Seeking info on history of amps, strings

aaronallen · #1 11-28-2008, 03:54 PM

Hey all,
Sorry if this is the wrong forum for this... Im writing a paper for school about ways in which technology has affected the way the double bass is played in jazz and could use some help. two of the primary subjects Im discussing are string construction and use of amplification. I need to know when exactly steel strings came onto the market (i think it was some time during the 50's but a specific date is what im after) and any info about how jazz players at this time responded to them: did many switch to all steel right away or was it more typical to have steel on the bottom strings but keep the gut on top? Regarding amplification, I know that early players such as Blanton played totally acoustic but what about bassists in the 40's, 50's, and 60's? Was their stage volume acoustic but then they played into a mic that went into some speakers out front or what? Also, at what time did jazz players begin using amps and pickups? Any help on this would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
-Aaron

uprightben · #2 12-01-2008, 09:16 AM

I don't have too much info for you, but I do know that Paul Chambers always played all guts and used a mic into a pa when the band played through a pa. Mingus always used guts, too, but I've seen videos of him using an amp. Ray Brown started on guts before amps were common, and at some point switched to steel and started to use and amp. He is such an important figure and his career spanned such a long time that he would probably be a good yard stick for this subject. I think the invention and wide spread use of the bass guitar had a huge impact on the double basses development and role, too.

Michael Glynn · #3 12-01-2008, 10:37 AM

Here are a couple of links with some useful information to get you pointed in the right direction.

http://www.doublebassguide.com/?page_id=11

http://www.doublebassguide.com/?page_id=9

You could try contacting some of the companies that were early developers of steel strings (like Thomastik) or amplification technology (like Ampeg and Barcus Berry) and see if they have more info.