Help Me Choose Which Bass To Buy

[Ryan Jacobs]

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?