I want to make the jump!!

[haus]

What's shakin'??

I'm 33 and have been playing electric bass for twenty years. My wife has been saying for years that I need to start playing the doghouse and I'm ready to make the jump. Any advise?? I have yet to purchase my own and right now I am just doing research to find out what I want. The only thing I really know about the standup is that I don't know much. Where do I start???

I have fallen in love with the ol' Nashville lines from the likes of Patsy Cline, Hank Sr., and Ernest Tubb. I grew up on the stuff. I recently saw Wayne "the Train" Hancock live, "juke joint country", and was blown away. I have always loved rockabilly, new and old. I can't wait to get started.

[AlphaMale]

Why do you think you need to play upright?
What's wrong with electric.
There are many rockabilly bands with Electric Bass.
And you kinda Say Jump Like Electric Bass is Lesser than Double Bass.

[Marcus Johnson]

Originally Posted by AlfalfaBale

Why do you think you need to play upright?
What's wrong with electric.
There are many rockabilly bands with Electric Bass.
And you kinda Say Jump Like Electric Bass is Lesser than Double Bass.

Pfft... little lost boy. As Freddy Kreuger once said;

"How sweet.... fresh meat"...

Let the games begin.



Haus... start with the newbie links, then ask any specific questions you have. Kiss your wife, she knows what he's talkin' about.

Lots of us here are jazz/classical/bluegrass guys, but we can still help you a lot. If you haven't already, go check out Rockabillybass.com... those guys know a lot about where you're headed, and they can help you get your hair workin' too.

Welcome to the dark side.

[Jason Sypher]

Get yourself a decent bass and a great teacher. It's just that easy.

[Uncletoad]

Originally Posted by AlphaMale

Why do you think you need to play upright?
What's wrong with electric.
There are many rockabilly bands with Electric Bass.
And you kinda Say Jump Like Electric Bass is Lesser than Double Bass.

Moron.

Originally Posted by haus

I'm 33 and have been playing electric bass for twenty years. My wife has been saying for years that I need to start playing the doghouse and I'm ready to make the jump. Any advise?? I have yet to purchase my own and right now I am just doing research to find out what I want.

Welcome to the dark side. You are already done for. In two years the Electric Bass will seem like a toy and your phone will be ringing off the hook.

Marcus, Jason, sage words. Keep us posted on your progress.

[Fat.Mike]

Make the Jump. Both satisfying and highly rewarding!

[Marcus Johnson]

Originally Posted by Uncletoad

Moron.

Ah, he's just a kid, and almost no bass experience of any kind. Little slack, mebbe.

[Stewthebassman]

Haus, your wife is a dream, indeed!

If you hear those big notes in your head and you know in your heart that you must get them out, by all means get a double bass and a good teacher.

If you don't know where to find a good teacher, search here or go to you local University music department....that guy/gal can also help you locate a good bass at a good price.....that's how I did it.

It doesn't mean you'll never play electric at all....the two complement each other beautifully.

The Doghouse has a different feel, and will make you appreciate everything you know about being a bassist so far, and take you to new places. You may also find in reading about the history of the DB some really interesting things too.

Keep asking questions! TB is a great resource!

[Jason Sypher]

Truthfully, though I was considered a pretty good bassist on electric I found my true voice and passion when I switched to double bass. Hopefully you will have a similiar epiphany.

[dvmweb]

Haus;

Playing URB is just that cool.

Check out this forum's sponsors, I am not one.

Go to a shop and try several basses out. And, listen to someone else playing them if you can.

Best money spent will be Rent first and for sure get some lessons with a teacher.

Then after several months to a year buy one.

Good Luck;

Walt MI/USA

[mrpc]

Yes, this is all good, solid advice here on the Double Bass side. (BTW, I love playing electric bass guitar as well) I'd find a good luthier to work with before you buy a bass. Just tell them that you are serious, and would like to consult with them.They should be able to advise you in the course of your search for an instrument. It doesn't have to take to long to find an instrument to start with.
It's also a good idea to get some rudimentry instruction on how to approach the bass physicaly...you can really do some harm to your body by overplaying in the beginning. That could turn into regular instruction as you like it. Just be sure you don't cripple yourself trying to figure things out.
Have you seen the article/interview with Bob Moore in the April 07 "Bass Player" magazine? (Mike Watt on cover) He played on loads of those recordings you mentioned. Kinda of a salty dog, but he gives alot of great advice for aspiring players. Wow, I'm sure that you know your wife is the best, and you are taking up a great instrument at a great time. Have fun!

[haus]

Hey guys.

I found a local string shop that will rent one for $90 a month. Three mo. min. It sounds as though the instruments are imports that are put together and SU locally. If I want to buy, $2000. Any ideas on strings??
i've been reading other forums and general consensus is gut on G and D then steel on A and E. Will this work for a rookie? I'm in pursuit of THE sound while trying to balance playability.

haus.

[jsbarber]

It's a good idea to get a teacher and take lessons. That said, your teacher will be able to give you some advice on strings, and even help you pick out your bass. i.e. don't get bass then go looking for a teacher, get the teacher then bass/strings.

Jim

well, it needed to be said

ps. hint - your next question should be "How do I pick a teacher?"
hint, hint: it would be prudent to fill out your profile so we know a little more about you, like where you live, because people may actually have specific suggestions (as to who in your area might be a suitable teacher)...