New Gal

[litebkt]

Hello Everyone.

My name is Michelle and I'm new here. I am principally a cellist and play in two orchestras here in California's central valley. I played electric bass in a rock band as a teenager and I'm renewing my interests in bass. I was never any good at it... in fact, I sucked in a major way. We were primarily a vocal group so all I played was the dum dum dum bass line. It worked at the time.

Now I find myself with lots of time to spend on music and I want to play! Rock music never came to this part of the world methinks. But there seem to be lots of opportunities to play with bluegrass and country/western type groups. I've never been a big fan of either country or western music... but music is music. I'm learning that I don't care. I just want to play. In any case, these venues have no need for cellists to be sure. Bass guitar is pretty much out as well so I'm strongly wanting a double bass.

I'm at least a 3 to 4 hour drive away from any major music store that carries quality instruments. I know that I can't spend a lot on a bass anyway. So I've been poking around on ebay and Upton for the past several weeks wishing and wanting. I know ebay is a lousy choice. There are just too many potential problems to throw hundreds of dollars in that direction. I'm just waiting for that special moment that will tip me into a decision to bite the bullet and buy one.

I can't decide between the fully laminated Hawkes or the hybrid. Sure, I'd like the improved tonal qualities of the solid top, but I'm a bit concerned about the instrument as it travels around in the back of my pick em up truck. I can pad the floor, but the instrument will have to travel on its back. (That is a huge no no for a cello). And while I'm sure that the 800 dollars in difference won't be much over time, it does give me pause for the moment.

I also do other things. I design, build, and sell large telescopes. I only build a few each year. They are very customized instruments. Check out plettstone.com if you are interested.

Michelle

[jady]

Hey, welcome to TB!!!!

I played DB in the Merced symphony for a few years around 97-99 or so. How are they doing? Who is conducting now? Is Don still the principle Violin? If anyone remembers me, tell them John Ady says hi and I am doing great. I had a bit of a drug problem when I was playing but that ended 6 years ago. Do you play any jazz? There is a shortage of jazz bassists here in Modesto and I am always looking for a sub. John

[litebkt]

Jady,

I'm playing in a new string orchestra based at the community college in Merced. It isn't part of the curriculum yet. Half of it is a bunch of old farts like myself (cellos and basses) and the other half is composed mostly of younger people (the violins). The other group I perform with is based in Mariposa. We've grown significantly in the past few years. It is a fairly complete orchestra with winds and strings.

Don Peterson does perform with us often. Is he the Don you speak of?

Fill in? he he. Like I said, I'm a crappy bass player. That will change this year as I get my act up to speed. Perhaps next year, I'll hang a shingle.

Meanwhile, I will be offering beginning music lessons. There is a dearth of music instruction in this neck of the woods.

Michelle