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Double Bass Trunk rental

6

61pollmann

Apr 30, 2005
536
15
Wisconsin
#1
My grandson just started his first year at Berklee as a bass major. He took his Fender with him on the plane out to Boston from Wisconsin, but not his upright. He would like to get it out to Boston. Once there, it would stay, so don’t need to buy a travel trunk. Any ideas on renting one? We could pick one up within 100 miles of Milwaukee(maybe Chicago?). I would consider a used one if the price were right(cheap).
 
#4
The costs of renting or buying a trunk and getting the trunk back to WI empty with the oversize charges plus cost of the flight on an airline that will even take a trunk are probably more than the drive with a couple hotel stops. Use it as a chance to see the country. Alternatively, depending on the bass he has, it may make as much sense to sell it and get a better bass out there - just saying that knowing the usual quality of basses kids in HS play! It certainly isn't worth doing all that (flying or driving) for a basic ply bass, for example.

Basses ARE more expensive out there and there zero general good deals on entry level basses near Boston - though watching Craigslist could be answer. Things get better for mid-range and higher end basses out there.
 
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#5
Is $400 cheap? It's been there for awhile.
International Society of Bassists - Basses for Sale (isbworldoffice.com)

Seller: George Kaye
Phone / Email: Please login as a member or fill out the CAPTCHA phrase above.
Asking Price: $400.00 Or Best Offer
Papers: No
Additional Description: For Sale: Fiberglass Bass Carrier Case for airlines, trains, shipping. Still a sturdy case. Worked well for me. I no longer travel with a bass. Fits most 3/4 or some 7/8 size basses.
Case is in Northampton, MA close enough to NYC and Boston for local pick up. If you want this shipped contact me. Buyer pays shipping. No deliveries, sorry.
Inside Dimensions Shown in photo
Asking $400 or Best Offer
NY or Boston

CODE: 20210929
 
#6
If you know a woodworker you could have him make you a plywood crate and ship it my truck. Trucking companies prefer a box to a trunk since it's easier to pack. However, I think Damon's idea of just buying a bass in Boston is the best option. Your grandson is probably due for an upgrade.
 
#7
There are usually good deals on Craigslist here in Boston. Uprights are hard to sell. Find a good one and offer 75% of the asking. If he has no access to a truck, I’d be happy to transport him and his new bass in my truck. It’ll cost you a cup of coffee though.

Edit: right now there are: a King Mortone, a Kay and a Shen on the list
 
Last edited:
#8
Stewie said:
There are usually good deals on Craigslist here in Boston. Uprights are hard to sell. Find a good one and offer 75% of the asking. If he has no access to a truck, I’d be happy to transport him and his new bass in my truck. It’ll cost you a cup of coffee though.

Edit: right now there are: a King Mortone, a Kay and a Shen on the list
Click to expand...
Take a look at the DB for sale right here. There's a 5 string 5/8 on the Cape, a Romanian in Acton for $1,200 and a old German Plywood in NH. There may be more.
 
#9
And the Boston area has plenty of luthiers, most of which have instruments for sale. Craigslist is a little short today but usually has lots of bases for sale. He could certainly talk to one of his bass professors about locating a bass. I had a couple of basses for sale over the years and put fliers up at Berklee so I know that is an option as well. If he buys an instrument here, he could easily sell it when he leaves. Even if he takes a loss, it would surely be less than the price of a trunk or shipping.
 
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#12
Thanks for the replies. My grandson would really like to have HIS bass out there. He likes the setup and sound, and is comfortable on it. After considering all the costs involved with renting a case(rental fee, three flights, two empty), I’m looking towards buying something(Shen, etc.) decent and selling it when he’s done. I’m in poor health, or else I would drive his out there. I was still gigging at 77, but got diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis last year. I sold my Pollmann. Hope you are all staying safe during this pandemic. Also hope the gigging situation gets better.

George
 
#13
61pollmann said:
Thanks for the replies. My grandson would really like to have HIS bass out there. He likes the setup and sound, and is comfortable on it. After considering all the costs involved with renting a case(rental fee, three flights, two empty), I’m looking towards buying something(Shen, etc.) decent and selling it when he’s done. I’m in poor health, or else I would drive his out there. I was still gigging at 77, but got diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis last year. I sold my Pollmann. Hope you are all staying safe during this pandemic. Also hope the gigging situation gets better.

George
Click to expand...
You might contact Mark Carlsen, an excellent bass player and luthier The Set Up Shop-Welcome!
 
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