| My Story-Double Bass Re Entry. Also a few questions
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Hi there,
I'd like to introduce myself and ask a few questions.
'My story'
I first heard the upright bass in 6th grade, when an orchestra teacher did a demonstration for our class. The purpose of this was for students to decide whether they wanted to pursue orchestra, band, glee club, or study hall, once we transitioned to junior high school. I chose bass.
I studied the bass as vigorously as a 7-8th grader could. I did our state sponsored competitions. I practiced as much as I could. I borrowed a bass. I took private lessons. I learned music theory. I got an electric bass.
BUT after 8th grade, I switched to a high school without an orchestra or bass instruction. My jr high orchestra teacher was crushed. Without a bass program, and with a shift in my high school's focus more singularly to academics, I essentially gave up standup bass. But, as a compromise, I decided to play only the electric bass. That felt much cooler back then, anyway, I guess. I played electric bass off and on during high school and into college. I played with friends. It was fun. Today, I am in my 30s and I play my EB almost never.
So, why am I posting here? I am interested in the upright bass again. I realized that I never felt the same way about the EB as I did about the UB. I never really thought too hard about it, until I did some recent consideration on the topic. Yes, this is now on the order of 20 years after giving up the standup bass. Reading the TB forums really clicked with me. FYI, I am most interested in returning to play orchestral music.
I probably need to re-post some of these questions/comments elsewhere, but maybe someone will let me know the best forum or provide feedback:
Getting a Bass. I am now reading the FAQ posts about this. I guess that I am leaning towards (more or less) just getting a starter bass and seeing what happens. I am thinking that I maybe can trade my electric bass & amp to someone for an upright. I can trade-up to a better standup if and when the time comes, so I am not sweating too many details at this time. One question I can't find an answer to: Is there any way to rent a bass for a few months? I am in the NYC area.
Getting a Teacher. Here, I am lost. I can't find any threads with advice on getting a teacher. For example, where can I find a good listing of teachers in NYC? Also, for bass teachers, given the size of the instrument, who travels: student or teacher? Can I 'try' a teacher? Is there anything I should feel sheepish about being a 30-something?
Thanks for any and all advice! | 
