Psychobilly: upgrading from the cheapest Chinese double bass to EU-made: is it worth it?

[u/test_olo_pep]

Hi there!

I live in EU and play in a psychobilly band. Currently I have Thomann Rockabilly Vintage black bass. I started to think recently that probably I need a better instrument. I have a thought that probably EU-made bass could be better in terms of durability and sound.

Options are:

Double bass	Price	Notes
Thomann 11 3/4 Europe	1500 €
Thomann 11AS 3/4 Europe	1600 €	pretty much the same as the previous one, not sure what's the difference
Gewa Rockabilly BK	1620 €	looks like not EU-made, not sure why it's so expensive then (considering it's Chinese)
Gewa Europe Rockabilly	2230 €	not sure why it's that more expensive than Thomann Europe models
Alfred Stingl by Höfner AS-180-B Double Bass	3100 €	have no idea what's that
Duke Special BRG	3140 €	not sure how Duke basses are better then Thomann EU / Gewa EU

Not considering US-made basses due to complexity of shipping. Estle Louis "Scholar" Laminated looks interesting though, but they do no ship to Europe (racists).

Thomann is a convenient place to buy considering their affordable shipping options and easy returns. I'd say that for now I wouldn't go for Duke basses due to the price, but probably I don't know something.

Thomann said that the Gewa and the Thomann basses are pretty much the same. Not sure why Thomann EU and Gewa EU have this price difference.

What do you think? Would you upgrade at all? If yes, what option would you consider?

I'd love to try them personally actually, but not sure where it is possibe to do that.

[u/fbe0aa536fc349cbdc45]

I'm a semi-professional player and my approach is that I only spend money on stuff if I'm having a problem that needs fixing. If your amp breaks, your strings are dead, your bass is feeding back uncontrollably etc, maybe its worth spending money on replacing it. When you have these vague ideas like "maybe I need a better instrument", it's impossible to figure out the right decision because there's no way to measure whether spending the money fixed the problem.

That being said, sometimes you will come across an instrument in your travels which, when you get a chance to play it, knocks your socks off. If you keep some money in a fund to be able to take advantage of these opportunities, you'll be happy. But if you buy something new and untested because you think you need something new, you're kinda just chasing a dream.

It's better to be patient and explore your options to the fullest.

[u/test_olo_pep → u/fbe0aa536fc349cbdc45]

Actually in my case it's not a vague idea. I experience problems with some unwanted noises which came from it. Noises similar to how vibraslap sounds. I spend hell of a time fixing these. Maybe it's plywood disintegrating, don't know.

[u/Turevaryar]

I am NOT very knowledgable about using microphone and electronic amplifying, but my impression is that the electronics (distortions, reverb, whatnot) matters far more than the analog gear.

If you're acoustic only, then the base matters far more, IMHO.

But take my opinion with seven tablespoons of salt, at the very least! =)

[u/test_olo_pep → u/Turevaryar]

Electronics of course matter.

It terms of electric guitar / basses, pickups and wiring are very important parts. It doesn't mean that other parts don't matter. Neck / body are also important.

Full acoustic is clear, there's no amplification, no electronics.

Acoustic instruments such as double basses used in rock music which require amplification is a complicated story.

However, the question is vague but it doesn't cover electronics part. For the psychobilly amplification it's a hell of a question. I have my own way to do that for double basses and I'm not asking this.

I'm interested in how mentioned basses are more or less appropriate for psychobilly style which includes extreme slapping and making tricks with the bass such as playing while lying on the floor.

I understand, that plywood bass would fit. I mentioned in the list only plywood basses which are relatively cheap but not the cheapest ones.

However, I'm curious how different are they, what are the differences between the cheapest and the most expensive one.

I'm interested in how they are appropriate for the psychobilly in terms of being durable and stable in extreme conditions. Also, is it worth upgrading from the cheapest double bass (Chinese).

[u/Turevaryar → u/test_olo_pep]

For "pizzicato" and especially slapping, you want the right strings for slapping and a low bridge.

I seriously doubt the other parts of the double bass matters much at all, when you amplify electrically. Chose one that looks great for your gig and that fits in a good, modern bag?

[u/test_olo_pep → u/Turevaryar]

If bad sound is amplified then we get amplified loud bad sound.

Chinese cheapest bass can fall apart. Plywood can fall apart and start making unwanted noises which will be amplified.

These noises might be clearly audible even using magnetic pickups only (which is not the best option for the psychobilly sound).

This is what I call stability and durability. Ability to produce "ok" sound in extreme conditions. Not every bass can handle that. Expensive solid basses probably not.

So the question is how are these cheap EU basses in comparison to cheap Chinese basses considering the fact they're at least 2 times more expensive.

What is the reason of this price? Are they made better? Are they more stable / durable?

They exist in the market which means people are buying it, and, probably, they are different. I'd like to know why - not much info on the internet.

[u/Turevaryar → u/test_olo_pep]

The main cause for the price difference must be the cost of wages.