Looking to start out, advice?

Future_DB · #1 11-15-2009, 02:42 PM

Hey everyone, I'm new to the forum and very new to the world of double basses!

I already play piano and clarinet, and sing to a high standard (all grade 8), so I have a good background musical knowledge. However, I'd like to delve further into the bass clef, and I really enjoy watching and listening to a double bass.

I'd like to start out, so if you could recommend what I do with regards to getting an instrument, what to look for in a teacher and basic starting techniques.

Thanks very much in advance!

wayne holmes · #2 11-15-2009, 02:51 PM

Settle for nothing less than a teacher who has nothing less than a masters in double bass performance. Do not take lessons from a cellist, or anyone else. Take from someone who also has a passion for the double bass. This teacher will direct you to the right bass. So, the first step would be to find out who the double bass professors are in your area universities. Call, email, best yet, go by and meet them.

I suggest that you ask the question on your post here -does anyone know a double bass teacher in your area. Hope this helps. With lots of bass love, wayne

Marcus Johnson · #3 11-15-2009, 03:52 PM

Rent or borrow at first, just to make sure. Big investment if you're buying.

I'd tried a half dozen different instruments at your age, before the double bass ultimately found me. I had a cool high school band teacher who used to let me take home all kinds of instruments.

Future_DB · #4 11-15-2009, 04:59 PM

My age? I haven't mentioned how old I am, ha ha. But thanks for the advice!

Bass Barrister · #5 11-15-2009, 05:22 PM

Having just completed a very fulfiling lesson with a teacher who was kind enough to make a "house call" I can't underestimate the value of finding a good teacher.

Your prior musical training and experience puts you several steps ahead of the average beginner but undeerstand that DB, due to its size, requires a different physical and mental approach.

Renting your first bass for a time is also good advice but if you rally want to purcahse one, play a number of basses and purchase one from a shop that specialises in DBs, or at least in stringed instruments. Avoid the "big box" music merchandise outfits, eBay, and the real cheap faux basses being sold all over..

Please check out the extensive "newbie" threads we have here for your benefit.

Welcome to the DB and to Talkbass.

Future_DB · #6 11-15-2009, 05:49 PM

Thanks very much BassBarrister, I appreciate that!

What is your opinion on learning more than one instrument at a time?

PB+J · #7 11-15-2009, 06:33 PM

Yes, get a teacher, even if it's just to get you started on the fundamentals. It's a big, demanding instrument and bad habits will kill you

Bass Barrister · #8 11-15-2009, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Future_DB

Thanks very much BassBarrister, I appreciate that!

What is your opinion on learning more than one instrument at a time?

If you have the time and energy to do both justice, more power to you.

wayne holmes · #9 11-16-2009, 12:10 AM

Future DBist- do you have a goal in mind that you want to reach with the double bass?

Play in an orchestra, jazz, bluegrass.??? With your good start in music, orchestral playing might be a good goal. As for as really learning more than one instrument at a time- well, my experience has been that it is very difficult, unless you are gifted to do such an undertaking. As for the instrument- I keep thinking about what a friend of mine told me when I took up bass fishing. He said if you really want to enjoy it-get good equipment. I think that this works when playing music,too. So, I would recommend that you get the best bass that you can afford. If you want to play it safe,however, rent one just in case the double bass is a passing fancy. Or, borrow one if you can. But, if you have a passion for the double bass, then the right instrument will be important for you to express your passion. Again, your teacher will be your partner in selecting a bass and he/she will help your passion for the DB grow. I wish you the best and welcome to the wonderful world of the double bass. With lots of bass love!

Future_DB · #10 11-16-2009, 11:18 AM

Thanks again guys!

Wayne, I already play clarinet in an orchestra, and I'm also the orchestra's concert pianist whenever I am needed. So yes, my ideal would be to play in the orchestra with a double bass, as my passion is classical/baroque/romantic music. Although the clarinet can be useful in such endeavours as is the piano, I enjoy the bass aspect of the orchestra greatly, and if you play the double bass you're needed in pretty much every orchestral and many chamber pieces - as I'm sure you're aware.

I'm a university student so money is tight, but I can save up and make it work, maybe I will get a bass of my own in the Summer after I've had a chance to earn some more money. Until then, I shall look into renting one.

Thanks again!

Andrew McGregor · #11 11-16-2009, 01:48 PM

So, if you play the bass, it is just about inevitable you'll end up doing all your orchestra work on bass, and you'll have to save the clarinet for chamber music. Happened to me, exactly like that, and now I don't own any wind instruments 'cause I haven't played in 20-odd years. I don't regret it.

Marcus Johnson · #12 11-16-2009, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Future_DB

My age? I haven't mentioned how old I am, ha ha. But thanks for the advice!

Sorry, I misunderstood your original post. Where I'm from, "grade 8" means "the eighth grade".

Still,in addition to bass, I doubled on trumpet (my major) and guitar (as a working pro) into my college years. Nothing wrong with playing a bunch of instruments.... but I still would recommend getting your hands on a rental or loaner bass for awhile.

Future_DB · #13 11-16-2009, 05:32 PM

Marcus - apologies for any confusion.

I was referring to the ABRSM music examinations, whereby grade 8 is the highest (apart from a diploma).

Jason Sypher · #14 11-16-2009, 06:29 PM

Man, I thought you wrote very well for an 8th grader. Where are you located? Maybe we can help you find the right teacher and even a bass to play.

wayne holmes · #15 11-16-2009, 11:01 PM

Just goes to show you-- that if you want to do something great, there are others who are willing to help you. I have a friend who took up the bass his second year in college. He had played slide tbone before he got interested in the DB(I think) I'm sure it wasn't the tuber. Anyway, he later became the principal of well respected professional orchestra in a major city. You, have an opportunity here, especially if your university has a double bass professor/program(again, I say, much of your success will depend on the right teacher. Settle for nothing less than a teacher who has a masters in DB performance. With your musical background, you should be able to play with a community orchestra in a year at most. I played my first community orchestra concert after three lessons. I had no idea what I was doing. The conductor was so happy to have a double bass in her little college orchestra, that she would take anyone at any level. She said don't worry about it, I'll put you between the tuba and the piano, no one will hear you and just move your bow up and down like the cellists are doing. I don't have much talent, as one of my teachers once told me. So, I acted like I knew what I was doing until I did. Several years later and bigger and better community orchestras. and an occasional paying gig, I am still learning, and I hardly ever have to resort to the first technique that I learned- Air bass!. .You are correct about getting gigs if you play the double bass. Good luck. Keep us all posted on your plans and progress.

With lots of bass love