We do custom upright bass set-ups and cello set-ups in our on-site Luthier shop. Setup prices below are for instruments bought here at FMI, slightly higher for instruments brought in to us for setups.

We are quite unique among Internet upright bass and cello sellers as we do standard cello set-ups for orchestra and custom bass set-ups for Rockabilly, Bluegrass, Jazz & Orchestral playing styles. What ever you need we'll do it. This is an additional service not offered elsewhere except in walk-in stores, which we are as well.

Virtually all other sellers are shipping them factory direct and NOT working them over before shipping. They leave it to the buyer to get the new instrument adjusted for lower string action and kind of strings they prefer.

Just like at our “Brick & Mortar” store, you can choose the kind of setups, action and strings you want right here at our Yahoo store. Get your instrument pre-adjusted here before shipment and avoid having to find a trustworthy Luthier locally. Based on feedback from our customers, some Luthiers resent the Internet and you risk getting insulted and overcharged because you purchased on-line instead of from them. Sad but this happens all too often especially to first time upright bass and cello buyers.

“Fantastic Musical Instruments” is the only store of it’s kind on the Internet that offers custom set-ups. Take full advantage of this time and money-saving service.

Choose from the instrument and playing styles at the bottom of this page to order.

“Fantastic Musical Instruments” (FMI) specializes in setting up double basses in custom ways for the way you play.
Having your Double Bass setup by FMI ensures you of a great sounding, well playing bass. This process takes the time and knowledge of an experienced Luthier.
We specialize in the double bass and are proud of the dedicated service we provide.
Your bass, if ordered to go through our Custom Shop, is always thoroughly checked and played before we ship it to you with the style setups you want.
Note: For our on-line customers, BECAUSE OF THE RISK OF DAMAGE IN SHIPPING WE DO NOT SHIP WITH THE BRIDGE STOOD UP AND ON SOLID CARVED CELLOS WE ALSO TAKE THE SOUNDPOST DOWN. After setup we must loosen the strings and take down the bridge to avoid shipping damage which will surely happen with the bridge stood up. The instructions for standing the bridge and tuning are easy to follow and only take a little while.
Click the home page menu tab at bottom left "Post-Shipping Set-Up" for detailed instructions on how to stand bridge and tune bass and whole violin family.

Advanced Setups: You can request special tailpieces, endpins and tuning machines to be installed to further customize the look of your bass. All of our Double Basses that we offer can be setup to suit your playing style.

A word from one of our customers: "Last year I Purchased a bass from you guys and did not get it setup. I tried to myself and made it nearly unplayable. Luckily i have just sold it and almost made all my money back. I plan to buy another from you guys i just want to know what its going to cost to get a setup done left handed for a rockabilly/bluegrass style. I know now that a professional setup means a world of difference. I did learn from my mistake. - Matt Brunty"