philparker

My current strings are Evah Pirazzi weichs, which I chose because I've just started lessons again to finish off my grade exams and will be doing 80% Arco for the next year or so. They bow as well or better than any other string I've tried, but they also have a really great sound when played pizz.

I've got Belcantos on my other DB, which also bow very well and surprised me at how good they sound pizz, but Pirazzi Weichs have a much nicer sound to my ears!

[quote name='fatback' timestamp='1445431932' post='2891411']
Out of curiosity, is there any reason that EUB players don't use a fork-shaped spike to stop the swivel? Or do you need it to swivel a little bit?
[/quote]

Mmm...my Eminence has a 'T' shaped end pin - and that works.

And how long before someone disagrees or starts an argument?

[quote name='Twigman' timestamp='1445295900' post='2890449']


Only 3 strings?
That's not normal is it?
[/quote]

Well, it's quite a cheap bass and he probably can't afford to replace the string that snapped!


It used to be the norm up until about the early/mid nineteenth century and a lot of older quality basses were modified to take 4 strings.

I've just started lessons again after a 15-month rest (from study, not playing) and will also finish off my exams - it marks the start of another chapter of serious study, but I can't help feeling the end of completed exams will be the start of being able to play properly...and the requirement for a more expensive bow!

[quote name='wal4string' timestamp='1445196427' post='2889556']Great tune even though almost a direct rip off from Zep's Four Sticks.[/quote]

I hadn't really noticed that before, even though I always thought it had Zeppelin-esque rif! Good to see TFI Friday back, despite the laddish foolery, it is good to see bands perform live (other than Jools) and a bit of a leveller for live performance with the likes of U2 and Take That made to look very ordinary in what I have no doubt will showcase some very good lesser known bands.

I've got the book, which is a good coffee table book, but it won't prevent you from making an error of judgement when buying a new, second hand double bass!

I bought a 1920's DB earlier this year and took it straight to Martin Penning for a set-up and full health check so that I can be reasonably assured of longevity.

The only point that I can suggest is to confirm the history and credence of the instrument - especially if it has been regularly examined by a good Luthier.

There's a few different questions to be answered here, but I've been in a similar position, not necessarily by needing to play arco on a DB for band stuff, however, after joining this good forum and asking my own questions 3 years ago I bought myself a second hand DB.

I wish I'd done it 10 or more years previously and that's my only regret. My question was whether to go for EUB or DB. I had similar logistical problems, especially for gigging, and all roads led to EUB from an efficiency POV. The one question that made me change my mind was 'what sound do you really want?' So I bought a Fullt carved DB, which I've recently upgraded for a more serious model! I also bought an Eminence EUB after 18 months or so do playing for ease of travel, practising in hotel rooms and ease of occasional gigging. A Yamaha SB 100 or SB 200 would also be a good choice for arco (amplified)

You can here an Eminence being played arco here:

http://youtu.be/QqtOOpir9vQ

It will take you a while to get proficient with a bow (it's an ongoing process) and I would recommend lessons and study. Amplification is a question that can be dependent upon what you decide to buy etc. However if you want to learn something new and possibly addictive a DB/EUB will take time to learn and the sooner you start...

Wow, that was quick!

Great work, I'll try it this weekend!

[quote name='6v6' timestamp='1443780336' post='2877589']
If you want the absolute best, go to Charlie Chandlers in Kew - my brother had a 60's 335 setup there, including plek fret dressing, and the difference before/after was unbelievable.

I looked that their prices, and being a bit of a tightwad, took my guitar to a local tech. While it's fine, it's not got that slinky fast feeling it had when the neck was new - the plek does give you that IME so to some extent you get what you pay for.
[/quote]

+1...it will cost you, but I took my '70's Strat there for a refret and some work and the Plek Fret dressing is accurate to a small fraction of a mm. For me it was worth every penny for the quality of the final result.

Now that is very tempting - you might have to send me some more pics!

Lots of good albums above, some of which I have and enjoy; one not listed that I find inspirational is the DB playing on Earl Klugh's Trio album, clear, uncluttered and a great example of how a DB can just lift and 'make' an album. I also enjoy Conversations with Christian [McBride].

[quote]never mind the mullet - the flame two-piece is slightly more alarming[/quote]

He stole that design from the from the front wings of my Mk1 Escort

+1 - I would get a good set up from a Luthier when you change the strings; I bet you can't walk past it without having a play?

Your own special mention as well - sounded good and bassy through my Bose system!

Hey, well done - I'll be tuning in!

[quote]The bass is easier to play and the sound is a little more focussed. Had I spent a couple of grand on a new bass I'd have been well chuffed, as it was it cost me £30![/quote]

A wise choice! I use Martin Penning as he is the nearest high class Luthier to me at 40 miles away, but I've spent a lot more money than that (getting more work done of course!). His own DB's are sublime, I've heard two different 'Penning' models, one brand new and one 3 years old - This year he won a Luthier's prize for 'tone'. I've not see any of his DB's for sale second hand and there's probably a very good reason why!

Ok, I've answered my own question, with a little help from a work colleague, more specialised than me at micro soldering. It was the shielding wire that had broken (as opposed to the core), which was quite tricky to sort out rather than the soldering itself, but it is now repaired and working again - all for the price of a couple of packets of chocolate biscuits!

Has anyone tried one of these collective for-charity Orchestral events like [url="http://theorchestrapitts.wix.com/theorchestrapitts"]Orchestra Pitts[/url]? I've been sent a registration form for an event in January and thought it might give me some experience? I will have to travel 60 or so miles, but it is a charitable event of which I support.

There's a guy called Ben who regularly sells good quality second hand DBs on [url="https://www.musicalchairs.info/double-bass/sales"]Musical Chairs[/url] from Hildenborough, always worth a look?

Yes, it does start to get a bit harder and more powdery, but then again I don't always put it away properly - I usually buy a new one every year regardless of how much is left on the previous one!

Personally, I would buy second hand, but you may have to wait a few months for the right one to be available and you will have to be prepared to travel. If you can buy one that has been set up properly it will save you time and money. They do come up for sale on this site occasionally as well as auction sites.

Be aware that you can get some 3/4 size DBs with a shorter scale (less than 41" or 104 cm) that might also be worth considering and one that can be good enough to take your son all the way through his studies. This will also give you a greater choice and price range to choose from.

Also be aware that the Spirocore strings are not great for arco, they will bow, but they may seem a bit scratchy compared to hybrids or orchestral strings. I mostly use Nyman rosin, occasionally Pops.

I was in a similar situation, and one of the line-ups I play with, same composition, got a second hand PA of two Warfedale Titans, 12", with a power amp, mixer with FX, stands and leads for £250. It's a cracking PA and has comfortably covered some medium size gigs of 150 people. We have since added a monitor (or two) and I'm thinking about getting a sub for some venues. I have a slightly larger PA, having bought the items individually on an opportunity basis when bargain deals were to be had, but the full a system has set me back less than £500.