jonnybass

I break my practice sessions into two types. Technical and playing. before I do either I warm up then I start on technical practice. technical practice I limit to 10 minutes. I pick one exercise, put the metronome on and play it. Once I play the exercise perfectly 3 times I increase the metronome tempo. I got it from a janek gwizdala series, and for me it’s so useful to improve my technique. playing practice is exactly as it sounds, playing songs, parts, noodling, jamming but just playing. There’s no time limit on this bit and it’s about fun and playing. this is how i (slowly) get better. jonny

Personally I bought my first double bass about 11 months ago after playing electric for 30 years. Loving it but I find it takes time and allot of practice to sound good. I don’t find it easy to switch between electric and upright yet. Used to have a NS Wav eub, didn’t sound like a double bass, or an electric, didn’t feel like one in terms of the physical part but it did have its own (good imo) sound and I could switch between them easily. jonny

Great stuff jonny

That took a turn I wasn’t expecting. Hope @The Guitar Weasel comes back. I’m sure no offence was meant. jonny

@JazzyJ I started in October after 30 odd years of electric bass. I’d echo what @Burns-bass said very different but hugely rewarding. When you hit a note and it just blossoms out it’s fantastic. enjoy!! jonny

I’d back this 100%. I’m pretty new to this, buying my first upright from @Happy Jack in October. I’ve thrown myself in and I’m loving every minute. Couple of gigs done and some recording. great fun but apart from “note geography” it’s not like playing electric. Jonny

I spent about a year using the Zoom b6. Really straightforward great live board, good built in DI. If you are just looking to expand out a little from a zoom B3 it has to be an option. Modelled amp, and DI with about 4/5 effects and a brilliant tuner, it is pretty much everything I needed at the time for gigging in one box. Moved to a Line 6 HX stomp XL as I was looking for the effects to go more 'out there". I have used it live, once set up it sounds great but I'd say it does need a fair bit of set up and potentially tweaking on gigs more than the zoom did. Yes its a more powerful beast and can do allot more, I'd say its a question of what you want. With the Zoom i edited and set up usable patches by plugging it in to my amp and just tweaking. With the HX Stomp i had to plug the laptop in, and the amp and then do it. I think we are in a lucky position that the multieffects/modelling market has a load of great gear, its down to how you want it to work and how you prefer to edit work with it, sound wise I think you are unlikely to go wrong. jonny

Cheapest bass I can see on DH gate was $207 with delivery, assuming that covers any import taxes its about £150. Theres about 4 basses on FB market place for that or cheaper from as far away as Musselburgh. They wont look like a Duff bass though but you will get a chance to try them before you buy. It will be harder to get a bass you think is cool though, depend if you want to take a punt I suppose. Jonny

thank you!

I know what you mean, I learn better with a teacher for physical things, and I am very conscious of how physical it is as an instrument. I’ll keep looking jonny

Hi I'm in Edinburgh most of the time. I've been trying for ages to find a teacher with no success so far. I love the sound of the bass bowed and know if nothing else its great to aid my intonation. Jonny

Afternoon hive mind, on my beginners journey I am looking at buying a bow. I have some questions... is there anything to avoid in particular? Should i go wood or carbon fibre? Does size matter? My bass is 4/4, do i need a 4/4 bow or will a 3/4 be sufficient? Roisin? What, which when and how.... Jonny

I've owned a few over the years, still have my first bass which is an 83 japanese Fender. Like every brand, you get good ones and bad ones. I'm less worried about what name is on it than how nicely it fits how i play. Jonny