Double Bass Where's the line?

[Quap]

I have decided that I am going to purchase plywood bass, eventually, got to start adding to my savings.

This based on my chosen style of play, Jazz. The fact that I live in a very dry climate, Lubbock Tx. Humidity around 30% all year long. It's actually 24% today with blowing dust, And because I feel that my need for a double bass is not for work, I won't be making money or taking auditions etc, that an easily maintainable instrument with less chance of costly repairs should something go wrong is my best choice.

I don't plan on getting the least expensive bass, just because of price, but I also can't take the necessary road trips to larger cities to try everything out only to fall in love with an instrument that is out of my price range.

That being said, when do CCBs become well made foreign instruments? What is the threshold?

 

[drurb]

I have decided that I am going to purchase plywood bass...This based on my chosen style of play, Jazz.

I certainly understand the practical reasons you cited for wanting a ply. Those make sense but I can't agree with a ply somehow being appropriate because you play jazz. Gee, I play jazz and I certainly appreciate and prefer the great advantages of a carved bass. I seem to be in very good company too!

That being said, when do CCBs become well made foreign instruments?

Never. A "Cheap Chinese Bass" (CCB) is, by definition, not a well-made instrument. Now, for sure, not all Chinese basses are CCBs. If you are buying a new ply bass and you want a quality instrument, be it from Asia, Europe, or right here in the USA, then, one way or the other, you'll be spending a minimum of between $1200-$1500. There's no magic or way around this. So, keep saving the pennies!

 

[Quap]

I certainly understand the practical reasons you cited for wanting a ply. Those make sense but I can't agree with a ply somehow being appropriate because you play jazz. Gee, I play jazz and I certainly appreciate and prefer the great advantages of a carved bass. I seem to be in very good company too!


Never. A "Cheap Chinese Bass" (CCB) is, by definition, not a well-made instrument. Now, for sure, not all Chinese basses are CCBs. If you are buying a new ply bass and you want a quality instrument, be it from Asia, Europe, or right here in the USA, then, one way or the other, you'll be spending a minimum of between $1200-$1500. There's no magic or way around this. So, keep saving the pennies!

Didn't mean to imply that Jazz required an instrument of a different quality, but I will not be performing arco unamplied in a concert hall solo, if that makes sense. Reacquiring the skills I had on bass in high school and in college in the privacy of my own home is a little different.

I guess I meant at what price point do they become a quality instrument. And you helped answer that. Thanks.

As far as saving pennies, anyone need an entry level mandolin

 

[Tejano Bass]

Quap - check your PM . . .