Hello out there to anyone reading.
Finally saved up (almost) enough money for an upright, after just dreaming about it while taking lessons on bass guitar. Around here (Madison, WI) I haven’t found anybody who plays slap bass, and all the upright bass players I’ve met & talked to are cool at first, but then totally just blow me off when I’ve asked them for advice about getting into an instrument & proper setup for the right sound I’m looking for. One guy told me just to get a cardboard box and rubber bands because slap bass was “an abomination”.
So I’m putting this out there in hopes one of you all (or some of you) will have a heart & share your thoughts with somebody who just really wants to play. Who also happens to be poor.
I’ve heard good things about Shens…like that they’re a good balance between affordability and sound quality. But nothing about Milanos.
There’s a local luthier who sells to classical and jazz-style bassists with a Shen for sale, but he’s told me he doesn’t feel comfortable getting it set up for slap-style playing. So I’d save on shipping, but maybe have to take it elsewhere for setup. And I don’t know where I’d take it within driving distance…
Shen SB 88 oil varnish
And there’s Upton Bass on the east coast, that sounds awesome, like they can set up for any style, etc, lots of upgrades included.
http://www.uptonbass.com/SB80-SHEN-BASS-Samuel-Shen-Double-Bass/
Then there’s this very affordable bass by Fantastic Musical Instruments that I see on ebay all the time, that looks too good to be true.
http://www.gotofmi.com/34upblbafiho.html
Do you think I’d be in good shape with one of these, or do you know of a shop/person that you could recommend I contact?
I also need to get an amp..I’ve heard G&K ones are good..is there a certain one that you could recommend? I see stuff on ebay and at the pawn shops, but not having ever used a particular model with an upright, I don’t know which work fine for bass guitar and upright bass or are fine for guitar but not great for upright.
(I’d just be playing little bars, but still want to get louder than un-amped)
How about the K&K Rockabilly Plus pickup? Or is there another you’ve had better experiences with?
I’d be grateful for any advice you could share.
Many thanks,
Pepper
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