geoffbassist

[quote name='oggiesnr' timestamp='1379106681' post='2208869'] Open strings are your friends Steve [/quote] Great advice! That and bar stools are your friends :-)

[quote name='timbo1978' timestamp='1379094326' post='2208683'] The trio that I joined this year are playing at the Belfast Autumn Fair for a couple of hours tomorrow, which is fine, but on Sunday we are booked in to play at the 'alternative wedding fare' in the Waterfront Hall. The other guys did it last year and it generated a lot of bookings, but it lasts five hours, and i'm really concerned by arm/hand will buckle half way through!!! Any tips (other than hiding in the toilets for extended periods of time) :-\ [/quote] I did a wedding fair last weekend. I have done a lot of long gigs and can still find them hard. Other times they just fly by. Here's what helps me: I take a stool on long gigs, but I know they are not for everyone. I try to pace myself (but I struggle to do so), less solos etc... I ask the other guys to be understanding and try to take breaks as much as they will allow. The guests/other stall holders don't want or need constant music, hopefully your band leader will be ok with regular breaks. I try to relax as much as possible and use arm weight when playing to use less effort. I stretch before playing pretty much all the time and this is really important on a long day. Do some gentle stretches, then move your arms about a bit to get the blood moving. Good luck with it. I hope its a great weekend of playing. Cheers Geoff ....and Alistair's suggestion is a good solution if its practical to take both.

Thanks tinyd and Rabbie I really do appreciate your feedback! Its so good to hear that they are helping. @tinyd I didn't want them to be videos of me playing and never getting round to teaching, but I think in some I could play more to show how to do it, rather than explain. It's hard to strike a balance, but I feel I have a better idea of what works after releasing this first bunch and I'm looking forward to filming more. Thanks again for your great comments. I'm planning on releasing a new one next week. Cheers Geoff

[quote name='Marc S' timestamp='1379000607' post='2207602'] Thanks for that... Haven't checked them out yet I'm fairly new to DB So I will check them out soon Cheers [/quote] Great stuff, I hope you enjoy them. Let me know if you have any questions or lesson requests. BTW I have just released a new video today looking at how to improve your time and issues surrounding rhythm and tempo in walking bass lines. Cheers Geoff http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8MaYNr1kGQ

Cool. I would avoid doing the rosin underneath the bridge feet unless I had too as you may end up with the sound post dropping and its a bit of work. Perhaps start with the pencil in the bridge and nut slots and see how it stands up to some serious playing. By the way it's a cool looking bass! Good luck getting it sorted.

It's not possible to be certain just from the pictures, but it looks ok to me. Assuming the sound post is still in the correct place, you may want to consider the following: When you next have the strings off rub a soft pencil into the grooves on the bridge and nut to help lubricate the string moving across these points. The bridge may be being pulled up towards the neck when you tune up so make sure that its properly upright when you next change strings. Remember only remove one string at a time when changing so the sound post doesn't fall. If the bridge feet move a great trick is to add some rosin to the underside of the feet. This should help it grip the top. I'm just a bassist though and as always I would suggest that if you are not sure then take it to a luthier, especially if you think the sound post is not correctly positioned. Good luck getting it sorted.

Hey Pedro, this is a tough problem to solve as it's so hard to find somewhere to try instruments out etc... and buying any instrument unseen is a bit of a gamble. That said I would look at Thomman's website as I know they have some fans who like the instruments. However any bass you buy is very likely to need a set up so you would still need to find a local luthier to set it up, unless you were very lucky. Of course a local luthier may be able to help you find a decent bass and should have a good idea of whats out there. My approach would contact the local pro players, classical/jazz and see if they know of any second hand ones. If you haven't had any lessons it might be a good idea to get in touch asking for some technique lessons and for help in buying a bass. Pick up wise I recommend the Fishman full circle which needs to be fitted, as it is housed in some bridge adjusters. I think it's worth doing, but if you get a bass that doesn't have them and is ready to go, I would go for the Realist. There are loads of discussions online as to which you might prefer. Check out Jonas Lohse's amazing gear guide for a good overview as to whats available: http://doublebassguide.com Another quick tip that may help is that you should be able to use your existing amp, but depending on your amps impedance and feature you may benefit from an out board preamp like the Fishman pro platinum. I would buy the bass and pick up first and see if you are happy with the results, if not it may be a help. Good luck.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1378496184' post='2201246'] Thanks Geoff that's cool I'm with you there, I am struggling for strength in my pinky right up near the heel so I have been using my third finger as a sort of beginning of thumb position, probably running before I can jump, lol. Back from tonights practice, I have just managed the 4 notes per bar including the High Fs and the slides down from the C to Bb and the F on the A string to the C, if I'm doing it right? I couldn't read two years ago now I'm getting frustrated at the parts I can't sight read because im needing to look at the neck for the bigger shifts! I'm ok at 100bpm on the two notes per bar but dropping to 80 for the four notes version. [/quote] I would check you are supporting your little finger with the all of the other fingers as the pressure/effort required to push the string down shouldn't be an issue. I know there are players who use the third finger below the G harmonic, but I would avoid it until you really explore using the 'standard' 3 fingers so you can make a conscious choice about what works best for you. It sounds like you are really going for it Pete! Great work. [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]"I'm really pleased Geoff has put so much effort into making these videos and surprised that they're completely free to view!" Thanks mtroun I'm glad you like them.[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Have a great weekend! cheers Geoff[/font][/color]

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1378492381' post='2201189'] Back on topic I have just watched the new lesson in todays email, lots of work for me there regarding shifting. My walking is improving after spending half an hour each night with the metronome and the pages I printed from the toolbox, I think I might be ready for the harder version now! Quite satisfying once I nailed the F on the g string! Which finger is best for that shift Geoff? Ta [/quote] Hey Pete, If I'm playing an F Blues low down on the neck then the shift up to F on the G string. The little finger is a great choice. That way I also have the note Eb (on the G string, 1st finger) and the note C (on the d string, 4th finger) under the hand shape so can have some easy F7 arpeggio note choices. I use a system to organise the fingerboard from D on the G string to the G harmonic using the neck heel, that would really explain your choices. It should be out next week or the week after. Hope that helps and I'm made up that you are using my lessons to practice! Half an hour each night is a great amount when you are doing it regularly. Cheers Geoff

[quote name='FLoydElgar' timestamp='1378035668' post='2194892'] Geoff I was thinking you should touch on 3 octave scales it'd be a good lesson [/quote] Hey Floyd, I bet you go great at the Academy. Were you having lessons with Jeremy Watt? I had some lessons from him when he was playing in Opera North. What a great guy/player! The 3 octave scales thing I'm planning on covering. The next thing that will help will help will be a transition into thumb position lesson I have planned and of course a thumb position lesson. I also have a neck heel lesson already filmed that I think is crucial for understanding shifting. So it will be: Neck Heel Lesson, Transition in TP Lesson, TP lesson....... then perhaps one tying it all together and talking about good fingering options for 2 and 3 octave scales. Thanks for all the support guys. It feels really exposed releasing videos of yourself, so it's great to hear they are helping people. There are so many good ways to play the double bass, I just wanted to share I have learnt and what's worked for me.

[quote name='oggiesnr' timestamp='1378328552' post='2198828'] Having watched a couple of your lessons, the fourth finger is a bit flat Working on it! Steve [/quote] I'm struggling with maintaining my beard shape when shifting and the tassels are getting stuck in the strings... :-)

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1378315080' post='2198547'] Beard, Hat and a correct hand shape, its all good [/quote] I was thinking the same thing. Extra points for tassels :-)

Here is a photo of me from a play I was in at the Crucible in Sheffield last year. The piece had an onstage jazz trio and was set in the 50's. My costume was a real treat! Tank top and bow tie is a classic combo! :-)

Hey Pete and TheG, It's great these are working out and you are enjoying them. I have another 2 waking bass lessons for that series on my hard drive that are on the way. The bow lesson is in the planning as it's such a big topic, but I will do it. The difference that learning how to use the bow made to my playing was huge and would recommend everyone use one, even if its just for scales. However the real pay back comes when you find all this amazing music that's out there. I know Floyd is working really hard at that side and I love how passionate he is about sharing all the amazing classical solo repertoire. Then there's all the great jazzers like John Goldsby and Christian Mcbride who sound amazing ripping it up with the bow! It's just a completely new range of colours. [left]If you are looking for some inspiration to practice with the bow this weekend, check out this version of Maxim Vengerov and Bassoina Amorosa playing Czardas. Each time I watch it, I still can't believe what I'm hearing from the incredible Roman Patkolo[font="lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif"][size="2"][color="#333333"]. [/color][/size][/font][/left] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n0qXSO7Z-Q

[quote name='AndrewRichards' timestamp='1377460196' post='2187846'] Really great lessons, I haven't seen any other videos on youtube which have had as much detail as yours! I will definitely be recommending your lessons and absorbing as much information from them as possible! [/quote] Thank's for the great feedback Andrew, I'm really glad you are enjoying them. [color=#333333]Here's a brand NEW video double bass lesson. It's about right hand exercises that will improve your time and tone. [/color] [color=#333333]I hope you enjoy it! [/color] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hz-AaZ4uJC4

In the UK temperature is not a problem, but I keep some Pops just in case. It would be a problem in a hot climate though so I would choose the all weather or hard in that instance.

I'm using Kolstein soft and it works really well. I had to get it from the states though as it was only the all weather or hard types I could find in the UK. One of my old teachers uses it and it really works for me.

I love my Clarus....but I have always found it confusing having that control in the pre post switch. I guess once you know its cool, but surely they could have made it easier to work out. A lot of sound guys have mentioned the signal being hot and I need to make sure it's set right, but have often forget the right setting and have to push the switch until I get a thumbs up from the engineer! My other grip is that I think the phantom power switch is too accessible. On jam sessions I have have to warn other bassists as more than one has switched it on and the sound was not good! Oh and the white switches are rubbish as you can't tell from a glance if they are engaged or not.... Ultimately I got used to the poor control layout and love the amp, but it's not an instinctive, user focused design. I heard from another bassist that the AI combo didn't mix well with the Ehurlund. I use a Euphonic Audio cab and it works really well, but am not a huge fan of the AI cabs. That said I have never actually owned one and have seen bassists get amazing results with them.

Hey Guys, it's great these are being used and enjoyed. Thanks for all your encouragement. Floyd, you are bang on about that issue and that is a great point! It seems to happen a lot. I expand on the 1st left hand lesson here, [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM8gqJ377PU"]Six Common Problems with Left Hand Technique on the Double/Upright Bass. (L#2)[/url] but could really talk all day about it! Hey MandShef, Yes the tuning thing is deliberate as I could edit mistakes out, but decided it was better to keep going and maintain the flow of the delivery. Most editing was cutting me waffling on :-) It does kill me to listen back to some of them, but time was a real issue and I needed to keep filming and create more lessons rather than going back and fixing bits. It has been really nice to hear that you get why I left them as I did worry that people may think worse of me as a result. The exercises in the ebook really help me. I know shifting seems VERY dull to a lot of people, but I think it's the most commonly overlooked issue with tuning. I remember just moving my hand up the neck hoping for notes. It wasn't a good system. The other lesson that is vital to understanding tuning and shifting is one on using the neck heel, which will be out very soon. Cheers Geoff P.S I have set up a Facebook page here if anyone fancies taking a look: [url="http://www.facebook.com/discoverdoublebass"]http://www.facebook....coverdoublebass[/url]... and a twitter one here: https://twitter.com/DiscoverDoubleB

Thats a nice mix! Good choice, but now you have me gassing about a spiro E string!

[quote name='apa' timestamp='1377239408' post='2185093'] Anyone know where I can get a gig bag for one of these? A [/quote] I carry one to every gig and have a handy shipping crate that fits neatly in the back of my lorry. The other band members are used to it now :-) It's been really cool reading all the comments and I'm looking forward to getting more lessons out asap. Have a great weekend everyone!

Hey Ian, I love them and use them on my bass. Perhaps use a spiro low b to add clarity to the low end. My current set have been on for 1.5 years and still sound great. They do loose their top end a bit over time, but are a superb hybrid string. If I wasn't lazy/poor I would probably change them once a year. :-) Good luck with the set up/repair work Ian. I cant wait to see how you get on with it. That really is such a cool bass! Cheers Geoff

That's wonderful work! Really great looking quiver with loads of character. You could do really well selling these! Cheers Geoff

[quote name='ubassman' timestamp='1377183258' post='2184474'] ...geoff I gotta say that's the first time I have seen a bass up a tree - brilliant! You should post in the caption thread ! [/quote] It felt good up there ubassman! and the bass sounded huge :-) I have a surprisingly large collection of silly pictures of me and my upright!