Advice for a stand up bass

[soups]

I'm helping my bass player's wife pick out a stand up for him. Thinking 1000k range. I don't know much about them and I found an instrument close by and in the range. Does this look like a decent deal to you ??

http://nashville.craigslist.org/msg/2831424376.html

[Wade Hampton]

Originally Posted by soups

I'm helping my bass player's wife pick out a stand up for him. Thinking 1000k range. I don't know much about them and I found an instrument close by and in the range. Does this look like a decent deal to you ??

http://nashville.craigslist.org/msg/2831424376.html

Actually, it does, provided that the instrument is as mechanically sound as the photos seem to indicate.

But you might also want to check around at any local music stores that specialize in violin family instruments. The entry of Chinese-made violins has totally shaken up that market, and this extends to the string basses, as well.

So check around, make a few phone calls and go to the stores, too. You're better off having a good sense of what new ones cost before you try to buy a used one.

Hope this helps.


Wade Hampton Miller

[dchristo]

here's something to compare,

http://pensacola.craigslist.org/msg/2829940359.html

[actaylor]

In my opinion, a Palatino doesn't compare to an Englehardt. Converse to what most of us believe about guitars, most players prefer a laminate bass. (A solid wood bass is very susceptible to weather changes.) The holy grail of laminate basses for a lot of folks are old Kay basses. Some are great, others are not. But, when Kay was going out of business Englehardt bought their plans, their jigs and all their equipment. So, in essence, an Englehardt is like buying a new Kay. The Nashville Craiglist posting seems to be a fair price. Perhaps some room for negotiation there. But, keep in mind that a brand new bass (regardless of brand) needs a thorough setup .

I have an Englehardt M-1B (blonde) which I love and gets compliments every time I play it.

[Harmonist34]

I watched Craigslist for a while and got a 1950s Kay with a repaired neck heel crack for around $1000 from a guy a few states over. Definitely the route I'd recommend going.

[RustyAxe]

CCB - Cheap Chinese Bass
BSO - Bass Shaped Object

Beware the CCB ... there are some very good ones (Shen comes to mind) and many, many very bad ones. They start out as a BSO, and slowly self-destruct over a few short years. Wood and workmanship very inferior. A good Englehart or Kay, in good shape, properly setup and maintained is a good bet. As is the King Mortone. All are American made and quite durable. Plywood construction, and they were the staples of many school bands and orchestras.

I have a Czech student model bass (Strunal 50/4) that serves me well. All ply construction. There are quite a few good basses coming from outside the US.

I recommend you hang out at TalkBass.com in the DB section. The guys there are tough, some are purists, but they won't give you bad advice (usually ... grin!).

[actaylor]

I agree with Rusty Axe. However, there are a couple of really good Chinese made basses. The Shen brand is one. They are excellent. They are not cheap and therefore don't qualify as CCB's.

[RustyAxe]

I never answered the OP's question. That Engelhardt EC-1 retails for around $2K ... so at $1200 it's a good deal IF it checks out OK. And stay away from Palatino, Cremona, and other Italian-sounding names that are made in China. The epitome of CCB's.

[PorkPieGuy]

Here's a NEW EC-1 for $1088.

http://www.gollihurmusic.com/results...tList.cfm?m=19

[RustyAxe]

Originally Posted by PorkPieGuy

Here's a NEW EC-1 for $1088.

http://www.gollihurmusic.com/results...tList.cfm?m=19

Sure ... dropped shipped from the factory. Gollihur is a good source, and they are quite clear on this ... the bass will arrive at your door in the factory box. Ie, soundpost not set, tailpiece not installed, unstrung. A good pro setup can run $400 and up (depending on what's needed). Shipping typically adds another $200 or so.

Many newbies make this mistake but it's a false economy. Better to get to a shop that carries a variety of basses and buy "off the rack".

[PorkPieGuy]

Originally Posted by RustyAxe

Sure ... dropped shipped from the factory. Gollihur is a good source, and they are quite clear on this ... the bass will arrive at your door in the factory box. Ie, soundpost not set, tailpiece not installed, unstrung. A good pro setup can run $400 and up (depending on what's needed). Shipping typically adds another $200 or so.

Many newbies make this mistake but it's a false economy. Better to get to a shop that carries a variety of basses and buy "off the rack".

Oh yes, I see that now. I don't think that I took that into account b/c when I was researching, I have someone who's local (who's really good) who doesn't charge a ton to do set-ups. I remember his quote with setting up an upright bass wasn't terrible. He does a fantastic job on my guitars, and I've played basses he's set up before, so I didn't even take it into account.

Thanks for the heads up!

[RustyAxe]

I'd be rather picky about the setup, too. I know a few GREAT guitar luthiers who I'd never bring my bass to. A specialist in viols will know the finer points of getting the maximum from your bass. Many, many variables in a setup, all are important.

[sachi]

Originally Posted by soups

Thinking 1000k range.

Wow. Well, you should be able to find a nice one for that amount of money!

[RustyAxe]

Originally Posted by sachi

Wow. Well, you should be able to find a nice one for that amount of money!

One would think ...

[Dotneck]

Originally Posted by sachi

Wow. Well, you should be able to find a nice one for that amount of money!

That's barely enough for a decent entry level bass. Shen makes nice basses...if you don't mind chinese imports. Not sure they have one for a grand though.