demail Posted March 10, 2013 Share Posted March 10, 2013 I'm interested in taking up the double bass and was wondering if anyone had a cheap one they wanted shot of. I play viola in an orchestra and jazz piano so I'm looking to display my lack of talent in both arenas (I understand I'd need different strings and perhaps bridges but I'll cross that (bridge) when I come to it). There are new instruments going for about £400 (gear4music etc) but they seem to be less than universally admired. While I see if it's up my street I'm not looking to spend more than maybe a couple of hundred on one. I appreciate I can only expect something pretty ropey for that price but I'm not concerned provided it's reasonably playable. I'm in Cheshire so can pick up in the north west, or maybe further afield. Many thanks for any help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owencf Posted March 10, 2013 Share Posted March 10, 2013 You really have two options buy new or pre-loved Having recently gone through the minefield of buying a Double bass the general feeling is to AVOID G4M. Like most things you get what you pay for, Stingraypete recently brought a nice bass new from Gedomusik.de for around £900 From what Pete has said it was decently setup to the style he required and arrived in good time, also came with a free bow and some rosin. There is also Thomann.de seem to have decent reviews for some of the cheaper bass I brought a Pre-Loved Bass from Ceilidhswinger yesterday for £900 and it was exactly as described a beautiful 3/4 curved blonde with loud voice Also if you buy from Forum members your not going to get taken for a ride. Not much help i know Also ask questions of the Double bass forum you will get many experienced responses Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabbie Posted March 10, 2013 Share Posted March 10, 2013 I completely agree with the reply above. For the price you have in mind your best bet is to wait until you have another £ 7-800 to spend. Otherwise you will buy a worse than terrible instrument which will put you off playing double bass. My first bass was a Stentor which I bought for £600. It was not great but not as bad as the one mentioned above. As Owen said, in double bass you really get what you pay for. My Stentor lasted me 6 months, by which time I had understood what a db should sound like and felt I had to buy a decent one. If you bought a decent one to begin with, it would hold its value and if db is not for you, you could re-sell it and loose not so much on it. That's only my opinion though, you do what makes you happy. All the very best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
demail Posted March 10, 2013 Author Share Posted March 10, 2013 Yes, I guess you're right. Perhaps it's a bit of a big ask. Unfortunately, I'm getting married next month (actually, that didn't come out right...) so gratuitous expenditure isn't the order of the day. I suppose it's possible to justify a bigger purchase on the re-selling argument but if like me you know nothing about the instruments you could easily end up paying a pile for something worth very little. eBay is a real danger on that basis but at least on this forum you're less likely to get stung. I'll keep an eye out for whatever turns up. Many thanks chaps. Hope to be twanging along with you before long. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alistair Sutcliffe Posted March 10, 2013 Share Posted March 10, 2013 How about testing the water with an electric upright? It's not exactly the same but it's close enough to see if you like db. You can pick up second hand Staggs for £250 and they hold their value so you can sell it on with little or no loss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
demail Posted March 11, 2013 Author Share Posted March 11, 2013 I'd thought about an EUB but I've read it's best to get what you intend to stick with. I suppose I'll have to save my pennies... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarah thomas Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 http://www.edencompanies.com/bogdon/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Bassman Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 [quote name='sarah thomas' timestamp='1363022981' post='2007118'] [url="http://www.edencompanies.com/bogdon/"]http://www.edencompanies.com/bogdon/[/url] [/quote] That bass may be cheap, but have you seen the rack of amplification it needs to audible? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
demail Posted March 12, 2013 Author Share Posted March 12, 2013 ...on the other hand if you want to do a Hendrix and set fire to it you won't need the lighter fuel... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owencf Posted March 13, 2013 Share Posted March 13, 2013 dont play in humid environments, might be catastrophic when the neck folds up due to moisture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockabillybob1 Posted March 22, 2013 Share Posted March 22, 2013 i have a half size one set up for rockabilly in perfect nick can send you a pic want 300 it has inovation strings on it a gig bag and bow if you want to bow it its an antoni gold edge is a decal looks coll very minimal marking sounds deep plugged in my tel no is 07802410222 im at manchester ta bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petercullenbassist Posted March 22, 2013 Share Posted March 22, 2013 hey i have a 3/4 Size Lam Double Bass for sale £300 with a case. 07985642553 [attachment=130711:double bass.jpg] Cheers Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
demail Posted March 22, 2013 Author Share Posted March 22, 2013 Afraid I bought one yesterday. For rather more than I planned. Hey ho... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.jpg.7e18f76540598a8efc0e6ca9be453059.jpg)
Recommended Posts