What has practically more options, colors and sizes than most automobiles, is as expensive and requires a plane ticket when traveling? If you guessed the Upright Bass, then you've obviously bought one before! Who knew it could be this exhausting to find a 1/4 size bass, let alone figure out what is the best instrument for the buck! To inexperienced buyers like us, we had to wade through figuring out what size, (there was a conflicting opinion from everyone we talked to!) which maker (the ones from China, USA or Germany?), laminated plywood, hand carved from maple...spruce...electric...rockabilly...psychobilly...jazz...orchestra! Yes, that's it...that's the set up we need. "Oooh, the bright green one w/ yellow flames, that is AWESOME!!!" "No, we don't need that one! Can't use that in an orchestra!!!" "Why not???" "I don't want plain old cherry colored varnish! I want a prettier brown or blonde!" "Maybe a little more orange!". "Narrow it down to three and see who has the best customer service!!" "I feel like I researched this *&@!!! bass all day long and didn't come up with a thing!!" "Nothing on craigslist again?" "Nothing within 300 miles?" "Nothing in Denver? You could have a longer layover and pick it up!?" "Oh, there's one in Pleasanton...an Engelhardt!" "Oh, doesn't have an ebony fingerboard?, OK"...
AND this was all AFTER we determined that there are none to rent or own here in our immediate area or on ebay! Yep, ebay. Searching for an upright bass on ebay, of all things!
Why are we buying a bass? Elliot is taking it up in addition to his piano. His school has started an orchestra and he is very excited about learning a new instrument! The bass has always been one of his favorites. For the record, NONE of the above quotes were his. The picky, cranky and irritable conversations were all from his delightful mommy and daddy. Purchasing an upright bass is HARD work! The good news is we have found a company who seems reputable and customer friendly from S. Cal. If everything works out as planned, we'll be able to pick up Elliot's new big, bad, stringed machine this weekend from the Southwest Airlines cargo dock.
Three or four years ago Chloe got her drums. If I recall, it was as simple as Andrew going online, choosing what she needed, picking out a cool turquoise color and BAM! They arrived. Very simple. Maybe we shoulda gotten the green bass with yellow flames! =D
At least this has given us two weeks of something other than biting our nails waiting for a referral! This weekend we are meeting our Ethiopian attorney. He is here visiting our agency, Dove. They have planned several events that sound very fun. One night will be dinner at Dalo's Kitchen to try different Ethiopian foods. Definitely looking forward to that!
drubek
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