EDB choice - stagg or harley benton

[CharmayneChow]

Hi,
I am planning to get a electronic bass to play in the orchestra as a classic one is too big for me to travel around. I have looked into the STAGG and HARLEY BENTON( i'm still a student so cannot afford too expensive one). Which will be a better choice for me ? also, can I change the strings like normal bass?
Please give me some suggestions. I understand edb is more for jazz and jams.. but this is my only way to continue playing
Thanks

[derrenleepoole]

There's been lots of discussion on this very topic in the past, just search BC, and the general rule is you get what you pay for. The Harley Benton is a Palatino under a different name. As an EUB, the Stagg and Harley are passable. But, and this is crucial thing to remember, both of them would require significant setup to get them better than stock. This means better strings, probably a decent preamp and possible some work on the fingerboard. When you factor in these additional costs as well as the cost of the bass, you're in the terrority of getting a second hand NS Wav EUB which sell for about £500 to £600. By comparison, these are significantly better and will offer better playability and resale ability in the long run.

Both the basses you've mentioned are good, I've owned both, but when compared to something like the NS Wav, there's a significant difference. The Stagg for example is awkward to hold, the rests are clumsy a nd uncomfortable. The Palatino is heavy, the stand is weak and slips over time. The preamps on both basses aren't great IMO. Seriously, look on he second hand market for a WAV. In all likelihood a second had NS will probably of hand some money spent on it terms of good strings. So not only are you getting a better bass, you're getting good strings. I sold my NS for £550 second hand, and it had a set of strings on it in the region of £100 when new, and it came with a bow!

Second hand will get you more for your money. The investment will be worth it.