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Double Bass bass mobility

#21
I had the KC strings cart, but I prefer the wheel.

I found the cart had to be adjusted perfectly or else it would start to wander off-line, whereas the wheel seems to go where I want it to.

The wheel is faster for me to put on and off and takes up less room.

Plus whenever I wheel it I can pretend i'm PC on the front of that album!
 
#22
When I've used the budget handcart/bungee cord system, I just take the bass off it and fold it up when going into the subway or station. Same w/ the wheel (except for the folding up part), which I always take off, unless the train is near empty and I'm only going a stop or two.
 
#23
fingers said:
I always muse on a gig where I have a long schlep if fire or the wheel was humankind's greatest discovery.
Click to expand...

...not that I *haven't* considered burning the thing after a particularily horrible performance on the odd occasion, but really between the two choices I think we're all better off with the wheel...:hmm:

Purple Piiman,
When you say "camp", are we talking "camp" camp? Like outdoorsey? You might find something like a wheel or buggy might just be a waste of time, depending on the type of ground you'll be covering. I personally don't think I'd want to bother with either of those options on anything but nice paved surfaces.
 
#24
Peck_Time said:
Plus whenever I wheel it I can pretend i'm PC on the front of that album!
Click to expand...

Yeah! :)

619q2icqvL_SS500_.jpg
 
#27
piiman said:
I'll be going to camp this year with my bass. Lots of mobility required.
I've seen the bass wheel but it looks a little precarious to me.
I've also seen a lot of converted golf carts.
What do you use?

Peter
Click to expand...

I started exercising and focusing on strength training. Hauling a bass around town doesn't have to be hard, and you don't need a cart. The stronger I get the better my playing gets too; if nothing else simply considering the muscles that hold the body and instrument upright while playing will open the eyes; go from there. Most universities have great facilities; swimming is great too for developing and maintaining all around strength.
 
#28
oh, and the endpin wheel works great; I have the foam (not inflatable) one and it hasn't failed me yet. Get the brand name though; the knock-offs seem fine but don't hold up. The reality is that the endpin wheel, used within reason, won't damage a bass. Ancient, fragile, valuable instruments, well, take your chances... but if it's your back vs. the bass, the bass is more readily repairable.

go lift those weights and forget the whole thing. :-D
 
#30
"I've always wondered about the wisdom of sticking a wheel into the tailblock of a bass. Just doesn't feel right to me."

At a camp or something that trolley thingy might trump a wheel but it can't beat the wheel for my general use.

Around town my old (1820) and fragile (20 gazillion repairs per square inch) bass does great with an inflatable 6" dubro wheel and fitting I got from Pat Neher almost 20 years ago when he was fabricating them as a sideline (one of the best gifts I've ever received!). I honestly would not be concerned about using a good wheel if you avoid extreme rally and off road sports - though it is fine on gentle gravel or gently over a curb. The bass, in my experience, is in far more danger out of the bag and on stage! When the tire wears out I can use THIS $17.49 replacement tire (with a 1/4" drillout) which BTW also fits on the bass wheel device from Lemur. The wheel device Pat gave me which the tires attach to should last the rest of my life. HERE is a non inflatable foam core replacement tire which I would not be reluctant to use either.
The Goetz endpin collar is going strong after 25 years. Oh, and doors, strange passageways, stairs, elevators, crowds etc. are easy to negotiate as the wheel is small, perfectly attached, highly maneuverable, light, and easily picked up with the instrument. It takes up no space in the vehicle and whipping the endpin in and out is a piece of cake. A good wheel will not wobble if the set screw is also good. For versatility nothing can compare IMO.
 
#31
Peck_Time said:
I had the KC strings cart, but I prefer the wheel.

I found the cart had to be adjusted perfectly or else it would start to wander off-line, whereas the wheel seems to go where I want it to.

The wheel is faster for me to put on and off and takes up less room.

Plus whenever I wheel it I can pretend i'm PC on the front of that album!
Click to expand...

That Is actually the only problem I have with it - steering. For me though, the positives outweigh the negatives - especiallly because of the subways! (I don't have to take of a wheel to rest the bass upright)

Isn't that little wheel PC had funny? Buster Williams has the same, or similar
 

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