petere963 Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 Hi - Im looking to buy a cheap double bass as a beginner, and my local music shop has what looks to be a decent starter model - a Stentor 3/4. I know next to nothing about Dbs - I know this is a cheap chinese model, but is it worth buying as a starter instrument. Funds are limited at the moment ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBus Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Stentor make basses that sell over a wide price range. I can't speak for the cheaper models but I have an Arcadia which cost £1500. It is a lovely bass for my ability. Most Stentors are made in Eastern Europe but they may have some cheaper models made in China. They are a good brand with a good reputation. If you are just starting out I would suggest buying a cheaper model to start with. That way if you don't take to it you don't loose so much. Check the setup of the instrument. How high is the action and what strings are on it? These are things that might need altered or changed to get a better sound out of it. A good set up might set you back anything up to £100 so bear that in mind when buying. It's certainly worth trying DB. They have a sound like no other bass and if you become quite proficient at it you'll never be short of work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Academy Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 I'm not a DB player but I used to sell Stentor violins a few years ago in another shop. Cracking quality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean-Luc Pickguard Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Mines a stentor student 1950 (thats the model number not the date!) Its a good solid bass for the money. A set of Thomastic spircore strings improved the tone a lot as the stock strings weren't up to much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zero9 Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 I like my Stentor Arcadia. Whatever you go for, a professional set up will improves things enormously. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stompbox Posted January 13, 2010 Share Posted January 13, 2010 Good morning! I bought a Stentor 3/4 bass, model 1950. It's not a top line instrument, but it's the one I have started on, and it has a good gig bag & a solid top. I had the nut adjusted, an adjustable bridge fitted, and a new set of strings put on. It plays OK for me!! THE OTHER THING I DID WAS TO USE VERY FINE STEEL WOOL TO GENTLY RUB DOWN THE BACK OF THE NECK TO GET A GOOD SMOOTH SURFACE FOR MY HAND TO SLIDE ON. All the best, Stompbox. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duckyincarnate Posted January 13, 2010 Share Posted January 13, 2010 I have a Stentor Conservatoire that is about 8 years old now. I am the second owner - I bought it from London bassist Oli Brice. It is a loud and easy to play instrument. Oli had it professionally set up, and the endpin and the bridge replaced. My teacher was quite impressed by the bass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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