The owner plays bass in the Phoenix Symphony. Has good reviews. I played a plywood Thompson last weekend just purchased new by a buddy. It played fine and was well built. Setup was very good. Shipping was direct to an airport and packing was exceptional. Etc. I'm hopeful it will work out!
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There's a beautiful blonde Engelhardt in Salem, OR that would be a great starter bass! [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Also go check out Pete's Bass Shop in Portland. The guy is a master luthier and has some great used basses to pick from as well!
Also go check out Pete's Bass Shop in Portland. The guy is a master luthier and has some great used basses to pick from as well!
I can confirm everything said here about the String Emporium. If you have to buy a bass sight unseen, they are a very good option. The basses are excellent for the price, they are well set up, shipping/packing is excellent and Steve stands behind what he sells.
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Another option for the OP is that Steve Swan from the Bay Area regularly travels to Oregon and would probably be happy to meet with you along the way with a bass or two for a trial. Just call or email him.
Steve Swan is the guy to help you get your Shen on. I played a 190 hybrid for 8 years up until it crumpled in a van-tipping car accident... woulda happened to any bass ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
- Oct 12, 2004
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Pete Lampe in Portland, Oregon is a GREAT local resource for you. A really solid, honest, and service-oriented bass personality.
