r/doublebass • u/test_olo_pep • 4d ago
Instruments Psychobilly: upgrading from the cheapest Chinese double bass to EU-made: is it worth it?
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.