Buying first DB

[MemphisStone]

So after having bought a stagg EUB a while back and having had a few technique lessons I'm going to take the plunge and buy a DB - the EUB just doesn't balance or feel right to me anymore.

So as this is a totally new area to me I need some advice; I don't want a rubbish starter bass but I probably only around £700-800 to spend (need to sell a couple of other basses first).

Can someone recommend some brands I should be looking at and where best to find one.

Thanks

Pete

[Burns-bass]

Congratulations! DB is just about the best thing.

There are lots of things to consider. With an upright bass getting it set up and sounding good can be an expensive and time consuming business.

There are three options:

Buy a new one and hope it’s been set up well. Can work well, but it’s best to buy from a specialist.

Buy a new one then pay a luthier to set it up for you. (Even better, buy one through the luthier)

And, what I think is the best option, but a used one on here or from another forum that’s been set up, loved and invested in.

I’ve done all 3 of these. Option 2 and 3 worked wonderfullly.

When it comes to playing, I can’t offer much advice beyond getting a great teacher and checking out amazing resources like Discover Double Bass.

String choice is really important too, but it’s worth checking out what you can before buying them. A new set of Spirocores is going to be 20% of your total budget for example.

Edited November 5, 2017 by Burns-bass

[knicknack]

I’ve just been through the same situation... my result was to hire a bass! Paying £35 a month for a well set up and electrified Stentor, until I know enough to make an informed decision on what I want!

[wambamalubop]

@knicknack Where can one hire a DB for £35 a month, seems a great idea.  Maybe its Thwaites?  £40 a month so maybe the cost went up.

Edited May 9, 2018 by wambamalubop