Headway pro upright

[Jay Carter Music]

https://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Headway_Pro_Upright.html
 

Anyone got any thoughts or opinions on this I’d be interested to hear any!

 

The guy who set up the basses and fitted the pickup anyone know of him?

 

thanks guys 

 

Jay 

[petebassist]

The bridge seems to be set at an odd angle, maybe it's been knocked or something in transit.  

As it seems to be an unnamed manufacturer you'd have to try it out yourself.

Somewhere like BassBags where you can try a range of different basses might be worth a look also. I got a great bass from there with a rock-solid setup (I've no affiliation with BB BTW).

[NickA]

I didn't get the impression Bass direct know much about double basses, guess this is their toe in the water.... But at least it means they've one in stock if someone wants to try some amps out.  The chap who did the setup is a guitar specialist  .http://cadillacguitars01.weebly.com/

 

Bass bags are good for mid range new basses.  Mostly factory built but well set up.  Tried a £6000 Eastman in there which was really quite good. They know their stuff, fit decent strings, there's no snobbery and you'll not get fleeced.  There's better value on the 2nd hand market but more care needed too.

 

Nb: no affiliation to BB, but they're just down the road from me and have done all kinds of little jobs.

[Jay Carter Music]

Thanks guys. I’m in London for my sins so Thwaites is quite close. Would you guys rate bass bags over it or too far out for you to have tried?

[NickA]

Thwaites are excellent ... especially if you have £10k to £50k to spend!  Last time I went in, a lot of their more affordable stock was out on rental to west end shows, but they let me play a nice one at £20k. 😬 They stock "student" basses too though.

 

Tell them a budget and make an appointment, they'll line some up for you.

 

If you want to dabble in 2nd hand bargains (and get the setup sorted yourself) try the double bass rooms in Hastings and give Tim Bachelar (Leicester) a ring. They have loads at all prices.

 

Bass bags best for lower end new basses and good for non classical stuff ( rockabilly specific setups and pickups)..but it's a trek to Derby ( and/or a taxi from the station).  A friend at orchestra has one of their laminated basses, it's not brilliant, but it's well setup, does the job and isn't going to fall apart. 

[Beedster]

9 hours ago, NickA said:

I didn't get the impression Bass direct know much about double basses, guess this is their toe in the water.... But at least it means they've one in stock if someone wants to try some amps out.  The chap who did the setup is a guitar specialist  .http://cadillacguitars01.weebly.com/

 

Bass bags are good for mid range new basses.  Mostly factory built but well set up.  Tried a £6000 Eastman in there which was really quite good. They know their stuff, fit decent strings, there's no snobbery and you'll not get fleeced.  There's better value on the 2nd hand market but more care needed too.

 

Nb: no affiliation to BB, but they're just down the road from me and have done all kinds of little jobs.

 

I think it's great that Bass Direct are looking to stock uprights, despite the fact that many of us play both electric and upright there are very few shops that deal with both at any real quality level. But if they're looking to get into this space they'll need to make sure they have an expert because neither the visuals or the written description encourage much confidence in the instrument, for example 'USA made strings' and 'Quality machine heads', there's a lot of competition at that price point from far more established and far more detailed retailers such as Thomann. But I hope they're successful, seems a step in the right direction 👍 

[JoeEvans]

If you're looking for a bass at that price range and you're open to second hand, the Double Bass Room is really worth a visit. I spent a very happy couple of hours there trying a huge variety of different basses before settling on my current instrument. Must be the best selection of sub £5k basses in the country. Very friendly guy as well.

[Jay Carter Music]

Thanks guys: Tim Bachelar (Leicester)I just Had a look online and he seems interesting and it’s good he has things set up already before sale. Anyone have any knowledge/experience of him or his luthier?

[SubsonicSimpleton]

Tim has a good reputation as a luthier, definately ring and check what he has available before travelling(his website isn't updated often). If you are planning a road trip to the midlands, Bassbags isn't too far from Tim and definately worth a visit.

[NickA]

Tim tweaked my bass ( new strings, adjustable bridge, bridge and sound post adjusted) so well I have no desire to upgrade now.  He does all his own work whereas I don't actually know who does bass bags' luthering.

 

Tim's "sales  room" is a bit chaotic.  He works from a little house in the bum end of Leicester, cram full of cellos and basses ready for sale, waiting on work or just hanging around for a rainy day. You have to make an appointment.

 

You can just roll up at bass bags, but it's better to call in advance to make sure someone is available to see you and escort you to the bass loft ( the total opposite of Tim's place, being clean modern and spacious with everything for sale). The owner David will talk the hind leg off a donkey and it's hard to leave without spending money! Beware.