Help Me Choose Which Bass To Buy
 

About me:

• I have spent 9 months with a bass, and for about 6 of those I took lessons, so I'm not a total beginner. I also play guitar.
• Bass is my 4th instrument (after piano/sax/guitar), and I will continue to spend time with the other 3.
• I just want to play jazz. I'm not going to worry about buying a bow for quite awhile. I also don't need an amp yet, as I think performing is a long way off. Right now, I just want the instrument.
• I want this to be the first and last bass I ever buy. I will spend as much as I need to (up to $3000) for that to happen, but I don't want to get more bass than I need. My highest aspiration is to be able to play local "standards/real book"-type gigs without too much trouble.

Here are some hypothetical options:

• Scott Cao STB-017 3/4 size, New (carved, set up), Craigslist - $2500
• Eberle 3/4 size (hybrid [i.e. solid top, laminate sides/back], not set up), Basses Online - $1475
• Roma 3/4 size (hybrid, not set up), Basses Online - $1175
• Laguna bass from Lemur Music 3/4 size - $2650 (carved, set up)
• 1950s Mittenwald Plywood Upright, Used (plywood, set up) - $1700

For argument's sake only, assume that I can't try before I buy. Which would you be inclined to go with, and more importantly, why?

Of the choices I would go with the Lemur. Being carved, it will probably be the best bass in the long-run. Lemur has a god reputation.
But PLEEEEEEEEEZ, don't expect to find your life partner on-line. You're in the Bay area, right? Go play some basses and buy the one that you like best. If none speak to you, go somewhere else and don't buy one until you know for sure. I bought my bass on-line from Upton and it is a nice bass for the money. But............it isn't something I'm going to grow old with.

I have played several basses at KC Strings. Among the same model and price, they ALL play and sound different. It's not like buying TV's unfortunately.

Ryan,
First, or second ;),
Welcome here. I hope my last post didn't come off too harsh. I was in your exact position a couple of years ago. There are two schools of thought. It seems the most experienced players will advise playing several basses and not buying anything that isn't chosen from those candidates.
Others, usually with less experience, will buy on-line based on faith.
The problem with this approach I believe is that it is impossible to know the level of experience of those giving advice. I purchased a Hybrid from Upton this way. Players purchasing these basses are using them in everything from Bluegrass to Country to Jazz to Rock to Classical situations. They are strung with weedwackers to gut to steel. I've found that the opinions of others are virtually worthless when compared to your experience in playing a bass before you buy, especially since you have local options. How much is airfare down to Lemur? If you absolutely cannot do that, then make the best choice you can. Just realize that your bass may be the wrong one for you.:D

Thanks Greg. I'd definitely make the drive down to L.A. to Lemur Music if I hear they are a good value. Right now I'm trying to feel out the differences. Do you (or does anyone) know anything about Scott Cao basses? There's one in the Bay Area that I'm going to try to go play next week.

This? From Craigslist :
http://www.storesonline.com/site/789018/product/STB-017

Which appears to be the exact same bass as :
http://www.storesonline.com/site/789018/product/STB-017

It looks like a nice bass.
Contact Damon Smith who lives in your area. I seem to remember him recommending a source for carved basses in your area. He frequents Talk Bass.

or..
 

Since you are on My Forum, One of these from me!
http://www.kensmithbasses.com/double...ormoHybrid.htm
In stock in the Corsini Euro shape now.

Or this if your budget is stretched;
http://www.kensmithbasses.com/double.../Euro/Euro.htm

Thanks for the info Ken. I wanted to avoid shipping...I was willing to try bassesonline ony because those prices are really low considering. But I actually ended up going the local route, and choosing...

...none of the above! I found a Shen SB 180 hybrid that is just right for me...size, action, sound, looks, everything. Now I have some practicing to do!

Shen...
 

You made a good choice. In person is the best way to buy and deal. The Shen products are hard to beat in their price range.

Now lets see some pics of you holding your new baby.

You got it!

http://ryanjacobs.org/gallery/pic48.jpg
http://ryanjacobs.org/gallery/pic45.jpg
http://ryanjacobs.org/gallery/pic46.jpg