Antoni Debut 1/2 Size Double Bass Outfit

Advantages: Great fun
Disadvantages: Very large to store and transport

...(have I already said that?), is often preferred by those playing in the jazz, blues, boogie styles. A slap style of play involves a rigorous plucking of the strings which then slap against the fingerboard producing a very percussive type sound. ♫ ♫ My purchase ♫ ♫ After much research on the internet and telephone enquiries to several music shops I decided to buy a Stentor Conservatoire Double Bass. It has a fully carved back and front, is hand made from solid wood, with an ebony fingerboard and brass machine heads. It came with a padded cover and bow. It is available in 4/4, 3/4, 1/2, and 1/4 sizes. There will not be much change from £1500. I ordered it through my local music shop where I am a regular customer. They are shipped to order (yes, literally in a container on a boat) and arrive with the neck... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Potentially beautiful sound
Disadvantages: The squealy noises to start off with

...classical, but also covering a lot of different folk music (Irish, Hungarian, Chinese etc), many jazzy styles of pieces, and even pop music. I recently saw a music video on MTV of a guy playing violin to a pop song in the rain, although I can't remember the title. So the violin is to suit anyone with taste in a wide range of music. What size do I need? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As with any instrument, no musical knowledge is required to start playing, just a good teacher is the best thing to have. Violins are available in lots of different sizes, for adults, 4/4 (full size, then 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/10, 1/16, and even 1/32 are available. Sizes down to 1/8 should be available from most music shops, the two smaller sizes normally rewuire, specialist violin shops are required. It is important that the correct size is used, if not playability is affected... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Good weight, size and price
Disadvantages: A bit ugly, 20 frets

...This was my first bass and to be fair it was a good one, it's got a good sound, it looks ok (unless you drop it as soon as you get it) and it's a good price for a starting bass. I wouldn't however, reccomend this to more advanced bassists as it's a definate starters bass. This is the second lightest bass i've playd (next to the tanglewood rebel, which is much to light) in my oppinion this is almost the perfect weight and size, although it only has 20 frets(not to much of a draw-back though as if you're starting i doubt you'll go past the 14th). All in all this is a great starter bass and i would seriously reccomend anybody looking for their first bass to seriously look at this. If you are advanced though I wouldn't bother.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful