NH Bass Fest!!!

MrLenny · #1 06-30-2008, 09:07 AM

I attended the NH Bass Fest concerts and an open house
on the last day. What a treat for any bass player.
4 top pros and a host of great Boston area players and I
live only 8 miles away.

Only one drawback, a modest turnout of bass players.
I can't stress how great this event is.
Please check out Jim Stinnett music for info on this great
event. I

t would be nice to get the word out and support
NH Bass Fest. Heck, even my wife liked it.

plaebase · #2 06-30-2008, 11:10 AM

Glad to hear you enjoyed concerts and got a chance to check things out on Saturday. This event is indeed an extremely special one. The nightly concerts and performances are incredible; even more impressive is the quality of the education and instruction. The labs and classes are invaluable. As attendees head home they are equipped with the knowledge of specific things they need to practice in order to reach their goals and they know exactly how to practice those things. The program is amazing. Powerful stuff!

I'm glad you made it out to part of the fest and enjoyed yourself, MrLenny.

deckard · #3 07-02-2008, 05:04 PM

MrLenny,

Do I understand you correctly:

there was a shortage of student-participants?!!??!!??

Hmmm... I guess I'll have to start saving for next year... seems a shame to have so many great players and teachers together for that length of time and have a dearth of participants - although that means lots of individual attention for those that do attend.

I started playing again almost 3 years ago after a self-imposed (approx. 10) year "layoff".

I play fretless exclusively, mostly jazz tunes; I don't gig (yet), but get together most Mondays with a pianist pal of mine and we go through charts from the various Real Books; I'm still working on my reading chops re: melodies & bass clef lines, but can definitely get through most of those Real Book charts on the first or second go 'round...

Is there a place for a guy like me at the Bass Fest, in your opinion?

Thanks!!!

robwren · #4 07-02-2008, 06:32 PM

Hi MrLenny,

A few of the guys are chatting about the festival here as well. There were about 30-40 guys there all week, and more on Saturday. But, yes, we've got to get the word out about this event, because any bass player that's really serious about getting better needs to get there.

ryano · #5 07-03-2008, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deckard

I started playing again almost 3 years ago after a self-imposed (approx. 10) year "layoff".

I play fretless exclusively, mostly jazz tunes; I don't gig (yet), but get together most Mondays with a pianist pal of mine and we go through charts from the various Real Books; I'm still working on my reading chops re: melodies & bass clef lines, but can definitely get through most of those Real Book charts on the first or second go 'round...

Is there a place for a guy like me at the Bass Fest, in your opinion?

Thanks!!!

Hey Deckard,

I thought I'd share my experience as a two time attendee. My bass playing experience is similar to yours. I took a 20 year break from bass and have been back at it for the last couple of years.

First off there is absolutely a place for you at the BassFest. Players of all ages and skill level are welcome. And while all music is appreciated, many of the pro players at the Fest focus on Jazz. So your Jazz background would be very appropriate.

Fretted, fretless or upright, they're all appropriate for the Fest. I'd say one third of the participants bring an upright. Many people play fretless electrics. I'm guessing you would enjoy seeing Steve Bailey and Michael Manring play/teach.

This year the attendees were broken up into four groups based on playing experience. This made the group teaching sessions very comfortable and pressure free. The atmosphere at the Fest is very open and accepting. The teachers as well as the students want everyone to succeed.

It's an event I look forward to every year now. Hope to see you there next year.

--ryano

deckard · #6 07-03-2008, 09:54 AM

ryano,

Thanks for info & encouragement!

It'd be a long trek from out here in Seattle, but one that looks too good to pass up.

My only "worry" would be getting my instrument there and back safely - any idea(s) how guys from far-away get their bass guitars there? I shudder at the thought of sending my bass through airline baggage in anything other than a Brinks armored truck!!

Muchas Gracias!!

ryano · #7 07-03-2008, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deckard

My only "worry" would be getting my instrument there and back safely - any idea(s) how guys from far-away get their bass guitars there? I shudder at the thought of sending my bass through airline baggage in anything other than a Brinks armored truck!!

Muchas Gracias!!

Many people flew out to the Fest with their basses so others may have better info than I do (since I'm local to the Fest) but here is what I saw. An airline golf bag used to carry a bass. Great idea and seemed to work nicely. The best case I saw was a steel reinforced flight case custom made for the instrument it carried. Seemed great but I imagine it is a pricey option. Lots of people seem to opt for the gig bag inside some kind of hard case and check the bass. I've heard some people talk their way into getting their bass into the passenger compartment (not in an overhead). Best option yet if you can swing it.

It's a valid concern but seems like people manage it.

robwren · #8 07-03-2008, 10:39 AM

I dread flying with my bass as well. The sad fact is that, while a bass in a gig bag probably fits in most overhead compartments, you have virtually no control over all the variables (gate agent, flight attendants, airplane type, etc.) so if you try to carry on your bass eventually you're going to be denied boarding unless you check it. Checking a bass in a gig bag is simply never going to be an option for me.

I use the 1649 version of this, and it works very well. About as close to a "tank" as you can get, and so far no hassles about oversize charges or anything like that. Todd is using a similar case, and he has lined his with additional foam.

Some guys are using the SKB bass safe. These originally had some reported problems with the latches and the ability of the geniuses at TSA to put it back together when they opened them. This is why I went with the golf case. I've heard a redesign has solved the problem, but I've not seen the new one.

**Freddels** · #9 07-03-2008, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deckard

ryano,

My only "worry" would be getting my instrument there and back safely - any idea(s) how guys from far-away get their bass guitars there? I shudder at the thought of sending my bass through airline baggage in anything other than a Brinks armored truck!!

Muchas Gracias!!

I've traveled with my bass in the SKB bass safe and it was fine. I use a very padded gig bag and there were no problems at all. I hope to make it to next years event too. I just couldn't do it this year.

Kirby71 · #10 07-04-2008, 11:46 PM

I am the guy with the metal flight case that Ryano spoke of. It is a pain to lug that thing around, 47 pounds including the bass, but it has never let me down and it has about 20 flights on it now.

As far as the Bass Fest, it is appropriate for all levels. There were all levels represented there this year. The best thing is that if you do need help or have a question, it is an extrememly positive envirnoment. You will usually have a couple people offering to help you out. Todd said it best when he commented that everyone there wants you to improve and to do your best and the instructors do everything they can to make sure this happens.

I cannot wait for the 09 Bass Fest!

Todd Johnson · #11 07-11-2008, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirby71

I am the guy with the metal flight case that Ryano spoke of. It is a pain to lug that thing around, 47 pounds including the bass, but it has never let me down and it has about 20 flights on it now.

As far as the Bass Fest, it is appropriate for all levels. There were all levels represented there this year. The best thing is that if you do need help or have a question, it is an extrememly positive envirnoment. You will usually have a couple people offering to help you out. Todd said it best when he commented that everyone there wants you to improve and to do your best and the instructors do everything they can to make sure this happens.

I cannot wait for the 09 Bass Fest!

Well said KIRBY!!!!!!!!