New to DB after playing BG for 15 years

Tony G · #1 08-09-2010, 11:27 AM

After playing bass guitar for 15 years, I've decided to make the jump into playing DB. I've always loved jazz, and figured now was as good a time as any to finally pick up a DB. I started lessons last week, and got my first bass over the weekend. I've been looking for a decent used bass on craigslist, here, and elsewhere, but my budget was limited to under $2k. After struggling to find anything decent that was used, I decided after some research to head into Boston and buy a Shen SB80 from Upton. With the setup they do, and the upgraded parts, I feel like I got a reasonably nice beginner bass that will hopefully last me many years.

However, I have some quick questions that I hope somebody here will help me with. The bass came with Helicore Hybrid strings on it. Being that I want to play 99% pizz, I'm wondering if these strings will be ok for a while, or if I should upgrade them to something else? I am also curious as to what the take is here on where to set the end pin. Is the set screw supposed to be set into the grooves on it? Any other advice you guys can give me would be greatly appreciated as well.

Thanks,
~Tony G

eerbrev · #2 08-09-2010, 11:39 AM

First off, Wilkommen! You'll find Double bass is a fun challenge (I know I did when I switched).

in regards to strings, well, if they're not rusty, I'd say use them for now. once you get some practice in you can decide whether they're the strings for you, or if you want to switch to something like spirocores (what seems to be jazz standard around here). Double bass strings are an expensive prospect, so most of us change only when we absolutely have to (unless we're experimenting. then we spend thousands of dollars to usually go back to what we liked in the first place

).

In regards to end pin length? that's a personal preference thing, as well as a stylistic preference thing. since you've mentioned you have a teacher (good call, btw) I would suggest you ask him. I would also recommend using the grooves that are in the end pin if they will work with where it is comfortable. if not, find the height that is comfortable, and get your friendly neighbourhood machinist to put a groove in the metal where you want it.

As additional advice, take it or leave it, if you don't have a bow, get one. even if you never perform with it, they're much better for practicing intonation with than just pizz.

good luck, and congratulations on the bass!

Alex

KUNGfuSHERIFF · #3 08-09-2010, 11:43 AM

I have Helicore Hybrids on my bass and like them fine for pizz, but I'm only slightly less green on the DB than you are so take my advice with a grain of salt.

Congratulations on the new bass. Pics?

kmanley_29649 · #4 08-09-2010, 11:53 AM

I started about 2 1/2 years ago on an SB80 myself. It really is a great bass, and I'm still playing it. I've never played those particular strings on my bass, so I can't say for sure, but they should be fine for pizz. You will eventually get the itch to try something new, though, and begin the never-ending search for the perfect string for you. Get ready to have a lot of fun and spend a lot of time and money trying every string, pickup, bridge height, and any other little thing you can change to get "your sound."

peterpalmieri · #5 08-09-2010, 11:55 AM

Tony welcome to the dark side!

My advice would be don't worry about your strings at this point, at some point in the future you may have a better idea of what you like and don't like. There are a ton of string megathreads that you can read for months in the mean time.

As a general rule you should set your end pin so that your eye is level with your first finger playing an "F" on the e string (half position) if you haven't learned that already. Using the groove in the end pin is best for stability if the height works for you.

The best advice I can give you with regard to DB is don't worry about gear for a while, get a good practice regiment going and stick with it. Listen to your teacher and don't throw away the idea of practicing with a bow.

Enjoy!

Tony G · #6 08-09-2010, 12:06 PM

Many thanks for the comments and welcoming, guys. I really look forward to getting to know this side of the bass world. As for pictures, no I don't have any worth posting yet, but suppose I could get them if wanted. It is just your standard Samuel Shen SB 80 that you can see on Upton's website.

Tony G · #7 08-09-2010, 12:09 PM

I should also mention that I had Jack at Upton install a Rev Solo II pickup on my bass. He said it should work just fine with my Markbass F1, but would just like to confirm that with you guys as well.

BTW, Jack at Upton was great with everything. I highly recommend him and his shop in Boston.

hdiddy · #8 08-09-2010, 12:11 PM

Get a teacher. And don't be in a hurry. And don't expect instant gratification.

But do have fun!

Tony G · #9 08-09-2010, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdiddy

Get a teacher. And don't be in a hurry. And don't expect instant gratification.

But do have fun!

Yup, I had a teacher before I had a bass! I used his backup for my first lesson.

Thanks for the comments.

peterpalmieri · #10 08-09-2010, 12:17 PM

Tony I remember reading an article some time ago where Ron Carter was being interviewed, they asked him what his practice routine was and what he was currently working on. The answer was something like - I've been working on Ab scales for the last 6 months.

Also heard a story of Patitucci in the recent past taking some lessons from a Principal bassist in NYC. When the teacher was asked what they were working on the response was open string bowings (in Simandl).

These types of stories help ground me when I need to work on things that once seemed so simple on the electric...

gkbass13 · #11 08-09-2010, 12:18 PM

congrats, Tony!

funkadelickbass · #12 08-09-2010, 12:23 PM

that Simandl book is the bible to the classical players in my area. I'm in the Jazz dept but I am taking some classical lessons and that book is just awesome.

My advice for the end pin height is have your teacher show you...but what peterpalmieri is true if you know what he meant

yay for fellow converts!

wdnewman · #13 08-09-2010, 04:38 PM

You have already made two very wise decisions here. You didn't buy a CCB off of CraigsList, and you got a teacher. The Shens are well respected and will provide good service to you. It sounds like you got a good setup as well so you are on your way.
Be sure and get that bow. You will need it. The time will come when you want to play the whole bass, not just half of it.

Welcome to the darkside!

Tony G · #14 08-09-2010, 05:22 PM

Thanks again for the welcome and comments, everybody.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdnewman

You have already made two very wise decisions here. You didn't buy a CCB off of CraigsList, and you got a teacher. The Shens are well respected and will provide good service to you. It sounds like you got a good setup as well so you are on your way.
Be sure and get that bow. You will need it. The time will come when you want to play the whole bass, not just half of it.

Welcome to the darkside!

I do plan to get a bow eventually, but want to save up a little more money to get something decent. I'm glad to know the Shen's have a good name going for them. However, I don't know what a "CCB" is. Can you fill me in?

Andrew McGregor · #15 08-09-2010, 05:42 PM

CCB = Chinese Contra Bass, the bad kind (there are nice basses made in China, but there's also a lot of firewood).

Good call on a decent bow, but then the entry-level carbon fiber (not fiberglass!) bows are not that expensive and very good value for money.

Tony G · #16 08-09-2010, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew McGregor

CCB = Chinese Contra Bass, the bad kind (there are nice basses made in China, but there's also a lot of firewood).

Good call on a decent bow, but then the entry-level carbon fiber (not fiberglass!) bows are not that expensive and very good value for money.

I'll look it up, but would you be so kind as to link me to a good bow or two that I should consider?

ole Jason · #17 08-09-2010, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony G

I'll look it up, but would you be so kind as to link me to a good bow or two that I should consider?

I'd recommend a Shen Ophelia bow. They should be around $200 or so. Honestly, there are a lot of good bows in the sub $500 range these days. Just 10 years ago it was very difficult to find something good in that price range imo.

Tony G · #18 08-09-2010, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ole Jason

I'd recommend a Shen Ophelia bow. They should be around $200 or so. Honestly, there are a lot of good bows in the sub $500 range these days. Just 10 years ago it was very difficult to find something good in that price range imo.

Is it possible to order these bows online somewhere? If so, I'm having trouble finding them.

ole Jason · #19 08-09-2010, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony G

Is it possible to order these bows online somewhere? If so, I'm having trouble finding them.

I got mine from Nick Lloyd... not sure if he would do shipping but maybe. It would be worth a shot.

pga007 · #20 08-09-2010, 10:38 PM

I too am looking to rent/purchase an upright bass after 40+ years on electric bass. I have read some of your posts as well as discussions on carved, solid top and laminate. Haven't yet personally explored local stores, but saw some online rentals at $70/month with 3 month min. Saw site listing laminates for $600. http://store.gotofmi.com/34upblbafiho.html, wanted to get opinions. Can't afford $1000+ for instrument I am just taking up, and don't see paying $210 for a 3 month rental if I can buy one for three times that.