Double Bass Shen SB100 vs Eastman Hybrid VB95

[vlakvlakvlak]

I'm in the market for a bass and right now I'm looking at a
Used Shen SB100
vs
Eastman Hybrid VB95

The catch is that the Eastman is shipped so I won't be able to play test without having to pay to return it.
I know both are very nice basses, and it seems like the Shen is an exceptionally good deal b/c they're only looking around $2000.
I'm buying for my first upright, and I would like this purchase be my last upright so intuitively the hybrid makes more sense to me.
What do y'all think?

 

[Mark_T]

Both have good reputations. On paper, the Eastman is nicer because it's a hybrid. It's a shame to buy something sight-unseen. If you're in Albuquerque, can you not stop in at Robertson's?

 

[jmpiwonka]

Are you talking about a Shen SB-100 or SB-150 ?!
I think the 100 is a bass with the top made of laminated spruce.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

That's an absurd price for an SB-100. Keep looking.

 

[Theomcg]

Agreed.

 

[damonsmith]

Out the the two the Hybrid for sure. Neither one are nice. They are solidly adequate - which for the price is nice. They are both known to be a great deal the money. The hybrid won't get in your way. If you want it to be your last bass that is the one. A lot of luck and few more thousand could get you something nice.