yet another newbie double bassist

[Eric Swanson]

Hi Folks,

My name is Eric and I've just joined. I started on cello and switched to bass as a teen. I play electric and double bass, mostly arco double bass.

I obsessed and shedded through my teens and early twenties to try to learn how to play, mostly jazz, with a strong love of the Bach cello suites. I blew a full scholarship to Manhattan School (too nutty and self-destructive). I was blessed enough to study with Terry Plumeri for a few years back in the late 70's and early 80's, in D.C. and L.A. I was also lucky enough to have a few lessons with Lew Norton, George Mraz, and Robert Brennand.

I decided not to further pursue pro playing in my mid-twenties, but I have remained an enthusiastic amateur...I played electric in a Boston band called The Fliptones in the early 90's (under the pseudonym of Brad Montgomery). I still practice and hope to be one of those unobtrusive guys in some amateur community orchestra when I'm an old dude.

My toddler recently pulled my upright down on its face from a standing position, so I replaced it with a new instrument from Upton Bass. I'll let you all know how that works out...

Eric