New to DB - help getting started

[topper]

Ok, I'm an electric bass player. [don't throw anything at me]

I'd like to try out an upright (double) bass, but I don't really know where to start.

Buying a $2000 instrument isn't a possibility and honestly I'm hesitant to rent one from my local music store at $100/month. If two months down the road I don't like it, I'm out $200. I see cheap basses on ebay that I'm sure suck. But would they be worth trying to learn on? If it didn't work out, at least I might be able to sell the bass right?

What else do I need to know getting started? Any good books/dvds I should buy?

If I were to actually do anything with this it would be with an acoustic folk band, so tips on amplifying the instrument would be helpful too.

Oh... should I be looking for a full size (4/4) bass to start or would it be smarter to start with a 1/2 or 3/4 size bass? I'm a medium build guy with smallish hands.

Thanks!

[Peck_Time]

Originally Posted by topper

Ok, I'm an electric bass player. [don't throw anything at me]

OK

I'd like to try out an upright (double) bass, but I don't really know where to start.

You've come to the right place.

Buying a $2000 instrument isn't a possibility and honestly I'm hesitant to rent one from my local music store at $100/month. If two months down the road I don't like it, I'm out $200. I see cheap basses on ebay that I'm sure suck. But would they be worth trying to learn on? If it didn't work out, at least I might be able to sell the bass right?

Let's check your arithmetic. $200 worth of bass rental (on what should be a well set-up shop bass with decent strings) OR ~$500 for an unknown bass that may fall apart , that will need a setup (~$300), that many luthiers will not touch and has a very low resale value.

So thats $200 vs $800.

What else do I need to know getting started? Any good books/dvds I should buy?

Do this before buying anything: GET A TEACHER!

f I were to actually do anything with this it would be with an acoustic folk band, so tips on amplifying the instrument would be helpful too.

Sounds cool, there's a whole subforum on mics and amps, but a good acoustic sound is the foundation.

Oh... should I be looking for a full size (4/4) bass to start or would it be smarter to start with a 1/2 or 3/4 size bass? I'm a medium build guy with smallish hands.

3/4 is the standard. Read the newbie links, and get a teacher!

Thanks!

You're welcome

[BassBus]

Buying a Cheaper DB new can be a bit of a false economy as the previous poster has said. Hiring sounds good to start with to give you an idea what the beast feels like. If you don't have a teacher within easy traveling distance there are a lot of good DVD tutors around. Todd Phillips' Esential Techniques for Acoustic Bass is a good one. Lesson One gives you all the basics you will need to learn finger positions. I'm sure you'll find it on the net easily.

It isn't the same instrument but you could consider an electric upright to get you started on playing. These cannot take the place of a real DB but do give you a feel for the thing.

[John Sprague]

You need two things my friend:
1. a good teacher
2. a good shop

You can check Bob Golliher's links page for a shop, and the shop can furnish a list of teachers. Even two or three lessons will save you a world of hurt and ensure your future enjoyment.

Good luck, welcome to the dark side!

[Marcus Johnson]

You said it yourself... if it's two months down the road you don't like DB, do you really want to try and sell a cheap bass right after the holidays? Sounds like a bad way to start the year. I guarantee you this... an Ebay craptastic bass will NOT appreciate in value.

Why not see if you can find a teacher who has more than one bass (many do), get one or two lessons, and see if you want to keep going after that. That way, you can actually get your hands on a real bass and see what's possible, and some instruction in how to manipulate the damn thing to boot.

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Read this:
http://doublebassblog.org/2006/08/bu...e-to-look.html
http://doublebassblog.org/2006/08/bu...ree-basic.html

Get a teacher.