Duckyincarnate

I don't have any recommendations but in your shoes I probably wouldn't skimp on them. I needed a new endpin a few years ago and went for a nice brass Ulsa unit and I'm so glad I did. These Rubners look alright, don't they?

Best one I ever got was as I was wheeling my bass down the road on its Bass Buggy: "Nice phone mate, from the 90s innit".

I will be saying a prayer for your Bryant in the loft given some of the hot days we have been having....

The rubber Ultra practice mute is actually quite effective when used for arco playing, less so for pizzicato.

Play mostly arco.

I think this is something that would be best addressed by in-person lessons (pandemic permitting). Lots of women play double bass. I have have been taught by two female teachers in the past, and they had no problems at all playing a 3/4 sized instrument. One was average height, and one was very short, probably about 5 foot tall. Some good points have been made above. I would add the following: 1. Your hands get used to the stretch over time and you will be surprised, if playing with good technique, of how well your hands adapt to the full tone they cover in half position (in Simandl terms). 2. The strength in your arms, shoulders and back takes a few months to build up. This too will help. 3. The set-up of your instrument is key. A teacher or luthier can advise on this. It makes a huge difference. 4. Get a teacher, if only for a handful of lessons (once lockdown is over) - this instrument requires some formal instruction in the early stages. Some do without, but the easiest, quickest and most effective way is to have someone observe you and give you real-time pointers.

I agree. Considering the lifespan of Innovation Honeys, they look ready for retirement. But hey, YMMV.

Ah, didn't realise you were in India. In that case, it sounds like a good option for you.

Have you taken into account the (very substantial) import duty and VAT you would likely have to pay on this instrument if you are buying from Australia? It might even things out with other travel basses. I have no experience with the instrument in question. It might be worth hanging fire on a travel bass purchase and waiting to see what pops up on the second hand market in weeks/months to come. No one is travelling at the moment and I could envisage people freeing up some of their money in basses that are not being used much. No hurry, right?

Those basses rockabillies stand on are heavily reinforced, to the point where the acoustic sound is significantly compromised. They fall somewhere between a musical instrument and a stage prop.

If you need a stand, the Hercules stand is really the only one I would recommend. Very stable and user friendly.

I am in the same boat as you, OP. I adapted by packing up the bass by laying the cover on the floor, sliding the bass in and zipping up like that. After a while it becomes second nature. No need to throw money at it, IMHO.

Nice write-up. I do think you are probably a bit too optimistic about the longevity of real gut strings - count on getting about one or two years out of them before they start to false. Three if you're lucky. Also, they can break a lot more easily if used for slapping. Great sound though.