Basses in Savannah

[Tanglehead]

I'm from the West Coast and am traveling to Savannah, GA this weekend on a family visit to see my wife's family. Since I've got no gigs, and we're trying to keep this trip low-cost, I can't really justify flying any of my own basses with us. I had considered just taking a break from playing, but the more I think about it, the more I don't like the idea.

Does anyone here have a line on any rental basses and practice locations where I could just get an hour a day Dec 5, 6 and 7 to keep my chops up? I'd be happy to barter with lessons or gigging, as I'm qualified to provide both. I'm not too concerned about the relative quality of the bass as long as the action is playable. I'd even consider an URB, although if it were a value issue, I'd prefer an old Kay or even a well setup BSO.

I'm happy to provide websites with biographical info and performance samples, if you're concerned about the veracity of my seriously regarding the instrument.

Any ideas are welcomed, but we're not renting a car, so traveling outside the city would be touch and go. We're staying about 6 blocks away from Riverwalk in the historic district, and my wife's family lives in Pooler.

I appreciate your thoughtful replies in advance.
Don't hesitate to contact me directly at bcasey@cmdagency.com or 503-407-7163.

thanks in advance,

Brian Casey
Portland, OR

[brett7276]

Having lived there its a bit tricky- your best bet would be to contact Annie Allman at Annies guitars and Drum
She's super cool (gave me many a great deal and Allman Bros stuff)
Their might be some other resources through SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design)

As much as I love bass- you might want to just take some time off and enjoy the historic district. Its wonderful I had the good fortune to live right across the way from Forsythe park on Gaston street. I highly recomend eating at the lady and sons as well.

Charleston a bit of drive is wonderful too.

Good luck!

[Ed Fuqua]

There's a website for the Coastal Jazz Society, they may have some contacts. Ben Tucker lives there...

[BigOldHarry]

Savannah is a cool town - Good time of year to be there, too. Have fun!

[Heifetzbass]

I don't know if Pete still frequents here or not, but good resource http://www.talkbass.com/forum/member.php?u=55708

If you google or search on the Hilton Head symphony you can pull up a few more players that way.

Hope that helps,
BG

[Tanglehead]

Thanks for all your replies - especially Ed and Brian, who are active fellow DBers. (Brian - have you had movement on that Tom Owen Bow?)

I have some leads to follow, but nothing solid yet. I'd love to spend an hour or two with Ben Tucker if I can track him down. (Having lived in the same town as Leroy Vinnegar for years and only seeing him play a couple of times, I'm committed to not let opportunities like that get past me anymore, if at all possible.) And Mose Allison is gigging out in Hilton Head the weekend I'm there, so I may be able to check him out, and whomever he's playing with.

If anyone else has further ideas about double basses in Savannah, I'm all ears, still. And with family there, I can see regular visits in the years to come.

Brian Casey

[Heifetzbass]

Hey Brian,

Sent the bow to Robertson's for consignment... some interest here, but just got it out of my hair.

The Charleston, Hilton Head, and Savannah areas are great for sight-seeing. I am all about bass, but I would spend plenty of time taking in all of the history and food!!

Great food in Savannah. River Street is cool. Spent many an afterrnoon there between the rehearsal and gig before the Symphony folded.

Have a good trip. You will love it.
BG

[THand]

Portman's Music may be able to help you out.