First time double bass

[Jono_TPD]

Hey guys,

I'm now eager to try out playing double bass, I've always wanted one and I think now is the time. I'm after something cheap and good for a beginner. Can anyone recommend any double bass for me, I'm starting to save up for one now.

[TheRev]

Do you have a budget in mind? It's possible to buy a new double bass for under £400 but they usually have an awful setup and action and therefore aren't suitable for beginners.

Second hand can give good value for money, but you need to know what you're looking to avoid buying something that's about to fall apart.

If you have £800 to spend, then the Thomann 2 basses are pretty good for an off the shelf bass.

[Rabbie]

I would look at the classifieds here and get an affordable pre-loved bass from
Someone who has already played it and had it set-up. They come up regularly, all you need is a little patience and the willingness to travel to collect it.

[ubassman]

[quote name='TheRev' timestamp='1389796068' post='2337990']
It's possible to buy a new double bass for under £400 but they usually have an awful setup and action and therefore aren't suitable for beginners.
[/quote]

+1 Some of these budget instruments actually put people off playing the DB as they can be hard to play and dont sound that great.

If you can muster a budget of £500 - £800 you should get a decent enough instrument and its usually pretty good to watch the marketplace on BC (most people in the BC community dont dare sell dubious instruments to fellow BC-ers ...thats what e-bay is for) !.

Good luck with it and welcome to the DB lounge !

[Owencf]

Welcome to the Big side Jono.
Im still rather new to Double bass and loving it.
If you have questions please ask as the forums here are quite friendly and informative, especially if your just starting out.
Keep an eye on the forums and you might find a good preloved Double bass.

[Lazybirdpete]

I was lucky enough to pick up a Gear4Music DB very cheaply (£250 including a hard case which I then sold for £30). I then spent more than the original price of the bass on a good luthier to sort out the fingerboard and nut, a new soundpost and bridge (£320), new strings (£150) and ended up with a really nice sounding and playable bass. Net cost under £700 but at that initial price it was worth the punt. Good luck