chrkelly

Good thread, Jake's right on the lock thing. If it's locked and they want to open they WILL break it. The other problem is if they do open it, they're usually not too careful about closing it properly again. Last year on tour in the States they had opened my double bass case. They looked behind the bass and then didn't bother doing up the straps again before closing it. Got to the gig and I had a few open seams and a detached fingerboard! Fortunately there was a great luthier 10mins up the road and he lent me a great bass for the gig, repaired mine over the weekend and than delivered it back to my hotel! Great guy. You just have to accept that it will go all wrong the odd time. Touring wouldn't be as fun if everthing works out perfectly all the time

It makes me sick the lengths some people will go to. The effort it takes to run away with a double bass! What the **** was he thinking? Your stuff's never safe anywere though. I did a gig at the theatre Champs Elysees in Paris last year and some guy walked in, straight past the security guard, and down to the dressing rooms (which are not easy to find) and made off with everyone's valuables. Luckily we were playing the gig at the time so all the instruments were on stage. I always stick my bag in the flightcase side stage now.

My good bass had a set of regular EPs on it when I first played it last year. They were really nice but I just didn't get on with the massive gauge. They're almost the size of guts but with the tension of steels (my bass has a 110cm stop though). I found them a bit too bright on my bass for orchestral stuff but then again I'm used to original flexocores. The C ext string was nice though, you could really hear the low notes. I'd imagine they'd work well on a big boomy bass in the orchestra. They're definitely great pizz strings though.

hi Funky, I'm based in Catford if that's any use. My tour finishes this weekend so should be free after that. Cheers, Chris

+1 on the Ikea. Cheap as chips. Just remember to buy a cushion for it or your arse will be killing after an hour or two! I'd go for the shorter one, like the Major said it will enable you to get both feet on the ground. Much better for your back in the long run.

Now sorted with a bargain £700 old german ply 5 string. Plays amazingly and vibrates very well for what it cost. Usual tightness for a 5 but the solo gauge spiros are in the post.

[quote name='Moo' post='500523' date='May 29 2009, 03:12 AM']Another site also suggested the Obligatos were only good for 6 months hard playing, with de-tuning between gigs to release the tension.[/quote] I wouldn't recommend de-tuning strings all the time. That's what will kill them after a few months. Always leave them tuned to pitch, otherwise you will have serious tuning problems and most likely, an out of place soundpost. For strings, Pirastro have just brought out a weich/soft version of the Evah Pirazzhis. Should be very nice.

Edited with a drop in funds due to my good bass getting a make over. Now £2000 max to spend [quote name='jdstrings' post='494837' date='May 22 2009, 02:49 AM']Hi, I do repairs and setups on double basses and often have one or two for sale of the sort you mention. Also I can supply a panormo model bass made in Europe by Calin Wulthur (and set up in my workshop) for a little over £3000. Check out my website for more details of available instruments... www.jeromedavies.com Good luck finding one! Jerome Davies.[/quote] Cheers Jerome, not sure if I can go that high now but I'll keep you in mind for the future

[quote name='owen' post='498404' date='May 27 2009, 12:06 AM']The most double bass sounding EUB is the one which is set up like a DB. I could not believe the difference lifting the strings up made to the sound of my NS5 EUB. There are allen screws on the back. Fabulous.[/quote] Very true, works the other way round too. A double bass with very low action and spiros amplified will sound like a fretless on steroids. I'd also try a set of dark orchestral strings (like flexocores or belcantos) on the NS. Those instruments have so much sustain, you need a dark thumpy stringset to try to counteract that.

[quote name='BigBeatNut' post='499732' date='May 28 2009, 11:43 AM']I'm interested to know why.[/quote] I bought one a few years ago. Checked all the measurements and it looked like it would be a good fit but when it arrived it was massive, especially the neck section. So much pointless material, you could have squeezed about 5 necks in there. Because of this it weighed a ton. Stitching was crap too, handles coming loose etc. Maybe I just got a bad one but I've since heard similar storys about the quality of their electric bass bags too. It was quite comfy for having a sleep in though! Flightcase-wise, the Stevenson case is the industry standard but a bit ott unless you're doing some serious touring. Those styrofoam ones like decent though for transit van gigs.

I'd check out the Soundwear and Mooradian soft cases. They're the best I've seen. I use a Soundwear Performer which is brilliantly made with loads of padding. Downside is it's heavy. Thomann stock Soundwear, not too sure about the Mooradian, you might have to order direct from the states. Whatever you do, don't buy a Ritter!

Great guy, just bought his Zon fretless yesterday. Brilliant bass in brilliant condition and beautifully set up. Tim really looks after his gear. Great cup of tea too! Well chuffed

Have you tried an Aguilar AG500 with the Epifanis yet? I've owned both, although not at the same time, and I'd imagine they'd give you that clear meaty sound similar to what you're used to with the Eden.

Thanks Deaky. Looks like a good bass but unfortunately Scotland's a bit far for me. Cheers anyway and good luck with the sale. Chris

Cheers Jake, Sounds good, I just need to try as many as possible at the mo. I'll pm you soon to arrange a play.

It finally looks like I've sold my Mentec so the hunt begins a new cheaper second bass. It will mostly be for west end pit work and for tours when I don't want to risk taking my Tarantino on the plane. I'd prefer- 3/4 size D neck Not a brand new instrument 4 string with a C extension Under £2000 Within reasonable distance from London. Ideally a turn of the century German gamba shaped bass (if I can get one cheap enough) I'm in no real hurry to buy, just seeing what's available at the moment. Cheers, Chris

I use a fingered one with a capo on C sharp, D and E (don't know why the previous owner didn't get the D sharp one installed). They are a pain to play on but luckily there's not many fast passages written that low. I find the machined ones very difficult to get the hang of. I always shred my knuckles on them. I'd imagine with all the moving parts they'd be prone to rattling too. It's all just down to personal preference though.

Tom makes very good new instruments. I played one of his fives for a few months on a gig in Ireland and it was a good bass. Not sure how much he charges now but I'd imagine it's around the 14/15 grand mark. Having 5 strings is good for the low stuff but you will never need to play a low B in written music. Lowest you need is a C. I also think C extensions work far better (longer scale length, less pressure on the belly of the instrument and much less expensive stringsets)

[quote name='Jimelliottbassist' post='418382' date='Feb 24 2009, 01:52 PM']hi looking for a tutor that can show me how to read music, learn more theory and improve my playing! Dartford, kent. willing to travel upto 10 miles.[/quote] Hi Jim, I'm just off the A205 in Catford if that's any use. Think it maybe over 10 miles but very easy to get to from Dartford (A2 - A205). Send me a pm if you're interested. Chris