From double bass to cello?

[blikeng]

Hi there

I've been playing the double bass about 9 months now. The reason I started to play the double bass was because the school couldn't take more cello students, but there was room for more double bass students. I've always loved the cello, and listening to someone playing must be some of the most fantastic things I've ever experienced.

Don't get me wrong now! I love the double bass too, but the cello is simply more "me" ;-)

So, what I wonder is: Are there any double bass players here who has switched to the cello? If so, is it hard? Too hard? As I see it, the hardest part would be the different tuning (bass in fourths, cello in fifths).

PS: Sorry if this is the wrong forum to start this thread, can't see where else

[fdeck]

I went the other way -- from cello to bass. It shouldn't be too hard to make the switch. Just be careful that cellos are really small, and easily misplaced.

For a time during high school I played both cello and (electric) bass quite extensively, and the mental jump from 4ths to 5ths wasn't a big deal at all. In addition, much of what you are learning, in terms of bowing, musicianship, etc., are universal.

[blikeng]

Just what I was hoping to hear

Thank you!

[Eric Rene Roy]

Originally Posted by fdeck

I went the other way -- from cello to bass.

Ditto...but then back to Violin and Cello lessons while in violinmaking school. Now I just play the radio though...

[LeslieD]

I also made the switch from cello to bass (and now also play fiddle). You'll quickly adjust! I do seem to recall more wrist movement when bowing a cello, but your instructor can help you w/ that.

[davpal]

If you love doing it, you'll make it happen.

[blikeng]

Thanks a lot for the good answer guys I think you all are right

[fdeck]

Just tune your bass up a bit and tell 'em it's an 8/4 size cello. Just don't get caught playing it with German bow.

[blikeng]

Heheh, luckily I'm using a French one already

As the bus driver said once: "What's that? A violin on steroids?"

[bejoyous]

Well, if it is more "you" then it's more "you." So, don't deny yourself. I played tuba for 6 years, even started university on it, but when I played bass it was much more intuitive for me so I made a permanent switch.