Purchasing A Stand-Up Bass

Subject: bass Q ...
Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 19:37:57 -0500

I'm looking for a standup bass to play (without a bow) in a Christian acoustic group. I've been borrowing an old Kay C-1 bass but now I want my own. I've read that the Cremona SB-2 ($700) bass is a good replacement for the Kay bass but it's not as thick or wide. How can they say it's a replacement for the Kay when it is physically smaller.

Greetings Carl,

Not sure why it would compare to an old Kay...Most old Kays are nicely seasoned and have a good solid tone...however, they're not the same as the SB-2...in other ways, the SB-2 may have better features than the Kay in some ways and vice versa. In other words, yes they are comparable in quality, only each would have different features that can only be measured by the individual artist. Hence, it's somewhat subjective...most importantly, the set-up is critical tothe playability of the instrument...

If I do get the Cremona SB-2 will I be satisfied? Is there another option? I'm use to the Kay but does size matter?

Size can matter...again, it's really personal taste. I cannot say if you'll be happy with the SB-2...I can say that most that receive them are thrilled with them...and their value cannot be beat. In fact, in this price range, there isn't anything better period. Now if you're willing to pay more, there are certainly far better quality basses than both the Kay and the Cremona...Mickey

Thank you,
Carl

Subject: Stand up bass
Date: Wed, 4 Aug 2004 20:06:43 -0400

I've been playing electric bass guitar for many, many years and would now like to switch to an upright acoustic bass. I'm very particular about quality but I don't have a ton of money. Is there a site where I can research what basses are available and the corresponding quality/cost? Is there a bass you would recommend? What about new versus old?
Thank you for your time!
Billy

Greetings Billy,

Personally, I would look for an old Kay Stand-Up bass on eBay. They usually have a very mellow tone due to their aged quality and are usually priced right. A newer bass will work too...only, if you're looking for a bass on a budget, you'll have to consider a Chinese import such as the Cremona SB-1. For the money, they're a tremendous value. By purchasing new, you don't have to worry about structural issues due to age nor not having a warranty to protect your investment. Whether new or used, shipping can be expensive...averaging around 75.00.

Hope this helps, Mickey

Date: Sun, 1 Feb 2004 03:52:19 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Upright bass etc.

]1st let me say it is great you respond so fast and take such interest in peoples musical interest.
Ok I live a few hours from a factory in Romania. They make double basses..fully carved maple..ebony..etc...the works. The sale them for 3200$, but if I go to the factory its 1500$. Cant pass this up. So my question to you sir is this.
What is the difference from a 3/4 and 4/4..if they are the same price wouldnt i want a 4/4?

The 4/4 is the full size...and can be impractical to move from gig to gig...the 3/4 seems to be more popular overall...and, also seems to offer as much bottom end for most playing situations as you can ask...

And what does it mean when basses are "set up" for jazz or bluegrass.

Bluegrass basses are usually set up with a higher action for a more thumping approach without rattle...jazz basses have a lower action and it seems, the rattle is a transient sound contributory to jazz settings...

Also, I am a beginer bass player, I have had NO teacher and goof off in my spare time.
Im a Peace Corps Volunteer and have some free time....so I ask you...how hard will it be for me to play an upright?

This really depends more on your desire to learn...if you have a the drive to learn, you will learn...if this is just an off-the-cuff endeavor, you might find yourself not practicing as much as is required to become an accomplished bass player...additionally, other factors that come into play is your musical background with other instruments and your own musicl aptitude (which cannot be measured until you dive into the effort to learn)...

Is it worth me even messing with this. Im looking for a teacher in the next town over so hopefully that will work on on lessons on an upright.

Hopefully, you can find a teacher...this will give you a better foundation than attempting to teach yourself...and, more importantly, you'll hopefully be learning proper positioning to ensure that you're not impeding your playing ability...

Mickey

Thanks in advance
joshua

Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2002 19:37:54 -0800 (PST)

Greetings,

I would like to thank you for your reply. If you don't mind, I'd like to ask you a couple more questions.

Don't mind at all...I'm glad to assist you further.

In my search for an older upright bass I have ran into one of a company called Framus (German). It's a 3/4 solid top. Are you familiar of that brand? And like I told you before, I am a serious player and would want a bass that is pretty up there in quality (as an older instrument). So how would you rate the solid top?

Yes, I'm familiar with Framus...they're usually built very solidly...they're not necessarily considered a professional level instrument; however, at the very least, they offer a great price for an intermediate level instrument...

What should I look for with bows?

Look for a well-recognized brand...make sure that it has plenty of hair...make sure that there isn't a problem with tightening the hair...in other words, it should tighten up to a point so that the bow will have some bounce off of your index finger...be careful not to touch the hair since oils can affect its playability...yo only be bouncing the center point of your bow off the edge of the index finger...

How could I tell if the wood is fired?

I'm not too sure about this...you'll definitely want to look for cracks and any structural flaws...make sure that the peghead doesn't have any hairline cracks...this is one of the most critical areas and it will influence the tuning integrity...

What the different types of stings and there tonal qualities?

You'll want to search out other string bass sites for more advice on strings...there are many brands and a lot would depend on the style of music you hope to pursue on your bass...

Hope the above helps in some way...Mickey

If you could give any more advise I would love it.

Thank you for your energy.

jeremy