DB Noob,with some comments and questions.

[bassmutant]

Well, I had been completely convinced that my Ergo EUB was "pretty darn close to a double bass". What a misconception. I have borrowed my small college's 1971 EH Roth German DB, and it rocks. I play in the jazz ensemble here, and was offered her to learn on so I can quit playing my "slab", as he calls it, with the jazz band. Anyways, to make a long story longer, I've read about people using similar technique to electric bass, ala, Bunny Brunel, and so far, it's been working pretty well. I've got one Ray Brown practice book that I purchased 4 or 5 years ago, but that's about it. As far as teachers go, there are none in my area. I'm serious, I live in a very rural area, and I've seen some blue grasser's around, but every time I ask em for lessons, the guys act like they don't know how to play at all and blow me off, lol. Anyways, I've read about Nanny and Simandl, any other books you folks can recommend for a lone student to self study? Preferably something with pictures. The ray brown book shows some good examples, but it's hard to see exactly where I'm supposed to hold everything. I've been playing it sitting quite often, simply because the adjustable end peg is pretty short when out all the way, and it's not high enough, at least from what I can tell from most of the pictures i've seen of people playing DB. Anyways, cheers, and I'm glad to be part of the club, it's also hella fun getting on the bus with this baby.

[Bruce Lindfield]

You could get a DVD - like the Rufus Reid or John Patitucci ones...that might be a better start if a teacher is really out of the question?

[jfv]

The Evolving Bassist DVD is worth its weight in gold (Rufus
Reid), and its the only thing I'm aware of that deals with
fundamentals, the Patitucci DVD is awesome but is a lot
higher level.

It seems to me you're giving up too easily on the teacher
thing. We have members of this forum scattered throughout
the NW, you might be surprised if rather than just announcing
that there arent any you ASK here to see if you can find a
teacher

Lessons are important enough, at least for the very early
starting out time, that driving an hour to have one would
be well worth it.

Good luck,

[TroyK]

Right, a teacher will save you time, money and pain. Keep looking. I will take the side of the rockabilly/bluegrass guys, though. You probably can't learn what you need to from them.

That being said, I think the Rufus Reid book is more instructional than Ray Brown's for the self studier. It has good pictures, explanations and a lot of good, general information that aren't really in the Ray Brown book. The more I learn, the more Ray Brown's book makes sense to me. It's a good book and Ray Brown is well....Ray Brown. But check out The Evolving Bassist. I haven't seen the DVD, but I imagine that it's a good companion.

Good luck,

Troy

[Ike Harris]

There's a teacher at U. of Washington named Barry Lieberman that might be able to steer you in the right direction. Try dbass@u.washington.edu

Ike

[TroyK]

He doesn't say where he is exactly. I didn't notice "Washington State" until now. There are a lot of good teachers in the Seattle area that we could direct you to, but I'm guessing that's not close to you. If I'm wrong let us know and we'll hook you up.

If I knew what part of the state you were in, I could ask around for you though. It might also be worth a call (not an email) to Hammond Ashley. They keep a teacher's list and might know of someone for you if you described what you were looking for and where you were.

Troy

[byoung]

I'm interested in learning the DB, live in the Seattle area (South), and would be interested to note any recommendations you might have with regards to instructors in Seattle.

[bassmutant]

Sorry, I live in a place called clallam bay washington, and go to college in port angeles washington. When I say rural, I was referring to a population of 500 or so, not including tourists. I've pursued the "teacher thing" all this last year in the jazz ensemble, and came up with a few names, but no phone numbers, or locations for two local people that play. I'm without transportation beside mass transit, and am relatively poor, so any sort of "high level" teachers, definitely aren't going to be practical, as I don't have the money, or means to drive to seattle to take lessons. I understand how everyone is a firm believer in this medieval apprenticeship system, but, I'm going to get some of these videos and see what sort of training I can come up with. I'm not opposed to getting a teacher, by any means, but I'm more interested in the mechanical aspects than the theoretical, as thankfully, that side of the electric bass is still useful. I still can't believe how vastly different the playing techniques are, lol. That still has me reeling somewhat, but it's fun to really be challenged by something completely new. Thanks for the responses, I'll see what I can dig up.

[Possu jam]

What? There's a Patitucci DVD?

[relacey]

Originally Posted by jfv

The Evolving Bassist DVD is worth its weight in gold (Rufus
Reid), and its the only thing I'm aware of that deals with
fundamentals, the Patitucci DVD is awesome but is a lot
higher level.

+1 The Reid DVD is worth its weight in sweet, light, crude oil.

[Michael Glynn]

Not to jump on the bandwagon, but....

I think taking some lessons will be really helpful in the long run. The books and videos will give you a lot to work on and think about, but a teacher will catch the little bad habits that you might not even notice. Even if you can only meet with a teacher every month or two, I think it can help keep you on track and speed up your learning curve.

Have you tried contacting the Port Angeles Symphony? Someone in the bass section might be able to give you lessons or at least point you in the right direction.

Good luck!

[bolo]

Originally Posted by bassmutant

I've read about people using similar technique to electric bass, ala, Bunny Brunel, and so far, it's been working pretty well.

I am no expert, but my two cents ...

The right hand technique is very different on upright, at least from what I've learned. I started on electric and then took up the DB.

For example, take a close look at the pics in the initial sections of the Ray Brown Bass Method book. You are using the side of your index (and optional middle) finger, from the 2nd (or even 3rd) joint down to the tip. I think of it as hooking as much meat from your finger on the string as possible. On electric, you're up on just the fingertips. Very different technique, and while you can use just your fingertips on DB too, the resulting tone is quite different.

The Rufus Reid DVD lays this out real well, with an entire section more or less on just plucking the string. Seems simple, but I found it to be critically important in my "progression" (ha!) on the instrument.

For left hand technique, I don't use the ring finger until I am up in TP (let's just say ~ one octave, sometimes less above the open string). Maybe Simandl is the proper term, but the fingerings in the Ray Brown book make this pretty clear.

I've found that now when I play the EB, I drop the ring finger there too in a similar fashion.

I don't think it is out on DVD, but Ray Brown did a series of 4 instructional videos. The one with him and John Clayton is the one I would recommend the most. Includes pizz and arco basics. And just to be able to hear advice from these two guys is - well, IMO worth much, much more than the price of the video.

[Bruce Lindfield]

Originally Posted by bolo

The Rufus Reid DVD lays this out real well, with an entire section more or less on just plucking the string. Seems simple, but I found it to be critically important in my "progression" (ha!) on the instrument.

Yes that's exactly what I was thinking of, when I initially suggested the DVD - of course a real-life teacher is going to be the best option - but you can go at your own pace with a DVD like this and review parts over and over again to make sure of what you're doing - can be a useful option if there is no chance of seeing somebody in person?

[bassmutant]

Great replies, thanks again. My biggest fear is picking on physical habits that I'll have to unlearn later. I'm completely self taught as far as electric bass goes, but I have bought many many practice books, and payed attention to advice other people had, and even their mechanical styles. I've pretty much found a physical methadology for playing electric that allows me versatility, endurance, speed, control, and so forth. Unfortunately, my meager 12 years of experience and learning don't matter one whit on this Roth. When I move on to a bigger university, (I'm in Community College right now), I know there will be a much larger base to get instruction from, I just don't want to go into that situation having to relearn how to play because I started off completely wrong. Thanks again.

[TroyK]

My advice to both Bassmutant and BYoung on finding teachers is to call Hammond Ashley, describe to them where you live and what type of teacher you want (budget included) and ask them for suggestions. They keep a registry.

I don't know anyone near Port A. but I'll be in Port Townsend at the end of the month with a jillion other bassists and if I meet someone I'll get their number for you.

BYoung, if you want to PM me with some more specifics about where you live, what you play and what type of person you want to study with, I can probably make some suggestions for you.

Troy

[hdiddy]

Also, maybe I think it's just worth going to a teacher for a super long lesson in the beginning. Just to get started off right. I know it's hard for you to get out, but I would prob do the darnedest I could to get a lesson or two with a teacher. The rest you can hopefully go by a book/method like the Evolving Bassist to get you through.

IMO, the beginning to me seemed the most critical to prevent mistakes and misconceptions. Maybe there's a TBer that might be willing to travel to where you are to help you out, if you paid him?

[bassmutant]

Originally Posted by TroyK

I don't know anyone near Port A. but I'll be in Port Townsend at the end of the month with a jillion other bassists and if I meet someone I'll get their number for you.



Troy

Thanks, that would be awesome.