PaulKing

[quote name='johnny dissident' post='74072' date='Oct 14 2007, 09:15 AM']I have the same dilemma,I rushed into buying a stentor student,without shopping around properly,because I was desperate to start learning.Immediately it's limitations became apparent,it was'nt even set up . So I lowered the action, which was an unplayable 15mm down to 8mm,installed a KK Bass Max and fitted it with a set of Helicore hybrid strings, it came with brake cables.It's cost me an extra 200 quid on top of the £500 I brought it for ,but it's sounding ok it's never going to be a great sounding bass. But when do I stop spending money on it and upgrade.I would like to fit an adjustable bridge and have a professional set up ,I found that the bridge is'nt seated properly,but I've been quoted £200 for this. can anyone recommend a luthier in the glos ,oxon,wilts area who could help me get the best out of this instrument without spending too much.[/quote] Try Peter Tyler basses, he's out near Reading somewhere I think. tylerbasses.co.uk Great bloke, house full of basses. heaven.

[quote name='bassbloke' post='94631' date='Nov 26 2007, 04:50 PM']I've decided that I have to get a double bass. It would be really, really useful if someone on this forum with some experience could share some advice, such as price you should expect to pay, good or bad countries of origin, reccomended makes and warning signs. Thank you[/quote] Some interesting opinions expressed on here, and as usual the truth is likely somewhere in the middle. My first post here, I normally live at rockabillybass.com, which will give you an idea of what I do with my basses. I slap them about, which some might think is heresy. But there is NO BASS SNOBBERY over there. I still take my basses very seriously though. I think I've owned 10 different basses in nearly 20 years. Mostly budget end, but also one beautiful 1940s carved German bass, my pride and joy. I've got 3 acoustic and one EUB at the moment. My opinion: Yes buy a bass and have fun, it's easy to get started, takes a lifetime to master, as most instruments. Do take great care buying a cheap bass though. Even a good store like Footes in London sells Chinese and Romanian student basses that sound pretty rough, at well over £1000. And they feel uncomfortable too. Both of those factors can make them frustrating and disatisfying to play, and produce unpleasant noises which only deter you from persisting. However you can pick up beautiful basses, new and second hand, for around £500. They come up on ebay, but you need to know what to look for. There's a fine Hofner on right now if you're quick. Thomann on-line store - they sell Strunal (Czech) basses, which are beautifully made, wonderful to play and sound the business. £400-£1000. Look at the Thomann 2W (it's made by Strunal). They also sell Christopher I think, which are good chinese basses. In the States you have more choice - Upton, Hawkes, Englehardt, American Standard, and the elusive original Kay basses (if you're lucky to find one). Plus King who make indestructible gigging basses for rock stars and bedroom wannabes alike. But there are many Chinese basses you should avoid at all costs, they just don't cut it and have a reputation for falling apart. They just sound and feel vulnerable and cardboardy. They often have Italian or European sounding names, but they aren't. You CAN enjoy one of these, and you can have one that lasts perfectly well - I know plenty of people who are happy with theirs. But I bet that every single one of them would trade it for a Strunal if they had the opportunity to play one. Then you have to choose the right strings and pick up. They DO make a difference. Low tension strings are MUCH easier to learn on, but might hold your technique back later on. Don't expect the strings that come on the bass to have much warmth and sustain. Thomastik Spirocore are pretty much the standard for most situations. There are several pick-up options. Whatever you choose first will be OK, but you'll want to experiment later on - personal choice. So in short. Buy one. Spend £500+. Check the make carefully, and ask here, or at rockabillybass.com. Buy some decent strings. Teach yourself to play. Enjoy. Nurse your sore fingers. polish the varnish. Change the strings again. Never look back.