New Double Bass For a Beginner

[fleamail]

I am looking for a Double Bass to begin with. What sould someone look at when buying a Double Bass?

My budget is around £1000, can I get something to start playing with my budget? What about these in Thomann:?

[url="http://www.thomann.de/gr/thomann_kontrabass_2_m_4_4.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gr/thomann_kontrabass_2_m_4_4.htm[/url]

[url="http://www.thomann.de/gr/thomann_kontrabass_44.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gr/thomann_kontrabass_44.htm[/url]

Help me please!


P.S. What is the difference from 4/4 and 3/4 basses? Size?

Edited July 14, 2007 by fleamail

[kjb]

They look OK don't they.

I'm after one, or going to be in the near future.

As far as I know, 3/4 size ones are more generally played in jazz and pop etc, the 4/4 are usually orchestral.

[velvetkevorkian]

Not sure about availability in Greece, but for £1000 you're most likely looking at brands like Zeller and Stentor if you're buying new. These are generally pretty solid (I've heard good things about the Stentors, although I haven't been able to try one). Your best bet, if possible, is to play as many as you can. Are there any shops near you that sell them?

The main thing to look out for when buying is cracks in the body and the positioning of the bridge.

edit- re: 3/4 vs 4/4, the vast majority of players use a 3/4, although the lines are pretty blurry so you get large 3/4s which are the same size as a smallish 4/4. If you can try before you buy, go with whatever's comfortable but if you're buying blind I'd get a 3/4, especially if you're a DB beginner.

Edited July 15, 2007 by velvetkevorkian

[Wilski]

As a beginner I found a local shop (in my case a violin shop) and asked for advice. The guy in the shop was really good and recommended a certain brand (Stentor in my case). He advised against buying 'old' or used basses as this can be a bit of a minefield.

When buying new, especially at the price you're going for, it is likely that the soundpost and bridge are likely to be 'cheap' and it is worthwhile investing in getting these replaced by a luthier. You may also want to put a decent set of strings on. I did as recommended by the guy in the violin shop, who did all the work, and the sound was simply fabulous (he re-worked my Stentor Arcadia).

Hope this helps.

Regards