Playing the Company Bass

[matthewbrown]

I've recently been hired to play a tour on a cruise ship, and was told that there would be an upright on board, but to "bring my electric" as there was no guarantee it would be set up to be playable. It will be a new bass however, as it's a new ship.

I play a half-size upright Azola acoustic baby bass with a high C string (that I use only rarely). The gig is pretty much cocktail lounge music for dancing, so I don't expect anything TOO challenging. But I'm unused to a full size upright body and a 3/4 length scale.

Does anyone have any experience that could bear on this, so I can have a better idea as to what I might expect?

[lfh]

Will you not be able to find out more about the "company bass" (and possibly play it) well before leaving?

Given your choice of main axe, I guess you have a bass guitar background -- or? If so, how much experience with "real" double basses do you have? Obviously, digging in on a nicely setup 41.5" 3/4 is more physically demanding than say playing with a light touch on a 1/2-size baby bass. Now what if the ship bass is a poorly setup (most cheaper new basses are!) 42" with orchestra type strings and no pickup...? Struggling with an unplayable beast is dangerous!

Short of bringing the baby bass as a backup, I suggest you bring a few files for emergency adjustments, a set of Spiros, and a cheap pickup

[matthewbrown]

The files are so I can escape from the ship?

Thanks for the advice; I hadn't thought about the strings at all. I can't try out the bass -- I'm in Massachusetts and I'll be meeting the ship in Palermo, Sicily. I don't know if I have the cash to spring for a pickup, but I do have a mic...

[moles]

I'm not familiar with the baby-bass - but if they've asked you to bring your electric as it is - what's wrong with bringing the Azola?

[matthewbrown]

The baby bass would require a seat on the plane both ways, or an extra baggage charge because of its size (it's about the size of a cello). The company's already got a bass on the ship, and don't intend paying for transport charges.

[Marcus Johnson]

Originally Posted by matthewbrown

The files are so I can escape from the ship?

LOL.... you'll do well, my son- you have a good grasp of ship life already....

[moles]

Originally Posted by matthewbrown

The baby bass would require a seat on the plane both ways, or an extra baggage charge because of its size (it's about the size of a cello). The company's already got a bass on the ship, and don't intend paying for transport charges.

Ah, I see - I was thinking maybe it was more along the lines a removeable neck/transportable deal. Something that wouldn't incur extra charges to bring with you...

Good call on bringing the files anyway - It would likely also be a good idea to start getting used to the longer scale length as well, if possible.
Maybe bringing along some lower tension strings, and a pickup wouldn't be such a bad idea either?

[ding_man]

I'd probably just spend the money to bring the bass because otherwise you be in a heap of trouble. All in all it will probably be an interesting experience.

[matthewbrown]

I think I'm going to rely on the Company to supply strings at least. I can't see traveling with my Azola, because there is no hardshell case currently available for it from Azola, and the costs would be prohibitive. I followed another thread on flying with an electric, and have concluded that an SKB golf club case will do the trick, and I can get one of those used for not too much. As for a pickup, I'm going to look into that...I guess I feel that if the Company supplies the bass, they will eventually see their way to making it playable. And it's not as if I'm going to be soloing on it or playing any uptempo tunes; this is basically a "society" gig afloat.

[damonsmith]

Tell them it must have bridge adjusters. If you are not used to double bass you should rent one and take as many double bass lessons as you can before you go.
It could be a good time to make the transition since you will have some time to practice.
I would also ask for some lighter strings like Corellis.
I would also recommend bringing a German bow and some pops along, to work out the intonation issues that will come up.

[jsbarber]

They have a hard case for the Azola Lightning Bug, which has about 41" string length. It is a Bug Bass optimized to fit in an off-the-shelf SKB case. If you could get your hands on one of these you'd be able to take it with you.
http://azola.com/sys-tmpl/lightningbug/

Jim

[matthewbrown]

My baby wouldn't fit in that; the case is too small.

[jsbarber]

I was suggesting that you might get your hands on a Lightning Bug for the cruise. If you picked up a used one, you could probably sell it after the cruise for what you paid for it (if you wanted to). Just a thought...

Jim

[meathook]

Man up! You have to learn to play a real bass someday. Learning on a poorly set up bass is good for hand strength.
I did the same thing and found that the bass on the ship was fine. Relax and go to the crew bar.

[bkbirge]

You're asking for trouble. Playing a 1/2 scale electric upright does not translate well to 3/4 acoustic upright IMO. Especially when the provided upright is of questionable setup. What happens when you accidently drop the sound post, are you bringing a sound post adjuster? Or when you realize all your hand positions are different between basses and you are spending 100% concentration on just trying to stay intonated when playing the simplest root progressions? Or that the azola sound you are used to you can't get even close with that upright (perhaps)? Take your bug.

[lfh]

+1 for low tension strings. Even though you won't play bebop at breakneck speed, playing six (or seven) nights a day, plus shedding on the larger string length from the get go will certainly be tough on your hands. Spirocore Weich, possibly with a Mittel E, is another option. BTW, what's the string length on your Azola?

In any case, it sounds like an exciting adventure! Please keep us posted! Being locked in on a ship with a 3/4 will get you up to speed on the big bass like nothing else: Swim or die (not literally )!

[matthewbrown]

I think that I'm going to ease myself into playing the 3/4; I was told to bring my electric, which I think I will use to save myself from immediate tendinitis. The string length on the Azola is that same as for a 3/4, but the scale is 1/2 (I don't how that works, but I trust the Azolas on the point). I can't see spending nearly 2 bills on strings for someone else's bass; so I think I'll rely on the MD to help out on that point. I'm just hoping for an adjustable bridge!

[jsbarber]

I think when Mathew says his base is "half-size" he's refering to the body. [A ~20" string length on anything remotely considered a bass is pretty much out of the question...] The vibrating string length is typically about 41.5" on Azola EUBs and Baby Basses except for the Gypsy Moth which is about 37".

Jim

Originally Posted by bkbirge

You're asking for trouble. Playing a 1/2 scale electric upright does not translate well to 3/4 acoustic upright IMO. Especially when the provided upright is of questionable setup. What happens when you accidently drop the sound post, are you bringing a sound post adjuster? Or when you realize all your hand positions are different between basses and you are spending 100% concentration on just trying to stay intonated when playing the simplest root progressions? Or that the azola sound you are used to you can't get even close with that upright (perhaps)? Take your bug.

[Osama_Spears]

sounds like a fun gig! howd you get it?!

[thesandman]

I play with some guys that do/have done the ship gig, There will not be a lot of room for you, and since you will have to have an electric, do yourself a favor and just take that. Believe me, no one will care what you play.
Have fun!