Edinburgh bassists please help! Train woes....

[Hector]

I know there's been a thread about this before, but it was a bit old so hoping for some more up to date information.

Does anyone have experience of taking an upright on a train over a long distance? I've been offered a gig at the Edinburgh fringe (I live in Oxford), but am being pressured into taking my upright, and since I don't have a car the only way to go is on the train. I'm incredibly sceptical about this, to the point of considering turning down what could be a fun gig/chance to check out the fringe. I'd be pathetically grateful for any tips/advice kicking about....

Alternatively, does anyone know of someone/where I can rent/borrow an upright for cheap in Edinburgh? I'd be playing for an hour a night 3rd-12th August.

H

Edited July 19, 2012 by Hector

[Clarky]

There are several upright players in Edinburgh on BassChat - I would put out a request for help. I bet one will step forward

[Hector]

Top man that, Clarky! Will edit the thread title.

[Beer of the Bass]

I'm in Edinburgh, but I've got some gigs over that period so can't really lend my own bass. I believe Gordon Stevenson's violin shop has been known to hire out basses (though the loaner I had from them was not great TBH). I don't think the shop has a website, but the number is 0131 2292051. There's also a backline hire company who do instruments. I've not had any dealings with them, but at £240/week you'd need a gig that paid well!
[url="http://www.dmaudio.co.uk/upright-acoustic-double-bass-fiddle-34-size/"]http://www.dmaudio.co.uk/upright-acoustic-double-bass-fiddle-34-size/[/url]
I've travelled with a double bass on trains around Scotland, but never tried it on a longer journey. I usually end up standing with it, but that'd be a nightmare on a long trip.

[Stacker]

+1 to Stevo's shop.
And Deano at DM might be able to help,.

Edited July 19, 2012 by Stacker

[uncle psychosis]

http://www.stringersmusic.com/our-services.html

I've never used them, but stringers are in central Edinburgh and claim to do a hire service.

[Thurbs]

If you go on the East Coast give them a call before and they can sort you out an area to put it.

I take the DB on buses, trains, underground all the time... expect lots of attention!

[LukeFRC]

Not a clue on double basses but saw edinburgh in the title.
The east coast trains have a luggage/cycle area at the head of the train. I would imagine they are pretty safe there.
I have seen folk take double basses on planes- how do they manage that, and is that different to a train?

[endorka]

I've taken the double bass on the train loads of times, for journeys long and short, and it has been fine.

I try to find a place where I can prop it up in a corner. On some trains there is a space for bikes you can use if free. Sometimes there is an area for wheelchair users that works if not in use, but make sure you are seated nearby so you an see if someone requires it later in the journey.

Jennifer

[fatgoogle]

Ive done about a 3 hour trip with no hassle with my double bass on a train. I just left it a corner by the dorr, tied the straps to the handles and read my book for the journey. It got some funny looks but otherwise was fine.