Double Bass Anyone know anything about Estle Louis basses?

[tb-player]

Today I had a very nice conversation with one of the guys at Gollihur Music. I explained that I have been looking for an inexpensive ply that can setup well and be used for outdoor bluegrass jams, jazz trio or the local Irish jam. After we talked a while, he sufficiently piqued my interest. Gollihur isn't too far away, so I'm going to have a nice little road trip to put my hands on the bass. Based on our conversation, my hopes are high... especially as it pertains to setup. But based on the price, my expectations are realistic. I'm also prepared to come back empty-handed if it's not what I want. Of course, whether or not I buy the bass, my brother lives around the corner and we've already made plans to have lunch at Louie G's Roast Beef in Sewell, NJ. So it's gonna be a win either way... lol.

But yeah, before I make the 2 1/2 hr drive, I figured I'd come here and see if anyone on TB has any experience with these. I found a couple of threads from 2011 and the comments were all positive. Curious to get some more recent thoughts, if anyone has ever put their hands on one. TIA.

 

[lurk]

I had a student who bought a entry level ply. It needed some minor set up work and new strings - he put on Zyex lights at my suggestion. It was a great bang for the buck all in all. He has since upgraded to a carved bass and moved on to college and a new teacher. I hope he kept it. When I was busier I would have loved to have it as a backup instrument. Even, attractive, sound and easy to play. IMO superior to Upton basses and many older Kays. Not as nice as the really nice Kays or American Standards that I've played, but they go for much higher prices.

 

[tb-player]

I had a student who bought an entry level ply. It needed some minor set up work and new strings - he put on Zyex lights at my suggestion. It was a great bang for the buck all in all. He has since upgraded to a carved bass and moved on to college and a new teacher. I hope he kept it. When I was busier I would have loved to have it as a backup instrument. Even, attractive, sound and easy to play. IMO superior to Upton basses and many older Kays. Not as nice as the really nice Kays or American Standards that I've played, but they go for much higher prices.

Thanks. That seems to be the consensus. I’ve owned a nice Kay. And I’ve been round and round with Upton. It’s been hit or miss. Recently Upton raised their prices on ply basses to over $4k. My Upton was a decent bass. But I suspect it was not $2200 nicer that this. I guess we’ll see.