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Double Bass Players on the Endangered Species List!


Mykesbass
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Well we all knew that bass players were in short supply, and double bass players even more so, but according to today's Observer there is a real problem with a lack of them, along with bassoon, oboe, French horn and trombone.

[url="http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/aug/01/save-the-bassoon-campaign-endangered-instrument"]http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/aug/01/save-the-bassoon-campaign-endangered-instrument[/url]

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Throughout my daughter’s time in secondary school (she’s 19 now) the local authority (bless ‘em) had a very forward looking performing arts initiative.
The music branch had an “Endangered Species List” of musical instruments that seemed to be in decline.
This list included Oboe and Bassoon as I recall but not Double Bass.
To encourage take up any child having lessons on one of these endangered instruments via the initiative was supplied with an instrument free of charge.
Unfortunately over the last three or four years cuts in funding have left this initiative a shadow of it’s former self.
I’m sure they would now have Double Bass on their list if funding permits

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My eldest lad plays the flute and we've been to a few concerts featuring various ensembles of school. Yet it's always the same double bass player accompanying all of them. I know there is currently a severe shortage of trombone players.
The changes to academies (and the subsequent cut-backs) have decimated the schools music service. It was so healthy and vibrant when I was a kid - four full orchestras and loads of various groups. It's such a shame

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I think the issue with double bass is that it is just such a ludicrously impractical instrument... I love double bass, I wish I could play it and it's without doubt the coolest instrument to play, but it's just so massive... you can't pack a child off to his music lessons with a DB strapped to his back, then there is the feedback issues when trying to amplify it and the prohibitive initial cost to get a playable instrument, you can see why the electric bass has become so popular...

Edited by CamdenRob
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Yes, it's a big commitment to play the double bass. I took it up as a classical instrument three years ago (at 57) and I just got my Grade 5 this year. It's physically demanding and technically complex. And it requires the car even to take it half a mile up the road (I don't trust those wheels you can stick in the end).

However, I've never been more in demand to pluck away in all genres. I play in a local jazz 'standards' band, I pluck away behind a bunch of mates who play bluegrass, and even the rock and roll band I play in want me to play it - but I'm not switching from the electric bass for that. I haven't joined an orchestra yet, but I love playing classical, especially Bach.

And the sound - well, there's nothing like it. Just drawing the bow across the E string is extraordinary, and that wonderful 'mwah' sound you get when you pluck higher up the fingerboard.

I think one of the problems is that there are just so many bad instruments around. It's an uncompromising instrument, and if it's not well set up it's frankly painful to play. Mine is pretty good for the price, but I'd love to be able to afford a really good bass and bow.

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When I was teaching double bass in schools the endangered list seemed to open up the odd pot of money for helping students get started with upright and I think they pick a different instrument each year to highlight. I've seen funding of fractional size basses or free lessons etc...There's certainly a lot of challenges such as lack of specialist tuition due to low student numbers and low student numbers due to the challenges of getting access to a playable instrument. It is a hassle to get started, but once you get theres a TON of playing opportunities. It's amazing how few upright bassists there out there, but I've noticed a lot more adults getting into it recently.

I think a big problem in this country is access to an affordable + playable instrument, although there are a few import options such as Thomman etc who seem to be doing great stuff with making sure they are set up properly etc.
If you consider how good/affordable the entry level bass guitars are now compared to 20 years ago I would love to see similar progress with the double bass.

....all that said they are still worth the effort of getting started. I put it off for a few years as I couldn't find an instrument etc....and I wish I had started earlier!

Edited by geoffbassist
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[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1438596724' post='2835606']
How many Harpists are there out there? They probably think you DBers have it easy with a nice transportable instrument... :blink:
[/quote]

Yup. My mum plays harp, and my dad played double bass. At least you can lay a DB down on its side...

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Another issue is that for any experienced electric player who decides to transition to or double on upright, the price of acquiring a professional quality instrument can be ludicrous! Very prohibitive for players who are earning their living off music and especially so when it's not necessarily the core of their professional focus.

That said, as soon as I started gigging and working out and about regularly on upright bass, I practically became a full time upright bass player overnight!

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[quote name='Oscar South' timestamp='1438765968' post='2836962']
Another issue is that for any experienced electric player who decides to transition to or double on upright, the price of acquiring a professional quality instrument can be ludicrous! Very prohibitive for players who are earning their living off music and especially so when it's not necessarily the core of their professional focus.

That said, as soon as I started gigging and working out and about regularly on upright bass, I practically became a full time upright bass player overnight!
[/quote]just picking up and practising on an EUB has got me gigs....

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[quote name='Oscar South' timestamp='1438765968' post='2836962']
Another issue is that for any experienced electric player who decides to transition to or double on upright, the price of acquiring a professional quality instrument can be ludicrous! Very prohibitive for players who are earning their living off music and especially so when it's not necessarily the core of their professional focus.

That said, as soon as I started gigging and working out and about regularly on upright bass, I practically became a full time upright bass player overnight!
[/quote]

I've just had a look at the price of bassoons, gulp, no wonder they're endangered!!

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