Double Bass

**scared2mosh** · 05-04-2008, 08:27 PM

I was looking into getting one but I'm not sure what to look for. any suggestions?

LWatford · 05-05-2008, 03:19 PM

how much do you have to spend?

What are you wanting to do with it?

Do you have a teacher?

**scared2mosh** · 05-05-2008, 03:30 PM

as little as possible

symphony orchestra

I will

LWatford · 05-05-2008, 05:10 PM

I would find a teacher first if possible. They'll be able to guide you to an instrument that fits you.

If you want to buy yourself:

In general...on the cheap end expect to pay around $1000 for a decent Bass. Something like an Engelhardt EC-1 or EM-1. They are modern Kay's, and are found in lots of school music programs.

You'll probably want to add in some extra for a decent setup.

Skip the cheaper eBay basses. They never seem to be worth the time and/or effort.

If you want a better quality hybrid or solid bass, entry level seems to start at $3k.

read:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=1
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43093

**Sean.thomson** · 05-05-2008, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LWatford

I would find a teacher first if possible. They'll be able to guide you to an instrument that fits you.

+1

Also, they may know someone looking to get rid of a bass for cheep. I was going to get one when I played the upright in high school, and my teacher had a decent one he was going to give me for $500, but I just did not have the room for it....

And that son, is how I learned to play Bass guitar....

**scared2mosh** · 05-05-2008, 06:20 PM

cool

wut do the different sizes mean?

LWatford · 05-05-2008, 06:41 PM

"standard" size for a double bass is 3/4. a size up from that would be 7/8, then 4/4. A size down from 3/4 would be 5/8, then 1/2, 1/4, etc. Generally (very generally), smaller basses are for smaller players (like young kids).

There really isn't an exact standard as to size, there are more general guidelines. One 3/4 bass might be a completely different size than another 3/4 bass, etc.

You want a 3/4 size bass. If you think otherwise, or have some special physical needs, your teacher will be able to help get an instrument that fits your needs. They'll also get you the techniques you need to not hurt yourself.

More links:
http://www.gollihurmusic.com/links.cfm

**scared2mosh** · 05-05-2008, 08:39 PM

thnx