Just getting my first upright, what do I need to know?

[thedreampolice]

Hello all. I have been playing/teaching electric bass for over 15 years and love it. I am considering trying my hand at upright, first off how easy is the transition? I went to a music store and played one. It felt very natural but I did not spend much time with it. Also I have about $1500 to spend any recommendations? Your insight is appreciated. Thanks!

[tomshepp]

It depends on your perspective. I say the only thing DB has in common with BG is the tuning. That is if both are tuned in standard EADG. Read up on the newb links. You may want to get a teacher. That will make the transition much easier regardless of your perspective. If $1500. is your limit, check out Upton. Shop around..... with a DB friend /teacher who knows what to look for. Don't buy a DB from a guitar store or online without playing it.
Best,
T

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Upton is an option, but IF you want to play it before spending your money it is best to play your partner first. Mail order brides sometimes become good partners but often don't.
There are plenty of good shops around, so plan for a day trip and go exploring.

And get a teacher.

And read this:How to Buy a DB
And:http://www.davidgage.com/z_gallery_guide.htm
And:http://doublebassblog.org/2006/08/bu...ree-basic.html
And:http://doublebassblog.org/2006/08/bu...e-to-look.html
And:http://www.gollihurmusic.com/luthiers.cfm

[drurb]

One of the best things you can do is read the newbie links here very carefully. They contain a wealth of information. Then come back with any specific questions. Your $1500-budget is pretty much the minimum required for a new plywood bass set up properly from a real bass shop.

[greitzer]

Originally Posted by thedreampolice

Hello all. I have been playing/teaching electric bass for over 15 years and love it. I am considering trying my hand at upright, first off how easy is the transition? I went to a music store and played one. It felt very natural but I did not spend much time with it. Also I have about $1500 to spend any recommendations? Your insight is appreciated. Thanks!

I suggest you rent one first, and find a teacher. Then you can try it for a few months and see if you want to stick with it or not. Shops that rent bases will often give you credit for a purchase later on, so if you stick with it, and you like the bass you're using, the rent you've paid could be applied towards the purchase. We have several shops in my area that do that, and I think it's fairly common.

Since you play and teach electric bass, you've already got the musical knowledge. It's the physical technique that you've got to learn, and it's nothing like electric bass. Using a bow is a lifelong learning experience. Good luck!