Double Bass Electric -> Upright Conversion?

[Jedi Of Syrinx]

Hey, I'm due to make a conversion to upright/double bass from electric in the next few months, I'm playing in a local orchestra for a musical version of Schindler's List.

I've not seen the script or score yet, but I trust in the writer/composer to make it good

But yeah, my main question is this - I'm feeling rather intrepid about the whole conversion proess.. I've no experience with an upright bass, so are there any tips or tricks you could teach me? Things to watch out for? cheers very much guys

 

[Andrew McGregor]

Find a teacher. Necessary, because you can very easily hurt your hands with upright. The technique is very different, and not easy to describe online. Don't get hurt.

 

[Mesa]

+1

I made the same conversion earlier this year. There are some similarities, but the upright is so much more of a physical beast that I can't imagine how much time could be wasted trying to learn the thing without the advice of an experienced teacher.

Best of luck. It's really awesome!

 

[Jedi Of Syrinx]

Right.. Well I've got a couple of other bassists there to help me out, but i'll definitely look into getting a teacher... I want to be as comfortable as possible really, don't want to make an ass of myself in front of semi/full pros...

Thanks dudes

 

[ILIA]

In addition to getting a teacher, keep the following things in mind:

1) progress comes easier on an electric bass than on the upright. Be prepared to commit more time learning the upright than you did the electric.
2) the electric bass has much more in common with the guitar than the bass. The bass musical mentality is the same, but upright technique is related more to a violin, viola, or cello than an electric bass. Again, see #1.
3) understand that there are very few "tips and tricks" in learning the upright bass. "Tips and tricks" are best left with the bass guitar magazines and books that sell you shortcuts, TAB, and gear. Don't be frustrated when your teacher gives you a Rabbath or Simandl book and there are no "tips and tricks" columns. Again, see #1.

Good luck. I hope you succeed!

 

[drurb]

+1 on all the advice you've been given.

The EB and DB are related, but very different instruments. This is not so much a conversion as it is learning a new instrument. Think you can do that in a few months? If you can, then more power to you! Will you be playing arco?

 

[Jedi Of Syrinx]

Most likely pizzicato.. I'm not unrealistic about it - I'm aware that it'll be a major challenge, especially in the given time frame - but I'm determined to be at least passably good. Invaluable experience, I think

 

[bass1000]

I am also a beginner and have been playing for a year now. I like you, made the conversion, and like these guys said it's a completely different instrument. You can't just pick it up and play it like a different bass guitar. It's very frustrating and humbling at first, but so worth it in the end, especially when you start to improve and can actually play the thing! I prefer to play the upright all the time now, it's an incredible journey......good luck. Get a teacher! you'll go nowhere fast without one.

 

[Violen]

If your playing in an orchestra, its going to be primarily arco. You better start practicing now. After a year of playing upright i wasnt ready for a symphony.

 

[Fletcher Lanning]

My first musical orchestra gig was about 3 months after I picked up an upright for the first time. If you focus, practice, and get a mentor to help you out it's totally possible as long as you have a grasp on the music. Whether or not you get regular lessons is up to you, but I highly suggest finding someone who can get you started.