I give up, it's driving me up the wall

[BobVbass]

OK.. In my usual obsessive way I've scoured every option from here to the wastes of outer mongolia and I can categorically state that I'm still none the wiser.

I play double bass in a fifties rock and roll band do a bit of slap (I'm getting better at it) but also do lots of pizz and some jazzy/swing type stuff. I do a gig a fortnight so the bass will be out and about a lot - I'll get a decent gig bag or case.

out of all of these basses in Thomann that are in my budget (I could afford more but don't really see the point unless there's something that I'd kill for) - what would be the best choice do you think? (I just know this will start a fight - sorry!)


[url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/search.html?xsid=fd3eee03d1947bb60abea54f720ad702&gk=trstka&vf=on&kf=on&oa=ala&wgfid1=9719&wgf9719=3%2F4&wgfid2=9720&wgf9720=4&wgfid3=7541&wgf7541=&wgfid4=9717&wgf9717=&wgfid5=7542&wgf7542=Ebony&wgfid6=9718&wgf9718=&pc=show&chk107790=on&chk89546=on&chk89547=on&chk89548=on&chk89549=on&chk89550=on&chk125879=on&chk125881=on&chk81220=on&chk125866=on&chk76162=on&chk85694=on&chk81217=on&chk97483=on&chk81213=on&chk23571=on&chk115523=on&chk38302=on&chk81216=on&checkall=on"]Bob's Dilemma list of basses[/url]

There's also an Engelhardt in Germany I could get for £1400 but after looking on upton bass.com they look a bit flung together to be honest - not a lot of care taken from what I can see - maybe I'm wrong...

Anyway - HEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPP MMMMMEEEEEEE - before I go insane®


PS don't tell me to try any as there's nowhere nearby that stocks any I can try that sell for under £5K - so it's mad internet gamble time I'm afraid

[bassace]

Thwaites? Watford? Too far?

Also, you'll get one for less than £5k from Contrabass Shoppe, or have I misunderstood your post?

I'm told that the Archer is very good and affordable.

Edited July 6, 2010 by bassace

[Bilbo]

On the available specifications, I would go for

[url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/christopher_db_303_kontrabass_34.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/christopher_db_30...ntrabass_34.htm[/url]

Also, have you seen this (I did, after I had ordered mine )?

[url="http://www.musicalinstrumentsales.co.uk/photoad.php?adId=11208"]http://www.musicalinstrumentsales.co.uk/ph....php?adId=11208[/url]

[Bilbo]

[quote name='bassace' post='887452' date='Jul 6 2010, 04:00 PM']Also, you'll get one for less than £5k from Contrabass Shoppe, or have I misunderstood your post?[/quote]

I am no expert on pricing basses but, on every other accessory I have looked at (bows, cases, rosin, books etc), The Contrabasse Shoppe is not very competitive. Without making accusations towards anyone in particular, to be blunt, I am beginning to think there is almost a cartel going on in the UK, pushing prices up. I look at European prices compared to UK prices and find myself thinking 'why can't anyone get these basses in stock for these prices over here'. Or is it just UK import duties pushing the prices up?

Can anyone explain?

[BobVbass]

[quote][url="http://www.musicalinstrumentsales.co.uk/ph....php?adId=11208"]http://www.musicalinstrumentsales.co.uk/ph....php?adId=11208[/url][/quote]

yes seen that one it does look good - I like the flaming as well

[quote][url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/christopher_db_30...ntrabass_34.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/christopher_db_30...ntrabass_34.htm[/url][/quote]

I was kind of leaning towards the christopher or the solid thomann 33 - the adjustable bridge as standard I have to say does look quite appealing and they get good reviews - oh here I go again!

Contrabass shoppe have nothing on there web site under £2600 - could stretch to that I suppose but don't really want to (although slo's Kay advertised on here is calling me) - i think I would rather sell my Firebass stack and get a nice portable amp and a decent Double Bass for that kind of money... the amount of gigs (and the type of loads of bumping and dancing that happens)

I don't want to have to worry about the bass being too "special" I'd be gutted if I got an old Kay and wrecked it - it'd feel like destroying a bit of bass heritage if you see what I mean.

[wordsetcetera]

Hi there,

Give Peter Tyler a call, he will e-mail you with his list of basses. He's a diamond geez.

In my experience, he usually has a few between £700-£2000+.

Also, he used to be happy to let you try stuff out for a couple of weeks.

I haven't been for a couple of years, so may have changed?

Simon

[wordsetcetera]

Doh!


[url="http://www.tylerbasses.co.uk/"]http://www.tylerbasses.co.uk/[/url]

[fatback]

I'm in the same boat as you, totally researched out

This is the thomann that would suit my need for a plywood (I'll be busking), Czech, ebony board job (slapping). Sorry i don't have the url).

Thomann 1E double bass - 3/4 scale laminated bass with swelled back and ebony fingerboard, single machine heads and adjustable peg, adjustable bridge. Colour: Golden Reddish Brown. €984 inc VAT

Horrid colour.

I'm holding out for an older ply bass if i can find one.

Good luck with your search.

[BobVbass]

[quote][url="http://www.tylerbasses.co.uk/"]http://www.tylerbasses.co.uk/[/url][/quote]

I'll give him a go - thanks

[quote]Thomann 1E double bass - 3/4 scale laminated bass with swelled back and ebony fingerboard, single machine heads and adjustable peg, adjustable bridge. Colour: Golden Reddish Brown. €984 inc VAT[/quote]

yes - these look pretty good to me as well, the blue one would go well with the band as well and has an adjustable bridge and ebony fretboard as well - but then what the hell do I know!

I might leave it til after my holiday in Florida in August and reboot my brain!- Oh I don't know! What the hell have I done - got an EUB to try it - now completely smitten I'm going to end up with 20 basses I just know it

[TPJ]

[quote name='bob_pickard' post='887707' date='Jul 6 2010, 07:43 PM']...Oh I don't know! What the hell have I done - got an EUB to try it - now completely smitten [/quote]

You found clarity and peace in the fact that double bass is where it's at man