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what to look for in a double bass?

Discussion in 'Basses [DB]' started by Peccavi, Feb 27, 2005.


  1. Feb 27, 2005 #1
    Peccavi

    Peccavi

    Dec 24, 2003
    Jonas, pa
    i am new to upright bass and was wondering what to look for when buying a bass? like what is good as in woods, construction, etc..
    i am looking around and have no idea what i am reading about.
    any help would be awesome.

    thanks, MO
     
  5. Feb 27, 2005 #2
    Jazzman

    Jazzman

    Nov 26, 2002
    Raleigh, NC
    See the newbie links at the top of the page.
     
  10. Feb 27, 2005 #3
    KSB - Ken Smith

    KSB - Ken Smith Banned Commercial User

    Mar 1, 2002
    Perkasie, PA USA
    Owner: Ken Smith Basses, Ltd.
    You might be limited to choice by your location. What type of budget do you have for your First D.Bass? Do you have a professional D.Bass teacher? What type of music will you be playing with this as well?

    These are some basic questions to help make your choice easier.
     
  14. Feb 28, 2005 #4
    Paul Warburton

    Paul Warburton

    Aug 17, 2003
    Denver, Co.
    Info like Ken mentions is very important. Especially price. Laminated (cheaper, not as good), carved (better, more expensive)
    See the thread below on Arnolds New Standards.
     
  18. Feb 28, 2005 #5
    Ed Fuqua

    Ed Fuqua

    Dec 13, 1999
    NYC
    Chuck Sher publishes my book, WALKING BASSICS:The Fundamentals of Jazz Bass Playing.
    Money or lottery tickets.
     
  22. Feb 28, 2005 #6
    bassteban

    bassteban

    Aug 12, 2004
    Northern California
    I didn't want to be the 1st.

    Buried treasure. There are dust bunnies in mine.
     
  26. Feb 28, 2005 #7
    KSB - Ken Smith

    KSB - Ken Smith Banned Commercial User

    Mar 1, 2002
    Perkasie, PA USA
    Owner: Ken Smith Basses, Ltd.
    Yup, money was actually the first thing that came to my mind as well.. But, I decided to help the guy.. Jokes come after..lol
     
  31. Feb 28, 2005 #8
    bassteban

    bassteban

    Aug 12, 2004
    Northern California
    Ken, there IS money in some of the basses I've seen you post.
     
  35. Feb 28, 2005 #9
    godoze

    godoze

    Oct 21, 2002
    actually ken doesn't have a bank account he just keeps his cash stored inside his basses....Oops. Did i say that ? :)
     
  39. Feb 28, 2005 #10
    Peccavi

    Peccavi

    Dec 24, 2003
    Jonas, pa
    yeah there is no limit but i am not looking to buy an awesome one frist time around. also no teacher yet i have been playing electric for a little over 6 years now and want to give it a try and get use to it before i get a teacher. i have played one before and can get around. i would probably get a laminated one though for right now or maybe a eub.

    mo
     
  43. Feb 28, 2005 #11
    lowphatbass

    lowphatbass **** Supporting Member

    Feb 25, 2005
    west coast
    Unless you are already familiar with a "proper" technique I would recommend getting some basic pointers before you "get used to the bass"..You don't want to have to unlearn any bad habits, or hurt yourself...think of it like drawing a line with the point of a stick in the sand, the longer you keep going in the same direction,the harder it to change change that direction..
     
  47. Mar 5, 2005 #12
    Silversorcerer

    Silversorcerer

    Aug 11, 2004
    Atlanta, GA USA
    You should maybe reverse the order and get the teacher first. This ain't no ukelele;- what you aspire to play.
    Sort of like saying, I'll get used to the tractor-trailer and then get someone to show me how to operate a clutch. Shouldn't be a problem since I've been shifting a 10-speed bicycle for six years.... ;)

    You know that you have to get a special license to play one, don't you? Some of the sellers won't tell you that, but trust me it is in the fine print. ;)