Advice on budget for a pre-loved 3/4 upright

[Born 2B Mild]

I'm happy with my EUB, yet have a yearning to play a nice wooden wonder. I've had a couple in the past at under a grand each.

 

I've not followed the market on upright acoustic basses, so need advice on what budget to achieve a mechanically sound and easy'ish action, nice sounding bass.

 

Extra info: I will want it for playing in the genre of folk/singer-songwriter music.

 

Plus; blue or black would be my preference over dark wood finish.

[JoeEvans]

When I bought my first DB I got an older, used, solid top / plywood back and ribs, Eastern European model from the Double Bass Room for about £800 as I recall. I think I'd do the same now - you can sell it on again for what you paid for it, take it to a gig without stressing too much about it getting a knock, and it'll sound good and look the part.

Not sure about blue or black though, I think in general double basses just are all about the wood.

[Rosie C]

My upright is sub-£1000, it's a white-painted plywood model. It is probably this one, though I bought it second hand: https://www.thomann.de/gb/thomann_kontrabass_rockabilly_weiss.htm

 

I only play it pizz, and use it for bluegrass, jazz and worship music. It has had a pro setup, decent strings & pickup. I had to have a new end pin fitted after the original one self-destructed. I wouldn't pay anymore unless I moved over to classical or wanted to return to bowing. I actually like that it's plywood and not worth much as it's regularly gigged and I don't worry too much about it.

 

Edited May 3 by Rosie C

[slap_it_hard]

Hiya, I have a nice vintage  double bass for sale at the moment for £1000.

Please feel free to message me 

Regards Mark 

[Paddy Morris]

https://reverb.com/item/81433078

[hpc364]

On 03/05/2024 at 15:45, Rosie C said:

My upright is sub-£1000, it's a white-painted plywood model. It is probably this one, though I bought it second hand: https://www.thomann.de/gb/thomann_kontrabass_rockabilly_weiss.htm

 

I only play it pizz, and use it for bluegrass, jazz and worship music. It has had a pro setup, decent strings & pickup. I had to have a new end pin fitted after the original one self-destructed. I wouldn't pay anymore unless I moved over to classical or wanted to return to bowing. I actually like that it's plywood and not worth much as it's regularly gigged and I don't worry too much about it.

 

Hi !

 

I'm sorry for disturbing, I would like to know your string height on this bass.

Thanks.

[Rosie C]

3 hours ago, hpc364 said:

Hi !

 

I'm sorry for disturbing, I would like to know your string height on this bass.

Thanks.

 

I'll dig out a measuring device and check tomorrow!

 

[Rosie C]

21 hours ago, hpc364 said:

Hi !

 

I'm sorry for disturbing, I would like to know your string height on this bass.

Thanks.

 

I measured it at:

E - 11mm, A - 11mm, D - 10mm, G - 7.5mm

That is fingerboard to underside of the strings. That's not how it arrived, I spent some time sanding the edge down until I found it comfortable. I have the beginnings of arthritis in my hands, so it has a relatively low action and synthetic 'rockabilly' strings. The adjusters were added to the bridge to fit the pickup.

 

Edited August 22 by Rosie C

[hpc364]

2 hours ago, Rosie C said:

 

I measured it at:

E - 11mm, A - 11mm, D - 10mm, G - 7.5mm

That is fingerboard to underside of the strings. That's not how it arrived, I spent some time sanding the edge down until I found it comfortable. I have the beginnings of arthritis in my hands, so it has a relatively low action and synthetic 'rockabilly' strings. The adjusters were added to the bridge to fit the pickup.

 

Oh I really thank you !

I've got a Thomann 111, the bass came with the same string action.

Of course they are steel strings (Artino strings).

I was wondering if the action was right for a synthetic set.

You answered more than I expected.

So, thank you !