Bibs

For my Arvi, I have a fitted custom bib that covers the upper bout, back and both sides. Kai used to contract with a Florida woman who sewed them, and they're great.

For my 5-string, I used a standard Kolstein bib until it wore out after a lot of use. I just switched to the deluxe "Count Dracula" bib that Tony Houska sells at the Contrabass Shoppe in England:

http://www.contrabass.co.uk/bassbib.htm

Haven't decided yet whether I like it -- it's a different concept altogether.

As for "why," it's just a matter of protecting the finish on the bass.

 

I had my mom make me one. I've worn the back on the edge that touches my stomach when I play a lot. I'd like to prevent furthering this damage.

 

I use one, only when I'm eating bbq ribs.


But then my strings get all nasty from the sauce.
I'm sure I'lll prob end up getting one if I play more in expensive suits and tuxes.

 

Bump to say that I'm sold on bibs.

I get out of work immediately before orchestra rehearsal, and I happen to work completely on the opposite side of campus (I go to a really small school, but it's still a good 6 minute walk). Anyway, right when I stepped out of the door from work it started pouring. I got to orchestra sopping wet and with no time to spare. I also happened to wear a white v-neck t-shirt, so my stand partner got a kick out of the wet t-shirt contest that was popping off in the bass section. After playing for two hours, I noticed that my shirt had attained a sort of horrible brown/amber tie-dye scheme... and it was at that precise moment in time that I decided that maybe bibs aren't so bad after all. I spent the final few minutes of the rehearsal doing a sort of strange awkward dance with my bass so that my wet clothes wouldn't touch it. I'm going to make my own bib, and same with a quiver (they'll totally be matching!! fabulous).

I always like to hear about interesting bass-induced mishaps so I thought I'd share mine with you all.

 

I had my designer make me one to match my new chicken skin dress, as discussed on another thread. Medium length, as always to be worn with my Signature Bone Pumps, medium heel and no hose.
The effect is fabulous!

 

Fetching. I suspect that this searing image may have damaged me, in some novel, fundamental, and irreversible way.

 

OH MY GOSH me too. Bone pumps and no hose? Uh-uh girlfriend, that's a big bass fashion no-no.

 

LOL!

 

Ha! You fail to remember I had that vein surgery only last month!

 

That does change things. In that case, I gotta ask:

shaved legs or no, and if "yes", how far up?

 

Jay-suus... I'd pay dearly after eating something like that at this point.

 

Wow, for a minute there I thought this thread belonged in the 'Bluegrass' section.

There was an intense discussion on the North West Bluegrass List a while back on who made the best 'bibs' and whether a real redneck could wear non-American ones.......whew

 

Right. One of those meals with an exit wound...