BizarreGardeningAccident

Hello ZMech, thanks for the response. This is the kind of info I need, it's good to be able to relate things to bass guitar. As well as a range of unfamiliar brands, it's been difficult to judge ball park figures like this. Thanks!

Hello All, long time lurker, first time poster here! I have done quite a bit or searching around the forum and on Google to no avail, perhaps you kind fellows can fill me in! I am about to take up upright bass after about 8 years on electric, my knowledge and experience of upright gear is near-zero... it's all a little daunting! I am trying to get hold of a good quality bass, mainly for pizz / jazz. I am planning on buying a starter bass in the next few months and it looks like a choice between a few Shen basses that are available locally (SB80/SB100 - full laminate, and SB150 - carved top). I am finding it very difficult to find a typical price for these basses, is there a reliable source for retail prices for double basses in the UK? Also, is a carved top really necessary to a complete beginner like me? Any thoughts on these basses are welcome, if you have any experience with them I'd love to hear from you! Cheers