Thomann 111E BR 3/4 Double Bass

Oink

My bass teacher has suggested that I get started on the double-bass. Consequently I took a gander at Thomann, and I came across this cheap, seriouly cheap DB:
http://www.thomann.de/ie/thomann_kontrabass_111.htm

I've got no spare change at the moment, but it's so cheap... So dang cheap... And all the reviews say that it's a great deal for its price....

Help me out here. Tell me why I should absolutely not buy it, under any circumstances... I'll get the ball rolling:
- The wife will have me sleeping in the car
- "You have no idea how much that baby is going to cost you!" (NB: She means Oink Jr, not the DB!)

What do you all think?

Dord

I was looking into some other DBs from Thomann previously and read a thread on TalkBass about them.

Here's the run down on the models from that;

111 and Rockabilly basses: Chinese laminated basses.
1/2/3/4/5 basses built in Czech Republic.
11/22/33/44 basses built in Romania

1/11/111 laminated basses
2/22 laminated basses with carved top
3/33 carved basses with flat back
4/44 carved basses with swelled back
5 carved basses with swelled back and flames

E is for ebony fingerboard
W is for "washed finish" (looks somewhat antique)

All basses 2/22/3/33/4/44/5 offer an ebony fingerboard

I do know that the Czech built ones are made by Strunal, who I believe are quite respectable. YMMV.

http://www.talkbass.com/threads/thomann-double-basses.354421/

Zapp Brannigan

I'm thinking of buying one of these myself. The reviews on Thomann seem quite positive but TalkBass and BassChat seem to recommend spending more on a bass.

I'm only interested in one to fool around on so I think I'm just gonna go for it, don't really want to spend 7-800 euro on something that I might not enjoy.

Oink

Zapp Brannigan wrote: »

TalkBass and BassChat seem to recommend spending more on a bass

Yeah... No surprise there i guess!!
Totally agree but aint got the money for the fancy stuff. Spent it all on my deluxe jazz:-) .

Zapp Brannigan

Plus it comes with a bag, bow and cleaning supplies.

Probably going to order it in July

drvr

I bought one a few years ago 399 euro. love it...arrived in a huge box on a lorry. I wouldn't have bought one if it wasn't so cheap(ish). I don't play it much and haven't gigged it , but a mate of mine also bought one and gigged his (Rock 'n' Roll 50's style etc.) and hasn't had any problems. I'm sure someone who wanted a serious instrument would find loads wrong with it , but if you want to get your hands on one go for it. you'll always find someone to take it off your hands if you don't like it.