Introduction, New to TalkBass, and new to Bass...

[UpWrongBass]

Hi All,

I’m a newbie to TalkBass, and a newbie to Bass in general (sorta).

I decided to pick up the NS Designs NXT 4 to start out on. Something that I can practice on in the apartment after hours, and/or carry along with me in the car. I knew if I couldn’t do either of those things, it wouldn’t work out. As you can tell by the handle UpWrongBass, I don't expect the EUB to be the same as an Acoustic, so I won't even compare at this stage.

My main goal is to learn Bluegrass/Newgrass and Jazz styles. Something for me to get out and have fun playing. I'm not new to music, as I've played Saxophone in jazz combo settings (previous life, sorta), and have played 6 string Guitar for many years.

Well, I just wanted to say hi. I've found lots of great info on this site, and expect I find a lot more!

Thanks,
Clinton (aka UpWrongBass)

[eub_player]

Welcome to the dark side!

[UpWrongBass]

I attached photos of my new EUB. It now has the NS Traditional strings. I'm really liking it so far. This is my first venture into fretless. My intonation is better than I expected. I have a boss tuner in line with the signal output, so I can check my intonation as I practice.

Currently, I running the bass through the Boss tuner, then into a Focusrite Saffire for preamplification, then into a KRK Rokit 6 monitor. Not too loud, but it sounds really good. Any advice on a good amplifier? The full range monitor sounds really good, so I'm a little hesitant to just get a standard bass amp. But I want something portable to take out to jams.

-Clinton

[NickyBass]

Those are nice basses. I would suggest two things:
1. Look into new strings for it. Something like the Spirocore Solo strings. The stock ones make it sound too much like a big fretless bass.
2. Take a few lessons. Play the NS with double bass technique if you are looking to switch over. A good teacher can help you with that.

As for amps, there are a lot of nice inexpensive options out today. The TB classifieds is a great place to find deals on used gear. Check both the DB and EB side.

[UpWrongBass]

Thanks for the suggestions. I have been watching a lot of Jazz and Bluegrass performances lately, trying to watch how each bassist plays. I did replace the string with the NS Traditional strings. I could tell a pretty big difference. A lot larger string diameter, and a lot more tension. Less "bass guitar" sound.

I have been looking for good quality lessons and video's online. I have been following Chris Fitzgerald's video's for right and left and technique. I want to learn true DB technique, not just play electric bass on a larger scale. I'm starting slowly, and wanting to learn things correctly.

Also, I am getting back into the music theory, reading music, and site reading. I'm still transposing from treble clef as I play, but I'm getting better. I'm intentionally staying away from anything that resembles "tablature", or anything else my brain will shortcut with.

I plan on taking lessons soon, but at least want to familiarize myself with the available techniques and points of view so I don't totally dismiss or embrace quality information.

As for amplification, I am just using my KRK monitors at this time. With Acoustic guitar, I always like my Klipsch speakers with a nice Hafler amp. For the EUB, I would like to stay as transparent as possible (yes, I know, Klipsch has that bright horn sound, not flat. I know. I worked there), and adjust my technique to to compensate. Who knows. But right now I'm thinking of using the phono input of the Denon receiver. Actually, I'm not sure if they still have a true phono input, but seems like it would work well.

Thanks for any suggestions. i welcome all advice at this time.

Thanks,
Clinton

[Ed Fuqua]

Originally Posted by eub_player

Welcome to the dark side!

More the twilight side...