Double Bass Help! Advice for starting DB, Melbourne

[ladysingstheblues]

Hi guys,

I'm a 30yo lady just beginning my upright Bass journey, have only had one lesson and am keen to absorb sound information and advice.

I'd like to source a recommended teacher in Melbourne, Australia, my goal is to learn to play fundamentals and ultimately Jazz style (pizz). A dream would be working to be able to jam in a trio and enjoy the social aspects of this instrument.

I don't have a bass yet so will have to look for one eventually, also open to renting.

I'd love to hear any advice and motivation you have for me.

 

[punkjazzben]

Welcome!

There are lots of double bass teachers in Melbourne to choose from. My personal recommendation is Anita Hustas; I learnt with her for about a year around 2007, and apart from being a great teacher she was also very warm and friendly. You should be able to contact her via the Victorian College of the Arts - if she's not teaching there, somebody there will know her details. I also had a year of lessons with Simon Starr, who was fantastic too. For more options, contact either VCA, Monash Uni, or Box Hill TAFEs music departments, explaining that you're looking for contacts for private jazz bass lessons. They should help; some senior students might even be able to get you started with some lessons.

As for basses, Ben Puglisi's shop in Hawthorn is the best place to go for advice on renting and buying. You could buy from a chain music store, but you'd end up needing to take it to Ben to make it playable anyway.

Best of luck, and come back and ask plenty of questions!

 

[ladysingstheblues]

Thanks heaps for the info, Ben. I have organised a teacher who was trained at VCA. Have also visited Puglisi and organised a rental. Loving it so far, lots to learn!

 

[Capt.Obvious]

I still remember the first time I got to noodle on a double bass. I loved how the sound seemed to come up through my feet and just fill up the whole room, all sans amplification. That being said, you will not regret investing in a nice pickup. You're sacrificing some of the pure acoustical sound even with the best pickup or condenser mic, so stretch your budget on that one and sacrifice as little as possible. Best wishes on your DB journey!

 

[ladysingstheblues]

Thanks for the advice! Will remember that when I am looking to purchase. Rental is equipped with pickup but I have no use for it just yet. Lots to learn!

 

[SeaMist_au]

+1 for asking Ben Puglisi. That's where I was referred to my current teacher from. My last teacher, a very good Jazz guy is in the Dandenong ranges.