If you're looking to buy your very first instrument as a rank beginner (or upgrading from a beat-up rental), I will strongly suggest that you consider a laminated bass, for a couple of reasons. So, which one do you choose? That depends. Using solid wood for the top, which is one of the most tonally important parts of the instrument, can often provide many of the tonal benefits of a carved bass - while having a price point and maintenance level that is more like those of a laminated one. HYBRID basses (usually) combine a fully carved top with a laminated body and sides.Those basses that are considered the finest in the world are usually fully carved. Both the top and back are carved (sometimes the back might be a solid wood flatback), and the side ribs are made of solid pieces of wood. FULLY CARVED describes a bass which is a solid wood instrument with no laminated surfaces.The top and back are pressed over a form to create the desired shape. Of course, basses are not built of the same grade of stuff you see at your local home improvement warehouse! Rather, high-quality, thin maple laminates are pressed and glued for the back and sides. LAMINATED basses are also sometimes referred to as "plywood" basses.But I'm humble enough to know that I don't know all the answers.Īll of that said, I hope you'll find this information helpful!Ĭarved? Laminated? Plywood? Solid? Hybrid?īasses are generally available in three different construction types. You're free (and encouraged, really) to consider alternate points please don't take anything I say as "gospel." I've been having these conversations on the phone and by email for decades, so I'm well aware that there are no "one size fits all" answers. Most of the suggestions I'm making here are just that - suggestions. Many of the sub-topics link to a more detailed article in our collection so you can do a "deeper dive" if you'd like. On this guide, I've simplified the descriptions and am making general suggestions for which way you might like to go, based on your needs/budget/other factors. I've broken up this buyer's guide into several sub-topics, since there's a lot to consume here. Well, right here might be an ideal place to begin! I'd hate to think that I wrote all this down for nothing. Gollihur Music has a LOAD of tips, guides, FAQs, and other information, but it can be a little overwhelming if you're not sure where to begin. It's not a small investment, even at the so-called "budget" end of the spectrum, and whether you're buying for yourself or for your child, there's a lot to know. Buying an upright bass can be pretty stressful.
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