Doing my homework for first DB purchase...

[dbgal]

Don't know what your home looks like, but I know in my place if I didn't have a stand, my bass would be in extreme danger of me, my husband, or one of the dogs tripping over it. You can always turn the bridge into a corner & stand it upright that way, but you're relying on the endpin not to slip. When I was a kid I stored my school bass that way & had a low-flying jet from the nearby air base fly over- the vibrations caused the bass to fall over, wiping out a fish tank in the process. No noticeable damage to the bass, but I certainly wouldn't want to risk a quality instrument. Laying on it's side with the bridge to the wall is always safe, but you need at least 7 feet of unobstructed space. I usually put my bass in one for the intermission at our concerts because it brings the bass up to eye level of the rest of the orchestra members & I don't have to worry about them bumping it while they're mucking around, whereas with some of the members, I'd be pretty worried if I left my bass on it's side

[hdiddy]

Originally Posted by gomez hacienda

hdiddy is right about the teacher...bowing is just to scary to think of right now.

Eeek... don't get me wrong. You still need a teacher even if you play pizz. You'll need to learn a good physical approach to the instrument, arco or not. I was just trying to say that arco is hard and requires alot of help from a teacher, more than pizz. But I don't mean you should try to teach yourself. It's still very difficult and you risk injury from RSI if you don't do things properly. IMO, don't take any unneccessary chances. A teacher will not only show you the right way, but also makes things alot easier and enjoyable.

Also, I would reconsider getting a bow. I haven't played long myself but I work really hard at it. Arco has helped my intonation a ton. I think I'd be much further behind now intonation-wise had it not been for arco practice. My two bits.

[drurb]

Originally Posted by hdiddy

You know you really don't need a stand. A nice, safe, out-of-the-way corner does just fine too. I have a stand myself but realized after a while that it wasn't really neccessary.

Arghh!-- and scratch the edges of your precious baby? I even bring my stand to gigs. I don't even want my bass on the floor where some fool might kick it.


I recommend getting a stand!

[hdiddy]

I'm a clutz. I can't help it. My edges are kinda banged up and it's been less than 2 years just carrying it around. I can't help it. It's why I'll refuse to own a pedigree instrument. I could'nt live with myself if I accidentally put a hole in it. It's gotta withstand my abuse. It's why I buy the toughest bass cover I can find. The $400 I spent on my soundwear bag has so far been my best investment. It's prevented so many dings just schlepping it around - which is often since I go to my practice studio like 5 times a week and have jams/rehearsals on weekends.

With my chrissy, the lacquer finish is a wimpy layer of protection for me. At my studio I have a rug laid down for the bass. I'll probably carry a small mat with me when I start gigging. A yoga mat would be perfect!

If i'm that worried about it being kicked by some loser at a club, it'll go in a bag during my breaks. Nobody touches my bass. Yes, I'm that paranoid. You touch my bass you die!!!

[drurb]

Originally Posted by hdiddy

I'm a clutz. I can't help it. My edges are kinda banged up and it's been less than 2 years just carrying it around. I can't help it. It's why I'll refuse to own a pedigree instrument. I could'nt live with myself if I accidentally put a hole in it. It's gotta withstand my abuse. It's why I buy the toughest bass cover I can find. The $400 I spent on my soundwear bag has so far been my best investment. It's prevented so many dings just schlepping it around - which is often since I go to my practice studio like 5 times a week and have jams/rehearsals on weekends.

With my chrissy, the lacquer finish is a wimpy layer of protection for me. At my studio I have a rug laid down for the bass. I'll probably carry a small mat with me when I start gigging. A yoga mat would be perfect!

If i'm that worried about it being kicked by some loser at a club, it'll go in a bag during my breaks. Nobody touches my bass. Yes, I'm that paranoid. You touch my bass you die!!!

Oh, you wanna see paranoia about the bass? I thought I invented it! I guess I've had the opposite experience regarding dings and scratches. Whenever I bring my bass back to Upton for its check-up, they can hardly believe it's ever been anywhere. It looks like it did the day it left the shop. I do haul it all around, though. Like you, if anyone dares come within five feet...WHAMMO!

[hdiddy]

Doc, I think the diff between us is that I'm clumsy and you're not. Whatever you do, just don't touch my bass m'kay? If you don't touch mine I won't touch yours.

Actually, I don't even trust myself half the time. Hows that for paranoid?!?!

[drurb]

Originally Posted by hdiddy

Doc, I think the diff between us is that I'm clumsy and you're not. Whatever you do, just don't touch my bass m'kay? If you don't touch mine I won't touch yours.

Actually, I don't even trust myself half the time. Hows that for paranoid?!?!

Okay, you win in the "most paranoid" competition. Ya know, if you were here, I think I really would let you take "my child" for a spin. I would, however, be close by.

[Bass_Boy05]

Whew! My bass looks like it got in a fight with one of my cats...which actually, one did try to climb it one day. I am thinking of putting a car alarm on it, just for kicks.....

[jmain]

Originally Posted by wheat

I hope you post when you decide on something and give a review with pics.

Count on it, man. If I go for it, I'll post a followup here. You do the same!

Wheat

Well, after a number of conversations with Jack at Upton and a long conversation with Gary yesterday, I put down a deposit on a laminated Hawkes model. Both of these guys were a pleasure to talk to and really helpful with all my questions. I've played BG for almost 20 years and had occasion to play a few DBs, so it was good to have these guys really explain and discuss this instrument. I gave Jack all my setup info: mostly pizz, some arco, set of dominants...

I'm definitely going with the Upton bag (looks rugged and will be added protection during shipping - little paranoid, but that's just me) and the adjusters. I'll possibly get one of their bows and a Rev Solo in this shipment; but being the holidays, money is tight. So, if I don't get the bow and rev solo with the initial purchase, it may be a month at the most. I'm definitely getting the bow. Although most of my playing will be pizz, I'm sold on the merits of learning the bow. Plus, I love the sound of the bow!

So I'm playing the waiting game too. But it's been a long process, and I can wait a little longer.

Sorry DRURB. I couldn't wait on the side by side. But I will still be interested to hear your review. Based on all the research (you guys mostly) I think I made the right choice. And a big thanks to all the reviews and PMs I received over the last 6 months.

More to follow...
-Jesse

[Steve Killingsworth]

Originally Posted by hdiddy

At my studio I have a rug laid down for the bass. I'll probably carry a small mat with me when I start gigging. A yoga mat would be perfect!

Go to Lowes or Home Depot or whatever ya'll have in the Land of Fruits and Nuts, and look for something called a router mat or some rubber shelving liner (they are basically the same thing). It is an extremely flexible, open-weave rubber mat that roll and/or folds into a size that will easily fit into a bass bag pocket. It is non-slip and comes in various sizes and is perfect for protecting a bass from a hard floor. You should be able to find some for under $12.

[hdiddy]

Originally Posted by Steve Killingsworth

Go to Lowes or Home Depot or whatever ya'll have in the Land of Fruits and Nuts, and look for something called a router mat or some rubber shelving liner (they are basically the same thing). It is an extremely flexible, open-weave rubber mat that roll and/or folds into a size that will easily fit into a bass bag pocket. It is non-slip and comes in various sizes and is perfect for protecting a bass from a hard floor. You should be able to find some for under $12.

Aw man, I was looking forward to offending all the Nuts with my "misuse" of a yoga mat. But your suggestion is likely to be much cheaper. Thanks dude.

[drurb]

Originally Posted by jmain

Well, after a number of conversations with Jack at Upton and a long conversation with Gary yesterday, I put down a deposit on a laminated Hawkes model. Both of these guys were a pleasure to talk to and really helpful with all my questions. I've played BG for almost 20 years and had occasion to play a few DBs, so it was good to have these guys really explain and discuss this instrument. I gave Jack all my setup info: mostly pizz, some arco, set of dominants...

I'm definitely going with the Upton bag (looks rugged and will be added protection during shipping - little paranoid, but that's just me) and the adjusters. I'll possibly get one of their bows and a Rev Solo in this shipment; but being the holidays, money is tight. So, if I don't get the bow and rev solo with the initial purchase, it may be a month at the most. I'm definitely getting the bow. Although most of my playing will be pizz, I'm sold on the merits of learning the bow. Plus, I love the sound of the bow!

So I'm playing the waiting game too. But it's been a long process, and I can wait a little longer.

Sorry DRURB. I couldn't wait on the side by side. But I will still be interested to hear your review. Based on all the research (you guys mostly) I think I made the right choice. And a big thanks to all the reviews and PMs I received over the last 6 months.

More to follow...
-Jesse

Hey, congrats! The side-by-side will have to wait as Gary told me he's quite busy with set-ups for now. I've played that laminated Hawkes model. I think you're gonna be REALLY happy!

[jmain]

Originally Posted by DRURB

Hey, congrats! The side-by-side will have to wait as Gary told me he's quite busy with set-ups for now. I've played that laminated Hawkes model. I think you're gonna be REALLY happy!

Yeah, he told me they were pretty slammed with new setups and repairs. (But still took the time to talk to me.) You read about the customer service and how nice these guys are, but I was thinking it was just rare occasions. But these guys go above and beyond. Customer service is alive and well at Upton.
Have you seen the new pics on the website? They have the SB80 and SB100 pics w/out the setup (definitely not ready to play). Plus new pics of the Hawkes and others. If I played strictly bluegrass, I would have gotten one of the Superswings. Those look schweet!. All the pics look real classy, and dare I say, artistic. They have prices up for the Shens too...but I still went with the Hawkes.

[Ed Fuqua]

Yoga mat, schmoga mat. Whyncha just get bumpers put on?

[hdiddy]

Originally Posted by Ed Fuqua

Yoga mat, schmoga mat. Whyncha just get bumpers put on?

With the amount of damage on my bass from the past 1.5 years I might as well. It's not gonna matter all that much. And less trouble to manage.