Affordable double bass reviews

[Guzzigaga]

I would like to give the double bass a go but finding information on what's good and what's not is difficult. So what's the opinion out there. I don't have a great deal of money to spend so I'm looking at the student / beginner level stuff. So far I have found, forenza, sotendo, stentor, thomman (I heard it's not cheap buying from Europe Any more due to the split). Does anyone have any experience with these brands, am I missing a decent brand. Basically are any cheap double basses worth buying.

There isn't much info on this stuff out there, could only find a few vids on YouTube.

[Happy Jack]

I'm afraid that 'affordable' probably needs clarification, and I'd suggest quite strongly that you go pre-owned rather than new.

You can buy a perfectly playable pre-owned DB at the £300 level but it won't set your world on fire. At £1000 you get a very different experience. 

 

[stingrayPete1977]

Most of them will come from Europe even if you buy from a uk seller. Finding a good used one is the best bet but that's not always easy!

Check out Gedo, a few of us bass chatters have them and they cover a variety of price points.

[Burns-bass]

I’d recommend buying one used from the forum here from someone who has the bass set up. Buying online is a risk and every bass will need a setup. If you do want to buy new, then buy from a luthier or specialist shop that can do the set up for you. Playing a poorly set up DB isn’t just a challenge, if your technique is poor you could injure yourself. 

Buying cheap is a false economy.

[Bilbo]

Where are you, mate? People on here will let you play their affordable basses if you make contact. Plenty of credible starter instruments out there but a friendly steer will help you avoid a catastrophe.