Double Bass Student bass - worth the effort?

[SanDiegoHarry]

So my GF's 12 year has been given a 1/2 bass for the next school year - a typical beat-to heck instrument but looks like a few small things would make it a decent player. As I am primarily an electric player, I am seeking input.

The action is REALLY high - but I see that the neck has been repaired at some point (break by the body) and that maybe shaving the bridge down would help. Does this sound like a good approach?

The strings - really nasty old G & D strings - newer E & A. I figure if I'm going to play with the bridge, I'd change the strings. Not a terrible amount of money...

Any thoughts here? The kid will be playing this thing in band for the next 9 months, I just want to get it decent... And If I improve the thing for the next kid who gets it, all the better.

thanks

 

[JoeyNaeger]

I assume this instrument is owned by the school? If that's the case, I might suggest talking to the director about sending the bass in for some work. It is in the program's best interest to have the bass playing properly.

 

[neilG]

In my opinion, the most important feature of a student bass is a properly shaped fingerboard, or a fingerboard made of something, and ENOUGH of something so that it can be shaped properly.

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Before doing anything to the bridge or fingerboard, be sure that the neck repair is stable and the top isn't sinking (bass bar). It really should be evaluated by an experienced bass luthier.

 

[MrSidecar]

It really should be evaluated by an experienced bass luthier.

+1

And that is, IMO, the only thing that can be said here. A luthier will be able to tell what needs to be done, give an estimate on the costs, and if it's worth the effort. Anything else is, again IMO, just guessing.

Best
Sidecar

 

[bass81800]

I would take it up to Lemur, they have a fast turnaround time, get an estimate, and then approach the director.
It is in no one's best interest, and especially a younger kid, to play a bass that is not properly set up. That is a recipe for possible hand injuries and ongoing physical problems. Shaving the neck and doing a set up are not expensive items, if that's all that is needed.