ryanzepp Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 Hello all, I'm pretty new to this website and seesn as I am searching for a double bass I assumed this would be the website to ask for people's help. I have a budget of £600 and can't really afford much more. I am unemployed and want to use my money and time efficently. I am located in Liverpool, England and would like to know if anyone knows of any good little shops based in the UK where I could find one. I have searched the net high and low and just keep comin across (what i think looks cheap) Chinese one's. Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks alot, Ryan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Phibes Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 [quote name='ryanzepp' post='385931' date='Jan 20 2009, 12:27 PM']Hello all, I'm pretty new to this website and seesn as I am searching for a double bass I assumed this would be the website to ask for people's help. I have a budget of £600 and can't really afford much more. I am unemployed and want to use my money and time efficently. I am located in Liverpool, England and would like to know if anyone knows of any good little shops based in the UK where I could find one. I have searched the net high and low and just keep comin across (what i think looks cheap) Chinese one's. Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks alot, Ryan.[/quote] Hi Ryan. Most new basses in your budget would indeed be CCBs. Keep an eye out on ebay for a decent European ply bass. This should fall well within budget. Of course, you could really do with playing the thing before you buy, but it should hold its value on resale if it's not for you. Try- [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Four-string-double-bass_W0QQitemZ250360420532QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Musical_Instruments_Sting_Instruments?hash=item250360420532&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A10%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318"]this[/url] Or keep your eyes open for anthing from Czechoslovakia or labelled as Boosey and Hawkes. As a rough guide most European plys will have much broader shoulders than their Far Eastern counterparts. If in doubt, post a link and I'm sure someone will give you a pointer. Cheers, Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanzepp Posted January 21, 2009 Author Share Posted January 21, 2009 Cheers Rich, Much Appreciated mate. I have seen one on ebay now what do you reckon? [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=120366880732&Category=16222&_trksid=p3907.m29&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26its%3DI%26otn%3D1"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...s%3DI%26otn%3D1[/url] cheers mate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Phibes Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 [quote name='ryanzepp' post='387339' date='Jan 21 2009, 11:44 AM']Cheers Rich, Much Appreciated mate. I have seen one on ebay now what do you reckon? [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=120366880732&Category=16222&_trksid=p3907.m29&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26its%3DI%26otn%3D1"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...s%3DI%26otn%3D1[/url] cheers mate[/quote] Looks like a decent quality ply to me, a few scuffs and dinks but it'll be built like a tank. Check what the reserve is with the seller - I reckon you might be able to pick this up for £350 ish on a good day without the pickup, £400+ with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassace Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 It looks as though it's been abused a bit. The bridge looks to have been moved up the scale away from its original position of level with the nicks in the f-holes. You can also see the original witness marks in the photo. This is some times done to raise the string height but might lead to tonal compromises. It depends on where the soundpost is. The Fishman BP-100 is not reckoned to be the best of the pickups but will work well enough with a pre-amp in the line. I'm not trying to pour cold water on your ambitions. If you can get the bass at a knock down price, £300-£350 max, it'll be a good starter. Can you get to look at it first? Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanzepp Posted January 22, 2009 Author Share Posted January 22, 2009 I'll get in touch with the seller now. Thanks very much to both of you for your help. its very much appreciated. I cant sleep at night in excitement of gettin one but dont want just any old thing. As far as i'm aware it doesnt look to bad for a beginner. I've always started on cheapish instruments to begin with and end up more attached to them then my vintage gear. Hopefully I will be able to get this at a steel (Excuse the pun with me being a scouser) One more question if you dont mind. How do you reckon I could go about collecting it with me not driving and he says collection only. Cheers Ryan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanzepp Posted January 22, 2009 Author Share Posted January 22, 2009 The Bass says Reghin Romania on it and was made in 1978. He even said himself its not top end at all but plays well and sounds nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassQueen Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 Sound similar to the one i got on ebay, mine was set up previously by a guy that played jazz and I love the tone. I'm taking mine to a luthier for a spruce up when I have more funds. so go for it. luv BassQueen :wub: [quote name='ryanzepp' post='388462' date='Jan 22 2009, 01:08 PM']The Bass says Reghin Romania on it and was made in 1978. He even said himself its not top end at all but plays well and sounds nice.[/quote] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanzepp Posted January 22, 2009 Author Share Posted January 22, 2009 Cheers Bass Queen How much did you get yours for if you dont mind my asking. I'm really excited to get one. I cant think of anythin else. Are you a Jazz player yourself? Ry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBeatNut Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 [quote name='ryanzepp' post='388462' date='Jan 22 2009, 01:08 PM']The Bass says Reghin Romania on it and was made in 1978. He even said himself its not top end at all but plays well and sounds nice.[/quote] I've got a Reghin that's a bit beaten up and looks quite like the ebay one. I'm pretty sure it's carved top with a flat back. Very beaten up but when I had some repairs done the luthier said he had one in good condition that he was selling for in the region of 700. No idea of the age, mine or his. Interesting to me that the seller can't tell if it's laminate or solid. It seems to have the same wear mine does at the edges, which in my case is what makes me sure that mine is a carved top ... you can see the grain running right through if you look at the edges. Am I right guys ? Is this the right way to tell ? If I'm right, and you can arrange to inspect, take a look at the edges and see if you can tell. If it's solid it may be worth more. Caveat: I'm still pretty much a newb on the upright stuff. I'll defer to the experts here if they disagree. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanzepp Posted January 27, 2009 Author Share Posted January 27, 2009 I'm thinking of getting it and just wondered would I have to get the train down to pick it up or does anyone know of any good courrier services that would bring it to me at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jakenewmanbass Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 [quote name='ryanzepp' post='392361' date='Jan 27 2009, 02:01 AM']I'm thinking of getting it and just wondered would I have to get the train down to pick it up or does anyone know of any good courrier services that would bring it to me at all.[/quote] Go get it, couriers are not careful enough to trust with a thing so delicate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanzepp Posted January 27, 2009 Author Share Posted January 27, 2009 Thanks, I think I will. The cost of a courrier would probably be the same as a train fare. Cheers, Ry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanzepp Posted January 27, 2009 Author Share Posted January 27, 2009 [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Double-Bass_W0QQitemZ150323457018QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Musical_Instruments_Sting_Instruments?hash=item150323457018&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1298|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Double-Bass_W0QQitem...%3A1|240%3A1318[/url] I have seen this bass for £400 It is boosey&hawkes. What does anyone think of this one or is the other I am lookin at ( [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=120366880732"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...em=120366880732[/url] ) alot better. please let me know. thanks very much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Phibes Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 As far as I'm aware Boosey & Hawkes never made any blonde basses. It looks like the one that guy's selling has been stripped back to the wood, either chemically or sanded. Either way it 'may' cause problems. If you look at the scroll it almost looks like it's been roughly painted to match. That's not to say it's a bad bass, it could be a cracker, but I'd want a look at that one before I bought it. Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanzepp Posted January 27, 2009 Author Share Posted January 27, 2009 Thank you Rich, That is a great Help. One more question if you wouldnt mind. To anyone. The bass on ebay I was originally looking at the seller told me his reserve was £200. Do you think it would be wise if I was to ask him if he would be ok if I offered him £250 for it in a sell there and then or do you think this could ruin my chances in getting it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Cooke Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 one's just appeared on Gloucester Gumtree... he's wanting £600 [url="http://gloucester.gumtree.com/gloucester/16/33856416.html"]http://gloucester.gumtree.com/gloucester/16/33856416.html[/url] no photos though... he can provide pictures though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBeatNut Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 [quote name='ryanzepp' post='392820' date='Jan 27 2009, 03:24 PM'][url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Double-Bass_W0QQitemZ150323457018QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Musical_Instruments_Sting_Instruments?hash=item150323457018&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1298|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Double-Bass_W0QQitem...%3A1|240%3A1318[/url] I have seen this bass for £400[/quote] From the photo it looks to me like the scroll has been cracked (at least) and repaired. Which is consistent with the sellers description. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanzepp Posted January 28, 2009 Author Share Posted January 28, 2009 Thanks guys, Very much appreciated. Ry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanzepp Posted January 30, 2009 Author Share Posted January 30, 2009 Hello all, The bass that I am looking at on ebay has just had a small crack in it. The guy was taking it up the stairs last night and hit it. He has said there shouldn't be a problem with it but I really dont know whether or not this will effect things. Could anyone please have a look at this link and let me know if it would still be ok. Thanks. [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=120366880732"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...em=120366880732[/url] Ryan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBeatNut Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 [quote]On 29-Jan-09 at 16:36:19 GMT, seller added the following information: I have cracked the top of the Bass as I brought it down the stairs this morning. I really don't know what it does to the performance of the bass or it's strength. But you're welcome to have a look. On 29-Jan-09 at 20:57:52 GMT, seller added the following information: I've just had someone look at the bass, they said the crack is not a problem and the top is solid wood, hope that helps,[/quote] Heh, thought so, that bass is the twin of mine, even down to the cracks, now. I'm no luthier (big caveat) BUT those cracks don't look anything like as severe as mine were. However they appear to be in a place where it MIGHT be difficult to repair without taking the top off. (top off = expensive) I would guess you're not really going to get a firm answer till a luthier sees it. But, again, I bought a bass in a similar kind of condition for £250 and the repairs cost £120. Ooops just noticed it's not for sale any more ... wonder what happened ? Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bass_mel Posted April 3, 2009 Share Posted April 3, 2009 Hi i'm new to the site but if you haven't found a bass yet I have one for sale for about £300 in Cardiff. It's the 3/4 from gear4muisic originally and the price includes the hard case. Let me know if you're interested. There's only one problem in that it needs a new tailpiece wire but I can order and fit that if you're interested. Other than that there are no probs with it - only selling it cos I won't have room to store 2 basses after i graduate in july. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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