• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Double Bass Going back to primarily electric playing.

#88
Oddly enough, I have always considered myself to be a doubler, but in the past few years my EB has served almost exclusively as my spare / emergency bass. Since I am at most a "weekend warrior," my main motivation has to be the pleasure of playing at home, and the DB just seems so much more inviting. Yesterday morning, my spouse went to work. I got to practice my bass for a couple hours while watching my kids play in the snow. It was just perfect.
 
#89
Marcus Johnson said:
I don't even know where mine is. Under the bed, I think.... no wait, I gave it to my daughter. She doesn't play it either.

At least two years for me, probably more like three. I'll still happily play it if someone pays me to do so.
Click to expand...


I would also happily play it if somebody paid me..I still love my electric basses but I've been playing the slab for about 6 years and I can actually physically play the instrument and execute ideas that I hear in my head on it...can't really say the same for the doghouse so that's what I devote my practice time to.
 
#90
Wow, this has become quite the thread. Well, in today's ever competitive music world, the bassists who get the calls are the ones who are most versatile, it would be wise to keep your electric and upright chops together. But in reality, most cats get calls for their upright chops and it's just a matter of giving the instrument the time it needs so it can give you the sound you want. I usually find myself practicing DB all the time, especially now in college, I'm getting my ass kicked, it's constant and consistent playing with other people, jamming, ensembles, lessons and practice that get you better. I touch my electric a few times a week, I'm not spectacular, but I can manage. It's all about being a man and putting in the effort to get in the result you want.
 
#91
JavierBass's thinking makes sense.

but...

I made a conscious choice to only tell certain people about my ability to play EB. I don't want to play EB unless I really hear it in a particular situation. I knew that I could make money doing plenty of other things in order to only do the gigs I wanted. I didn't spend all that time and money on school, practice, lessons, gear, etc to just go to work in the coalmine.

Things were a little thin at first I suppose but currently I am busy enough doing DB stuff that I have to turn work down.

I know I have been busting Nathan's chops in this thread a bit but if EB is what he really hears and it is not just a cop out... run with it.

My only point in all of my posts is you have to make to choice that is right for you. Embrace it 'cause you made it. Hell with what anyone else thinks. Don't be afraid to change your mind either. We all grow and change. No apologies. No regrets.
 
#92
A lot of what can help determine your success in bass playing and music in general is attitude. If you have an open outlook, you will have a more varied, and to me, a more interesting life in music. I got my first BG at 16 after already playing piano, trumpet and guitar. I didn't get at all serious about bass until college when I was asked to play in David Baker's big band and sextet at IU (I was a trumpet major). I got my first DB at 20 because Jimmy Garrison's sound was just so "it" for me. I've been a doubler my whole career and am thrilled to be working on either instrument. I've even played bass lines on a minimoog when I thought it would work. I find musical satisfaction on both instruments and am just happy to be playing music and making the best out of each situation I'm in.

I was down for the count a couple of years ago due to injury and laid off DB for for 4 months. It was very hard as much as I love the instrument, but I am very glad I could continue gigging on BG. If I could never play DB again it would be rough as much as I love the instrument, but, I would just get into BG that much more.

My advice, keep an open mind and don't give up (at 16, heh heh)!
 
#93
well, I've almost got the money for a nice new bass! I'm playing a few musicals in the new year, and the pay from that's gonna be 'invested' in a good bass... probably an strunal, but maybe an engelhardt or stentor... nice student model, but good enough for me. My current bass is nice, but plays horribly for me. I think I might just try to rent-to-own the next bass. Until then, I'm practising on my bass as much as possible.
 
#95
A new bass isn't going to necessarily dramatically improve your sound in an instant. Sure, you'll be getting a better sound, but if you don't but the time in to practice and play on a consistent basis and really put your effort into playing, the full potential of the instrument won't be realized. I just got a new bass, and I've been practicing more than ever to make sure my technique is on par with the sound of my new bass. In essence, it's about having control over your bass, not the other way around. You shouldn't expect a bass to magically do all the work for you. Maybe have someone else play your bass and see how it sounds. If you notice anything, most players pull their same characteristic sound out of any bass they play, there are tonal differences of course, but it's still the same fundamental sound. I'm sure if you had Christian McBride play your bass, it would still sound like Christian McBride. It's all in the fingers, not the bass.
 
#96
nathanmcnathan said:
well, I've almost got the money for a nice new bass! I'm playing a few musicals in the new year, and the pay from that's gonna be 'invested' in a good bass... probably an strunal, but maybe an engelhardt or stentor... nice student model, but good enough for me. My current bass is nice, but plays horribly for me. I think I might just try to rent-to-own the next bass. Until then, I'm practising on my bass as much as possible.
Click to expand...

Do you have a teacher? If so have them check out your bass. They can tell you if it is worth a better setup or if you need a new bass. Either that or bring it to a luthier and have them tell you the truth about your instrument.

The basses you are talking about upgrading to are still pretty low-end instruments. They are all quality brands but on the low end of the spectrum none the less. Maybe it'd be best to save for a while longer and buy something even better.
 
#100
It should also be mentioned that Msr. Rabbath also spent lots of time practicing and not once in that video did he even pretend he knew what he was doing at a young age. His methods come from many years of hard work.

Side note: Did you notice how much punch his bass had? I know it may be the recording but I think it's quite powerful.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back