bassace

I'll bring my walnut end pin to the Double Bass Bash for anyone to try.

I had a NS EUB and found it dead and uninvolving. In my opinion the best bass for your bucks is a sorted Stagg - which I also had. But you can't beat a 'proper' double bass.

Time was if you didn't use a pick you used your thumb. As I recall it was the Mersey groups that I first noticed using fingers and then it all started to make sense. Thing was, when the BG first came over here no one had much of a clue of the best way to play it.

[quote name='thisnameistaken' timestamp='1410628246' post='2551445'] Go on, I'll bite. What do you do with it? [/quote] When you change a string, or a full set, it can get a bit fiddly up in the peg box. So a piece of bent wire will help you get hold of the string ends and feed them through the tuner holes. Some basses have peg boxes without backs which makes the job a lot easier but I suppose the trade-off is a loss of strength.

A piece of wire approx 150mm with the last 10mm turned up at a right angle to help you change strings. Costs nothing and saves a lot of frustration. Eventually a string winder but you can do without.

Sorry Sylvia, that wasn't kind was it.

Thanks for the posts. As far as my shaky arithmetic goes it's working out at 2 hours or less - 14 and more than 2 hours - 9. I've been playing double bass, mostly jazz, for a long time. Some touring in UK and Europe, generally 2/3 regular bands in a year and quite a lot of freelance stuff. And pubs. Seldom do I play anywhere more than two and a quarter hours a night and never more than 2 hours in a pub. A few years ago I joined some jazz/folkies who were starting out and we formed quite a useful four-piece. I put in quite a bit of time with them. Work is coming in slowly but the money's not too good; I get less than half my usual rate. But it's OK, it's fun. We also do quite a few charity gigs and again that's OK by me. But out of the blue the guy who runs the bookings and does most of the business has 'proposed' that we do two and a half hours playing at the pub which, with breaks, makes at least a three hour gig. And I can't do anything to change his mind. I think the landlord is leaning on him. I'll probably walk away next year and do some of those double bookings that I've had to turn down. As I said, thanks for your posts and in the main confirming my feelings that 2 hours is about max. Nothing wrong with a band getting a good buzz out of a longer gig if they enjoy it and especially if the money is good.

It's a cello!

Funny how the cartoons always put cello pegs on. I know, pedantic sod.

I've always done a few gigs at the pub. It's less formal than a club, concert hall, theatre etc and it can be a lot of fun. Trouble is the pubs don't/can't pay much but we all know and accept that. I'd be interested to know how long BCers gigs go on for, set lengths, start/finish time etc. When I've got some comments I'll come in a little later with a small problem I've got. Thanks guys.

[quote name='thisnameistaken' timestamp='1409958937' post='2545082'] I don't think I'd gig a DB without a tricksy preamp. [/quote] I'd tend to agree. But recently I've been putting my ply bass through a Puma and into a 4x5" with no preamp. Very good sound, probably helped by the Taste control on the amp. Mind you, I may have got an even better sound with a preamp but it's nice to be a bit lazy sometimes.

I don't think the pool's been filled yet, Geoff, but when it does I'll certainly dive in, based on the success of my ProEq.

Very nice. They're also bringing out the StagePro which is the simpler version and equates (nearly) to the ProEq that I use. So I'll be looking out for that. It can be phantom powered from the backline or desk so that'll be convenient.

I suppose if we added 'no filthy habits' the attendance would be severely curtailed so we'd better ignore that one.

Bassface?

Keep up with a drummer? Well, I wouldn't guarantee it but you may be surprised. I've used a single crazy 8 twice alongside Richie Bryant who for a long time was Acker's drummer. For me the bigger problem is with keyboard players who play 'my' notes. I was with a guy the other day who doesn't even sit centrally and at times his left hand was two keys from the LH end. I spoke to him in the break and he behaved a bit better after that. I'll be ordering a new 8 to go with my extg.

Yes on balance it does. I use mine mainly for trio gigs but I have also got away with propelling an eight piece in front of an audience of 100approx (Pump House, Watford). In retrospect I'm not too sure how I managed that one. But for a trio/quartet it's great. I must get a second one; I reckon a pair would be unbeatable and easy for an old guy to load in. Thanks for the link, Clarky. I'll have one at the Double Bass and SE Bass Bashes for anyone who's interested.

I use one for DB. Great amp. I particularly like the taste knob which, xroads says is great for scooping or adding. It's a quick idot- proof control for getting the right sound without too much faffing about.

Sorry Pete. Nobody likes a smart arse, do they.

The Romberg Bevel.

OK. It was a while ago.

It's a while since I had an EDM1 but from memory the phantom power is only 18v. Could this be a clue to the problem?

[quote name='Len_derby' timestamp='1408696849' post='2532557'] 8. Len Derby - coming along to gorp and say hello. [/quote] And you'll be very welcome.

No, you're wrong Bilbo. Some have hatpegs and some don't. The rest is all the bloody same. Oh, and some are blondes - but we know all about them.

Why not come to the Double Bass Bash on Sunday 5 October - it's pinned under Events. You will meet friendly double bass players who will be only too pleased to demonstrate the wonders of the upright and let you have a play. Who knows, we may even have a conversion or two.