What kind of bass? How much should I pay?

[gwaltrip]

Patrick,

It’s really hard to find a good discussion of the best double bass for specific genres and uses. I have scoured the internet looking for one and no luck. It seems everyone has their favorite make and model and hardly anyone is objective about it. I would like your informed opinion, if you don't mind.

In general, it seems that fully carved basses are best, but how so? Do they have better tone? Better sustain, better bottom? More “puff”? How difficult is it to discern the difference if you line up a carved bass alongside a hybrid and a laminate (assuming all other variables are equal, e.g. quality of strings and setup)? Is the carved bass always better, or does it depend on the brand and model? Is a laminate good enough for gigging? If not, why not?

What are the top (maybe) five or ten makes and models for the following:

1. Symphony/orchestra
2. Jazz/Standards
3. Bluegrass/Western

What is the best overall student model in the $600 - $1,000 range?

What is the best intermediate model in the $1,100 - $3,000 range?

If this is too much to answer, just tell me what you can and maybe the other posters can add to the discussion. I need to know this. I have a good student model laminated bass but is it good enough to play gigs? I intend to use it for jazz and standards.

 

[PNeher]

Patrick,

It’s really hard to find a good discussion of the best double bass for specific genres and uses. I have scoured the internet looking for one and no luck. It seems everyone has their favorite make and model and hardly anyone is objective about it. I would like your informed opinion, if you don't mind.

In general, it seems that fully carved basses are best, but how so? Do they have better tone? Better sustain, better bottom? More “puff”? How difficult is it to discern the difference if you line up a carved bass alongside a hybrid and a laminate (assuming all other variables are equal, e.g. quality of strings and setup)? Is the carved bass always better, or does it depend on the brand and model? Is a laminate good enough for gigging? If not, why not?

What are the top (maybe) five or ten makes and models for the following:

1. Symphony/orchestra
2. Jazz/Standards
3. Bluegrass/Western

What is the best overall student model in the $600 - $1,000 range?

What is the best intermediate model in the $1,100 - $3,000 range?

If this is too much to answer, just tell me what you can and maybe the other posters can add to the discussion. I need to know this. I have a good student model laminated bass but is it good enough to play gigs? I intend to use it for jazz and standards.

I have to say that in my experience, generally, quality and price go together. You can buy a bass anywhere from $35 to $135,000 (and up). Certainly there are bargains out there. Steve Koscica in Phoenix (String Emporium) sells these CHinese Wan-Bernadel model basses that I must say, are really a good buy... the quality is up there with the low price. And there are other makers of new instruments that are providing our community with finer basses. But I cannot stress enough: "One must Play the Bass Before Buying!" Even tho' I have bought a few instruments sight-unseen, it is generally not a good idea. It is easy to be ripped off. Or worse, getting an instrument that you cannot/will-not play. So, bring a knowledgable person to view the bass you are considering. Your technique is going to grow (hopefully) so generally I recommend a bass that you will grow up with. That means purchasing the highest quality you can afford. Your private teacher should be able to help.
There are definitely differences in the shapes of basses associated with different roles. My solo bass has very sloping shoulders. Not a big round sound, but projects great as a soloist. For orchestra one usually plays a big bass with a "dark - full -round" sound. For jazz we need punch (strings can help on all fronts) and for Baroque, softness. So you must identify the needs too before chosing a shape (also must fit your body!). Soooo, you have presented a huge question that is not easily answered. A LOT of experience in playing LOTS of basses is what's needed. When you find one that will help you be challenged and that you "fall in love with"... BUY IT! The cost is unimportant at that point (seriously, there are ways!). Go to the ISB Convention to see hundreds of double basses. And there is nothing wrong with plywood as long as it sounds the way you want to sound. Some of the old Kay basses are amazing!
Best!
PN