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Double Bass BG vs. DB

#3
Someone once compared it as a frat party (BG) to a cigar bar (DB)


I was looking for information on BG strings and looked around over there and I've decided there is a difference I hadn't noticed before.
Actually it is just a different view of the very same thing.


DB opinion:
These are good strings, but you need to wait for about three to four weeks of playing for the nasty brightness to mellow out, then they last for years.

BG opinion:
These are good strings, but after about three to four weeks they lose the crispy brightness and need to be replaced right away.

Maybe old BG strings could be recycled into DB strings.
 
#4
I always feel weird when I go over to the bass guitar side. It feels like over here is a close knit community store while over there is like a city bazaar. I like how here I hear from alot of the same people when I put up forums. Over there who knows who might respond.
 
#6
Last I spent any time over on the EB side a couple of years ago I got booted off TB for baiting gear weenies so I just stay away.
I'm sort of an orphan though....I don't really fit either place because of the bass I play:

deco3way2.gif


I hang out here because I studied the big bass for many years and that shaped my technique (such as it is) and how I hear and the folks over here for the most part share those acoustic sound aesthetic sensibilities. Arco aside the way I approach this instrument it has a lot in common technically with the upright. It is very acoustic. And aside from Steve Swallow I don't really go out of my way to listen to anyone not playing the upright.
 
#10
waltzfordebby said:
jbonny: i heard steve swallow in a pretty large size venue at the reno jazz festival with John Scofield. i wasn't too impressed but his work with carla bley has always been amazing. my favorite part was when steve had to run off the stage to go to the restroom...in the middle of his set.
Click to expand...

He play better after he peed though? <haw>
I worked on a film last year with an actor in his late '80s in an enormous soundstage that was a loooooong way between cans and one day the poor ol guy didn't make it. WARDROBE!

And I'm with ya big time on the recordings with Carla especially duets. They still floor me every time...so exposed and beautiful.

jeff
 
#11
Randy Ward said:
Someone once compared it as a frat party (BG) to a cigar bar (DB)


I was looking for information on BG strings and looked around over there and I've decided there is a difference I hadn't noticed before.
Actually it is just a different view of the very same thing.


DB opinion:
These are good strings, but you need to wait for about three to four weeks of playing for the nasty brightness to mellow out, then they last for years.

BG opinion:
These are good strings, but after about three to four weeks they lose the crispy brightness and need to be replaced right away.

Maybe old BG strings could be recycled into DB strings.
Click to expand...

When I first came her - 8-9 years ago - there were more DB players than BG - and this was what attracted me, as I was looking for advice on playing Jazz! :)

On the strings - I don't believe it's a DB vs BG thing?

So - when I was much youger and really looking to be heard and stand out as a rock BG player I used to buy Rotosound stainless steel strings which were very bright out of the packet - but after a few weeks dulled and sounded very subdued and basically not nice...:hmm:

But more recently when I have played in bands that have acoustic instruments and are looking for more of an 'organic', bassy sound - then this kind of thing would stick out like a sore thumb and I have been looking for less bright strings.

So - a few years ago I settled on nickel bass guitar strings and have found that high quality D'Addarios sound much better after a year or two of playing and basically I just don't take them off anymore!

I can imagine young guys who don't actually play in bands, messing about with effects in their bedrooms thinking - wow these strings are super-bright - I really stand out with these - cool! :p

But for most uses - older bass guitar strings are infinitely preferable! Unless you are in a Who tribute band! ;)
 
#16
The only thing that I prefer about the other side is if you go over there post something, in ten minutes theres a bajillion posts about everything you were asking. But I like it alot over here its nice and you dont have to deal with frickin pretentious ass boutique bassists, "Have you heard the new Victor Wooten, its incredible the tapping and slap combinations blow me away." Ok! back to normality after a quick rant. Gather your self Eli Gather yourself.
 
#18
bbates77 said:
The cool thing about there being more electric bass players than D Bass players is that there are more jobs for us D Bass players.

An electric bass in a jazz band is cool - but what's better?

An electric bass player in an orchestra - not unless you're Gene Simmonds.
Click to expand...

Further on Gene Simmonds...

He played electric bass in an orchestra for the Kiss album "The Elder"

In case you didn't know.
 

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