Double Bass - Yay or Nay

Digo · #1 11-01-2006, 11:28 AM

Hey x-mas is coming up and im trying to see about getting a double bass for my shows in my jazz band, but i was wondering if double basses were any good???

Also if you can play a bass guitar pretty well even if you try to play it like a double bass, would you be reasonable ok at the double bass???

MonetBass · #2 11-01-2006, 11:44 AM

A string bass requires quite a different technique. The main thing is learning to shift up and down the neck and having a good enough ear regarding intonation (being in tune). I'd find a shop that sells string basses and just try it. You'll notice the differences immediately, I'm sure.

Bayou_Brawler · #3 11-01-2006, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Digo

Hey x-mas is coming up and im trying to see about getting a double bass for my shows in my jazz band, but i was wondering if double basses were any good???

Also if you can play a bass guitar pretty well even if you try to play it like a double bass, would you be reasonable ok at the double bass???

nu uh double basses are no good. it's a common misonception that becasue it is a "double" bass it MUST be twice as good as an electric. i think double basses are .173 as good as electric basses. and if your good on the electric you will be AMAZING on the double bass.

so your in a jazz band?????

ok enough joking around....double basses are VERY expensive and are more challenging to play than an electric..

WillBuckingham · #4 11-01-2006, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Digo

Hey x-mas is coming up and im trying to see about getting a double bass for my shows in my jazz band, but i was wondering if double basses were any good???

Also if you can play a bass guitar pretty well even if you try to play it like a double bass, would you be reasonable ok at the double bass???

The double bass is a different instrument than the electric bass guitar. Are they "any good"? You need to think about what you know bout the instrument, and why you would want to try to start playing it. Have you heard a double bass before? Do you listen to jazz? Buying, and learning to play a double bass is a huge commitment, and not something to take lightly or go into blindly. You will not be "reasonable ok" at double bass, even if you play electric bass. You should find a teacher.

Passinwind · #5 11-01-2006, 12:02 PM

Go for a triple bass, bro! It'll be even better than a double.

But seriously, there's a whole separate double bass forum on Talkbass. Check it out. You might want to read a good bit before you post the same question over there though.

Aaron Saunders · #6 11-01-2006, 12:02 PM

With that attitude, I'd simply say don't bother.

Bayou_Brawler · #7 11-01-2006, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillBuckingham

Do you listen to jazz? .

DUDE! he's in a jazz band!

WillBuckingham · #8 11-01-2006, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bayou_Brawler

DUDE! he's in a jazz band!

Heh, I know more than one kid in a "jazz band" who hasn't listened to "Kind Of Blue". I'm not gonna get into how much this kind of stuff pisses me off, but he definitely wouldn't be the first to try and play jazz without even listening to anything.

jady · #9 11-01-2006, 12:42 PM

Go for it, it is a different animal but it is a wonderful animal. Make sure you get a decent setup and LOW action, at least to start until your fingers get stronger.

tplyons · #10 11-01-2006, 01:11 PM

It's a very different animal and a huge investment of time and money, a very different technique indeed.

Bayou_Brawler · #11 11-01-2006, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillBuckingham

Heh, I know more than one kid in a "jazz band" who hasn't listened to "Kind Of Blue". I'm not gonna get into how much this kind of stuff pisses me off, but he definitely wouldn't be the first to try and play jazz without even listening to anything.

i was being sarcastic....i doubt he's in a jazz band and doesn't understand double bass play...

Digo · #12 11-02-2006, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bayou_Brawler

i was being sarcastic....i doubt he's in a jazz band and doesn't understand double bass play...

I am in a jazz band, have been for some time, also play in a rock band as well but i have always used the electric bass in the jazz band then i watched otic lee crenshaw and saw his double bass player and also saw nathan east play one at unplugged by eric clapton and just thought i would try to get some information

and will dont call me "one kid" or i will label you just " another bass player"

(EDIT MM) No Profanity Please

velvetkevorkian · #13 11-02-2006, 05:57 AM

Does your school have a DB at all? I had a school DB all through high school for practically free. If not, I recommend a trip to Stringers (which is near Edinburgh bus station) and try one out. Be warned though, in the UK (and Scotland especially) finding a decent affordable DB can be murder, and the cheapest decent ones are gonna set you back near enough a grand.

If you're ever in Glasgow, check out The Violin Shop, who have IMO a better selection of DBs than Stringers.

It is a very different instrument though, and takes a lot of practice to master.
Hope that helps!

Bayou_Brawler · #14 11-02-2006, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Digo

I am in a jazz band, have been for some time, also play in a rock band as well but i have always used the electric bass in the jazz band then i watched otic lee crenshaw and saw his double bass player and also saw nathan east play one at unplugged by eric clapton and just thought i would try to get some information

and will dont call me "one kid" or i will label you just "one ass-hole"

yikes relax people just joking around...

bigfatbass · #15 11-02-2006, 08:48 AM

Dude, chill!!! They mocked you a little because your question is gargantuanly ignorant, in spite of the fact you say you play in a "jazz" band yet don't even really know what a double bass IS!

People have been playing upright bass for HUNDREDS of years! Didn't it ever occur to you there might be a reason?

Here's a tip: If you put more thought into your question people will put more thought into their answers.

You question is like saying: Pianos, any good?