Thomann Bohemia Double Bass 3/4 SOL W

I've had this double bass for about 4 months now, I chose it after checking out all sorts of reviews and was a little concerned over buying an instrument I couldn't try out first. It came quickly and was easy enough to setup (install the bridge and tune it up).

The first thing I did was to arrange for my luthier to set it up. I had asked Thomann for a jazz setup though I would guess it was closer to an orchestral setup if anything and strung with D'Addario Helicore Orchestra strings which are best for bowing and not very good for pizz. I think it's fair to expect a setup to be done after purchase though it would be ideal if Thomann offered a choice of strings without extra charge (e.g. Helicore Hybrids or Pizzicato or Orchestras depending on customer preferences and which are all in the same price range).

My luthier so far has lowered the bridge, dressed the fingerboard and also filed the nut to get the strings closer to the fingerboard as well (the nut was way to high). I'm changing the endpin as well to carbon fibre just to try something different. Nothing wrong with the existing one quality wise, just a couple of comments though: the plug is protruding about 1cm off the body so not in all the way (replaced it with carbon fibre for lightness). Good strings cost £100+ and I replaced them with Thomastic Spirocores).

I was not 100% sure at first though the more I play it I appreciate it for being a very nicely made instrument, both to look at and to play. With the setup and Thomastic Spirocore (Weich) strings its starting to make a lovely sound with many nuances and nice overtones. It's still new so I'm expecting some of the tightness to give way to a more open sound in the coming months and years.

Overall I am very happy. Could I have bought something better for the money? Maybe, maybe not. (I was looking at Shens and Christophers though these are quite a bit more expensive. The Thomann 33 is also a very decent instrument and cheaper, though the 3W might have a slightly better build quality.) A satisfied customer!