petebassist

Agreed that constantly looking would probably strain your neck. I usually play by ear, but I used to have have a bit of masking tape around 'fret' position 3 and 5, which I found useful if I lost concentration during a gig and lost the plot a bit - the 3rd one fell off so now only one bit at the 5th fret. Useful now & again, especially if I haven't been playing regularly.

For setup, I can recommend Bassbags over in Ripley - they did my new bass when I bought it and it's been rock solid ever since.

I did look for an old & used double bass years ago looking round similar places. One thing I found was that a lot of the basses I tried didn't sound good for pizz at all in the shops - my budget and amateur playing technique aside, they typically had really old strings and were maybe set up to sound good played arco, I don't know I wasn't an expert so just my guess. But tone wise they were pretty underwhelming. Just something to bear in mind. I'd recommend getting an adjustable bridge if you can, makes changing string type so much easier. Best of luck,

Gonna look fantastic on stage and I bet it sounds great as well 🤩

Great vocals as well mate!!

I like Presto Nylonwounds for a gut-like tone and feel, and warmer under the hands.

I've also noticed loads of similar extremely cheap EUBs on fleabay with obvious photo of high end NS Design uprights. The auction sites need to do more checking...

That's class mate, great spectacle!

Saw them at Bristol Beacon a couple of weeks back. I didn't recognize what Nick was playing, and was expecting to be able to hear the bass clearly at this venue (famous for its acoustics), but although he played great, the tone I was getting near the front at the left of the stage was muddy and uninspiring. There was one intro or ending where the just the bass was played but even then I didn't think it came across that well. Shame because a punchy bass tone goes so well with Chrissie's songs. Or maybe I need my ears cleaned out...

Hugh, I bought my Stentor 1950 on the basis of watching a video that you did about the same model - helped me immensely. 😁

Agree with TheRev about the Stentor 1950. Also a slightly smaller body than most and light. Was my first bass, great for getting round pubs n bars 😀

I’d suggest buying a used one that’s already been setup and is gig ready, preferably with an adjustable height bridge so that you change the string type without needing to involve a luthier. If you do want to buy new, somewhere like Bass Bags have a wide range to try out and have an in house luthier to set them up, which helps. your budget is easily enough for a gigable bass & pickup, probably with a carved top and laminate body. Good luck!

The trick is, to go light BEFORE your back's knackered ! 😁

I want that custom Datsun-inspired orange one !!! Looks and sounds epic. And i find this guy really entertaining.

I had vocal lessons for 18 months a couple of years back to get good enough to do BVs - I used to call them primal scream sessions, as it took a long time for me to shrug off my old way of singing. If you can find a good teacher I reckon that would fast track you to getting where you want to be. But youtube has tons of great stuff. I never thought I'd be standing up in a room full of hipster strangers and singing one of my own songs at my age, but I've done a few open mics, I'd say go for it!!