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Double Bass Here I GO!

#21
RobinG said:
I understood that when I got it, and was willing to take the project on. That's why I'm posting my journey. Other than taking off a little too much from the bridge, which I expected to do, I'm very happy with where it's taken me so far...
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But do you have any "reference/comparison" as to what it should sound and/or play like?

How do you know whether or not it could have been hugely better on both counts?
 
#22
WillBuckingham said:
Robin, regarding your posts about moving the bridge around. I think in general you're just supposed to set the bridge so it's centered with the notches on the f-holes in the middle of the bridge, no?
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That's where it's ened up :)

To Bruce's comments..

I did not try any other Basses, partly because it would be a day trip to stores that would have any decent ones, and partly because I didn't think I would have the first notion of what to play! That and I didn't want to spend a lot of $$ to try this experiment. If I didn't take to it, I didn't want to have a bunch invested..

As far as the playing differences, I learned to play the EB using DB fingerings.. that may be why it's easier than I thought it would be :D

As far as the first gig went..

The room has a low rumble around 130K.. I plugged into the Mesa and the bass just started to rumble on it's own (first time through a PA at loud volume), and I had to turn down to the point of being barely in the mix the first set. I played with it and the songs in the third set were better, but not so good.

Second night I brought my Hartke A-70 for the UB and set it on top of my Mesa and used a seperate channel on the board (I run sound from stage as well). The A-70 did much better :) and the band LOVED it both visually and sound wise. Even SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed) commented on how much the sound of an UB made a difference in the songs I'm playing it on.

I suspect that the pickup is part of the problem with the rumble. I'll be experimenting with that this week, and may end up with another pickup configuration before long.

I fully realize that this bass is a POS after spending some time with it (tuners are starting to stick, already), and it's not sounding like I think it should.. but it's fed my need to step into the DB world, and given me something to teeth on ;)

A fellow Bassist and I will be giving each other lessons soon, He's in his 70's and wants to learn EB after playing UB for longer than I've been alive :eek: And I'd like to pick up some tricks from him.

Robin
 
#25
Mic it!!! Acoustic is the only way to go IMO! I respect what you are doing, which is gettin the upright "bug." (personally, ((don't flame me)) I think you made a decent choice... Buy a cheapie and see if it is something that you are going to stick with.) Now that you know you like playing and once you have become proficeint at the art, it may be time to upgrade when finances are available. 'Cause once it gets ya, you are got for life!!!

Regards and the best to you,

Mike ;)
 
#27
RobinG said:
That's where it's ened up :)

To Bruce's comments..

I did not try any other Basses, partly because it would be a day trip to stores that would have any decent ones, and partly because I didn't think I would have the first notion of what to play! That and I didn't want to spend a lot of $$ to try this experiment. If I didn't take to it, I didn't want to have a bunch invested..

As far as the playing differences, I learned to play the EB using DB fingerings.. that may be why it's easier than I thought it would be :D
Click to expand...

So in other words you have no comparison and no experience - yet you are effectively recommending this approach to other people ....?

So basically we have "The Blind leading the Blind" ...:hmm:

I can't see this as a very good way of approaching Double Bass and I hope others don't follow it.:(

I would recommend people read all the Newbie Links - e.g. click here :

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11902&highlight=Buy

...and get the benefit of people who have had a lot of experience and actually know what they're doing!! :)
 
#28
Bruce Lindfield said:
So in other words you have no comparison and no experience - yet you are effectively recommending this approach to other people ....?

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11902&highlight=Buy
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I'm merely posting my journey. This is the path I have taken to becoming a better player all around. Keep in mind that I'm trying to add a different flavor in a cover band, and the band loves it :cool:

I would recommend to someone who hasn't played EB for over 30 years (as I have) and hasn't taken a file to a bridge, nut or frets (as I have), or has an understanding of woodworking (as I do) to take the newbie links to heart. I read all of them before I went down my path. Truth be known.. I didn't expect to win the eBay auction for this Bass. Now I have it, and I'm NOT looking back :p

I guess compared to the tradition of the UB, I went outside the box. I can assure you that my understanding of the UB I purchaced has me wanting a better Bass. I have a UB I can play, after some tweaking.

It also is teaching me that a UB needs to be played with respect. Given the marginal tool at best that I have, I'm learning to respect it's quirks. Once I get a "quirk free" UB.. Watch out :bassist:

Since starting this experiment I'm practicing more, seeing new ways to approach the UB AND EB, as well as jonesing for a better UB in the not to distant future.

From the EB side, I have similar values. I can do without an Active Preamp onboard and have played various P-Basses for close to 30 years :) And I HAVE to have a Tube preamp at least when I play live.

I'm starting to think I should try my '64 Bassman and a 1X10 cab for the UB..

But then there's that Polytone factor..

When does it end :eek:

Robin
 
#30
Doug Ring said:
When you just play music....
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Ya.. I have some pretty raw fingertips from practicing my UB tonight.

Found an interesting way to practice.. I was playing along with Techno music, which I listen to more Jazz. The Newbie forums talk about a synth having minimal overtones, and a good way to get "in Tune".

Techno is all computer/ synth generated music.. and a great way to learn, and expand the UB :)

I LOVE this new flavor!

Robin
 
#31
I've always thought there is a Bass out there for player. One that you connect with on one level or another. I've worn the frets down to the last setup on my '62 P-Bass reissue, which is MY player.. but I Digress..

I'm trying to use my UB in a loud cover band for a new flavor. It's been a struggle getting a sound out of it at amplified volumes. At one point I'd get a low/mid ring and that was as loud as it would go. This went on for many gigs, but I kept playing it, because it IS a new flavor in a cover band, and I really want it to work. PM me if you'd like to hear comments from patrons about the UB.. ;)

Last sound check this weekend, I walked off the stage thinking..

"How am I gonna afford the family vacation AND a good UB"

I picked up the UB, expecting the worst.. and I got it. There was a REALLY bad rattle when playing the G string. I repositioned the PU.. still there.. I wiggled the cord.. still bad.. I grabbed the bridge and tried to settle it..

BINGO! A few pops from the Bass bridge settling, and it NEVER sounded better! No rumble, possibly louder than my EB's through the same amp with mids cut. I guess that would be a rookie mistake..

I know there are better options out there, and at some point, I'll be looking.. for now, I'm still trying to work it out with the UB I've been given..

Robin
Since 1961
 
#33
Matthew Tucker said:
Roll up a handtowel and wedge it under tailpiece when playing amplified. Solves a lot of feedback issues. At that volume, nuance often has to take a back seat.
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Forgive me while I geek out on your post... How tight should the towel be? A big/small hand towel, dish towel? How much space should it take up? I've never heard this before and would like some more info if you would be so kind.:)
 
#34
Matthew Tucker said:
Roll up a handtowel and wedge it under tailpiece when playing amplified. Solves a lot of feedback issues. At that volume, nuance often has to take a back seat.
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Interesting..

The mike I've been playing with is an AKG D200E1, And I was told it was best used rolled in foam and shoved under the tail piece facing the bridge..

More experimentation is on the horizon ;)

Thanks for the tip!

Robin
Since 1961
 
#40
Bruce Lindfield said:
- yet you are effectively recommending this approach to other people ....?
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Don't be a troll - he never said anything about recommending his approach, and I certainly didn't take it as such; I'm just now looking into DB after 30+ years of EB and classical guitar, and while my approach will likely be different, I find the thread illuminating. If you don't like the thread and don't approve, you certainly don't have to read it.
 

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