Greetings all! And help please

[Peterpimlico]

Hi, my name is Peter and I live in the North of England; actually on the Lancashire/Yorkshire border. Unfortunately, I will never achieve my ambition to play the double bass, at age 72, I aint got the time! BUT, with the help of you kind people I hope to play along with my big band CDs (Ted Heath is my favourite, I spent many hours in front of this band in my youth) I can't read music, and at the moment haven't got a bass; well I have of sorts, I made a tea chest bass and this has got me keen enough to want the real thing; Wow, four strings! How do you make these work for you? If I can just learn enough to 'fit in' with the rhythm I will be a happy man. Are there any books for idiots like me, not too technical, but that would help me get started? Also, can anyone recommend any make of double bass that would suit my requirements and would be available in the UK?
Many thanks for any replies. I will be off line shortly, but return later. Best wishes, Peter.

[billm]

Hi Peter, and welcome to TalkBass. I'm a new player myself, 54, playing bass guitar though.

I've never spent any time on the DB side, but I'm guessing they have forums for instruction and technique like we have on the BG side.

I'm guessing you've never played before, so the only suggestions I can make is to find youself a teacher for a couple lessons and use a metronome to practice with. The metronome will help you with your timing, and a teacher can show you proper fingering/plucking techniques so you don't develop any bad habits that could lead to carpal tunnel or other joint problems.

billm

[Peterpimlico]

Thanks billm for advice. I will search for a DB instruction forum. Also thanks for bringing my attention to possible finger injuries! Peter.