dclaassen

Kind of an overreaction I think. It is true that many groups wanting an upright player are after the image, not the sound or the style. Usually, people adopt tools as they are modernized. Upright and electric basses share a common tuning and quite a lot of technique. Why don’t folks universally use tube or A/B amps with huge, heavy cabinets anymore? Why don’t keyboardists still haul big drawbar organs around? We have moved toward more efficient ways of playing our instruments. Not the same as your suggestion at all.

I think you are close enough. You can really chase your own tail trying to get an "upright" sound. Most folks would accept a thumpy, Middy, muted kind of tone. My belief is that most folks who want an upright sound really want the visual appeal of the double bass on the band stand. To me, this is going back about 300 years in technology. I don't see keyboardists hauling an acoustic piano (harpsichord?) around, nor do many guitarists bring along a lute. Leo had a really good idea...go with that, mute it, and you will be fine...

Paint it if that is what you want.....it's already been refinished, so you aren't defacing a classic (old boomer self wants to mention that we used to scoff at 70's vintage Fenders...:)...NOT scoffing now, though...)

Petty sure the reference is to the "dancer" in front of you guys...sound really solid to me!

Okay...but would you take a irreplaceable bass (let's say, your MK1 Wal) to the Dog and Duck during free beer night?

I played a few gigs back in the day with a guy who hauled a B3 + Leslie around. Which is worse to move?

Sooo.... Does the venue determine what value of bass you bring? I would prefer to take a mid-range bass (at most) to a crowded pub gig or an outdoor gig, even though I usually would rather play my best instrument. Is that paranoia or just common sense? It's been a long time since I have seen a drunken stage invasion, but remember a classic that put a pretty good dent in my old RD Artist....

Not a literal statement, I hope!

You certainly are! I managed with one bass for many years.

Afternoon charity gig…classic car show in Wisbech at the Five Bells supporting East Anglia Air Ambulance. Cool weather, but a good crowd and the pub staff was excellent. I was really happy with the new cabs…really good even with no PA feed. Trace Elliot GP12smx, Genz Benz Focus 1x12 cabs, Fender Jazz 24.

I have one top-end bass and two middle range. I am most tempted to get one HB as a backup for pub gigs.

What style of music? I’ve been fascinated by the NS Design basses since I played one last winter.

At the George in Doddington. Small pub but really good crowd!

Needs a Trace head though....

I guess I had a different experience. In 1978, I was at university, but also gigging 2-5 nights a week. I was taking home about $150-300 a night. I bought my 63 Jazz for around $250, then a new RD Artist for $800. School and rent was cheap. I sure wish the prices were that kind today.

Value is a slippery thing. There are a lot of giggable bases under £300, especially with some minimal tweaks and upgrades. I find value in my boutique bass when it encourages me to play it. So does a less expensive instrument, just not in the same way. The Pedulla is no case queen, but inspires me to play better.

I would choose the MIM Jazz as a starting point. If you don’t like it, it would be easy to unload and you will get a good feel for life playing a Jazz.

The oldest equipment I have is a leather guitar strap I bought sometime in 1976. Like many here, I sold all my stuff off in the 90’s. I have had my 1974 LoPrinzi acoustic since 1998.

Ironical, isn't it.....:) Maybe I should start a Britannia-a group...we could play stuff that is vaguely British, or English, or, heck maybe even Irish...oh and French cause 1066....

As with most things to do with instruments, it’s mainly up to personal preference. I’ve got big beefy hands, and prefer the feel of most jazz necks. I know from experience though, that I also can quickly become used to playing on a different profile. Fivers are, for me, even more a matter of getting the right feel. Play lots of them before you buy.

After reading this article, I am no closer too seeing this as a legitimate genre. You just cannot lump Johnnie Cash, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, and the Lumineers in the same grouping.