Is DB for me?

[Joe_Atlanta]

Originally Posted by anyonefortennis

Do you think it would be wise to start taking lessons knowing that I probably won't be able to buy a DB untill next summer? OR should I wait untill I know I can buy one?

Since you are interested in jazz you are going to need some music theory. That is universal so it won't hurt you to learn some while still playing bass guitar.

Unlike Jason S, I've heard some great jazz and rockabilly played with bass guitar, so I would encourage you to go ahead and explore those types of music. Experience building good bass lines, groove and ears will be helpful when you get your upright.

Joe

[dakpluto]

Me, I'm getting back into DB after about a 10 year hiatus because I always did like DB but electric was more practical at the time. Finally got tired of hearing people ask me for gigs with "do you play upright" and decided it was practical again to go back to relearning DB. You know how powerful that all mighty $$$ can be

But relearning DB has been reminding me how enjoyable it is. I can't wait to go back out gigging on it.

[Alan Vorse]

For me, it seemed like a natural progression. I was getting more and more into jazz and while walking on an electric is do-able, the closest you're ever going to get is mimicry. So like Ed said, you have to go with what you hear it in your head. I have been so immersed in developing as an upright player, that I am totally in love with it. I only touch my electric for gigs that require it.

While I admire jazz guys who can use the bow from time to time, I'm not there yet. My two favorite players Ray Brown and Dave Holland are known for starting their practice routines by working with the bow-sometimes up to 2 hours-before moving on to pizz. I have adopted this method also to get my intonation together.

[MingusAmongUs]

I'd love to say it was pure love but for me it was actually purely economical... at first.

I auditioned for "Jazz School" on guitar. That's what I played then. But, I had also previously played a half size URB in a church folk group, which the director just brought and stuck in my hands one day. She figured of all the endless guitar players coming and going in the group I was the one most likely to be able to find my way around a new instrument.

So, cue back to the audition. I got waitlisted as a guitar player, since there were already about 1000 other excellent guitar players auditioning. But on the way out they asked if I had ever played any bass. I explained the 1/2 size story, and they made me a deal on the spot. I could wait to be called as a guitar player, or I could come back and try again on bass, and if I passed they would cover half my tuition.

So I came back for a bass audition -- and since I didn't actually own a bass at the time, Reggie Workman lent me his! -- now either because they were desperate for bassists or because they thought I had the potential to be a great bass player, or maybe a bit of both, they passed me on the spot, and saved me about 25 grand in tuition over the course of the 4 year program.

Before too long, I did fall in love with the upright, in spite of all the obstacles, and I never looked back. It turned out to be a good move, because I got a lot more work than I ever would have as a guitar player, and I now realize I was born to play bass and not guitar.

So -- it was all for the love of money!

Thanks, Reggie!

[damonsmith]

Not having an interest in the bow is fine, if you have an interest in playing in tune the fastest route is to practice with the bow.
Most of us don't have an interest in playing major scales, it doesn't mean we don't work on them.
Practice with the bow is the party line for a reason.

[smbear]

My brother of the bass clef -- I was an electric jazz player for 25 years, gigged, recorded and led bands. One day I played an upright in a store and then started hearing the sound of the upright in my dreams. That's when I knew. I transferred my theoretical and physical knowledge/chops to the upright and continued to play gigs on the upright. I learned something new every night. Then I studied with a local bass teacher for a year. Stuff just happened. Someone in this string said that the bass chooses you. That's true. As to finding an instument, there's lots out there on-line, Craig's List, etc. If the Bass Muse has chosen you, brother, you're hooked. Best to you.