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Double Bass I feel like I'm about to make a big mistake....

#21
Yes, just buy the Christopher bass and arrange to get some double bass lessons.


$1800 for a double bass is something like $400 for an electric bass ($300 bass+$100 amp?). It's not a crazy amount of money, nor is it like buying an $1800 electric bass guitar. It's actually a great deal to get an entry level starter bass from a store.

If after a few years, you decide to sell the Christopher, you'd only lose about $500 or so on the bass...not so bad. The money spent on bass lessons were investments in yourself and were money transferred from a good doctor to a good bass teacher. If that the worst that happens... it's hardly a big mistake.

Just do it.


Remember the old saying? "Money is like manure. It's only good when you spread it around to make things grow. Keep it locked up in a bag and it just stinks."

Charleston, SC is a beautiful city BTW, especially the older part near the cruise ship terminal.
 
#22
Jeff, you sound so much like me that I'm still laughing out loud. I'm a 65-year-old retired lawyer, but I have a science backround. Overthinking has always been my forte. Sound familiar? I can overthink to the point of paralysis. Sometimes you've got to just stop with the thinking and do.

I love jazz and the sound of a jazz double bass. My wife had given me a guitarrón some years back, and I began the long process of converting it into a type of fretless upright acoustic bass. I also spent a couple of years immersing myself in music theory in general and jazz theory in particular before I realized that what I needed was something I could grab hold of now: Bluegrass. I'm now playing in a very amateur Bluegrass band, The Living Room Ramblers, which should give you an idea of our "gig" venues. I'm having a ball with this and I'm learning my bass instrument like I never did when I was overthinking. The only reason that I haven't bought a double bass myself is that I'm having so much fun with what I have.

This is a no-brainer for you, Jeff. Buy a good double bass and jump into Bluegrass with all four feet. Have a luthier or at least an experienced double bassist check it out for you. Buy one that feels playable and sings to you. Maybe that Christopher. What's the worst that can happen? You sell it and lose a few hundred? Buy the thing and have a ball. Like me!
 
#23
nogoodwithnames said:
You only live once! I'd rather try and fail, and possibly waste some money, than to always have that "what if" in the back of my mind.
Click to expand...

My thoughts exactly when reading this. They say somethings you cannot put a price on, however avoiding that "What if" thought and feeling is only $1800.. Compare $1800 to living with an empty void that could of been filled with a small investment.

You say you been searching for 6 months, but how long ago did you discover/play the upright that you are debating? Definitely let it sit on your mind for at least a week or two.. if you start having dreams about.. Then I would say you are ready :bassist:
 
#28
Buy it.
You will always get your money back if you decide it's not for you.
However a good sounding upright bass which is properly set up could very well make you a believer! It's a great experience that can't be duplicated with an EUB but you will always have your EUB as a back up.
Hauling the thing around is not so great but many of us ( I'm in my 60's) find that it's worth all the aggravation. And you never know....grandkids or a relative might see you play it and like it too, so you could pass it on to them.
 
#33
Choosing an upright bass is a process kinda like what you went through, at least in my opinion. When I bought mine, I went into a string shop 2.5 hours away and played just about every bass in the store. Without much upright experience, same as you. I played all the basses like an idiot actually. But when I came across my baby, I knew it was mine because like you said, it just sang to me. Everything about the look, the feel, the size (3/4 with sloped shoulders), and the sound said "I'm your bass." So, I dropped my life savings on it (just shy of $4k) and it's the best decision I've ever made. I'm actually a double bass performance major at my university!

Cliffnotes: buy the bass that sang to you. Especially if money isn't an option...plus if you really do hate it, chances are it won't lose much value if any at all.
 
#34
I was 48 when I purchased my first bass. 2 years ago.
I searched for several months before finding one.
I really didnt like anything I picked up until The first pluck of my Kay, and I knew this was the sound I was after.

I put an add on craigslist looking for an URB. And it paid off. I noticed most of the good sounding bass players were playing kays, so I was looking for one of those or an Englehart.

Mine came with gut strings, so I really havent messed with the setup since I bought it.

It can be a trying search, but you will get what you want in the end.

But do take it easy when you first start. I did get trigger finger one night jamming with some people. Then I figured out to do stretches and drink plenty of water before playing, and no problems since.
 
#36
Well, just to update you all- i went ahead and bought the bass. Bass, case, stand (and bow for practice) came to just under $2,000.

Got it home, exhausted and tried playing it. My fingers felt like they were lost.

Lesson one- An upright bass is not an electric bass.

Next day tried playing for about 1 1/2 hours. Fingers hurt. Arms hurt. Brain feels like it is stumbling. Muscle memory for electric bass keeps getting in way. Very frustrated. Thought about seeing if I could take it back.

Realized I was being childish.

Later that day: Became worried that I went from someone who was competent at playing my Bluegrass - just about anything you could throw at me - to someone who can barely play this instrument. If I can't learn to play the damn thing, my bandmates are not going to want to keep me around.

Later that day - sad. Realized I REALLY enjoy playing electric bass. This upright is not fun yet. Ah.... maybe it takes more than an hour and half to learn maybe...... need to be patient.

Had an amazing insight - electric bass and upright bass are NOT the same instrument. Hmmmm... kind knew that on some level. Just thought my electric bass chops would carry me further.

Need to be patient. Remain calm. Its a beautiful instrument. It sounds good. Need to reset my expectations......
 
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#38
Bass Doc said:
Sometimes my brain says: "maybe you'll hate it or end up with a repetitive stress injury - just stick with the electric and screw the snobs"
Click to expand...

Bass Doc said:
Next day tried playing for about 1 1/2 hours. Fingers hurt. Arms hurt. Brain feels like it is stumbling. Muscle memory for electric bass keeps getting in way. Very frustrated. Thought about seeing if I could take it back.
Click to expand...

As someone who had to give up DB because of an RSI, I hope nobody minds if I chime in.

1.) Make *darned* sure your instrument is set up *well,* with an action that's easy to play as possible. I often wonder if I hadn't had a crappily-set-up DB (all that there was as the college I was at because I couldn't afford my own), if I would have been able to finish that DB performance degree after all...

2.) All that said, DB is definitely a more "physical" instrument than any kind of electric. 1 1/2 hours/day practice when you're just starting out is *asking* for RSI, in my humble opinion. Stretch before (and during) your practice sessions, take regular breaks, and develop your technique to play as relaxed as possible. And take...it...slow.... Your own insight as to being patient will serve you well--listen to the little voice in your head! ;)

3.) Invest in some decent lessons with a good DB teacher who can show you how best to approach the instrument. If you're used to one finger per fret you *will* need to adjust that slightly. Be suspect of anyone who tells you "you just need to work through the pain." :rolleyes:

You *can* learn a new instrument, and be successful and truly enjoy it, but you have to be very careful how you approach it. I'm playing an NS/Stick now (sorry DB guys!) after a 20-year hiatus, and loving it--but it took me 20 years to be able to get back to playing *any* kind of bass instrument, and even now I'm *very* measured and careful about how I use my hands, how much practice time I put in, etc...

RSI can do more than ruin your day. Make sure you do this right. I would say if you love the sound but the instrument is not set up so you can play it easily you may want to continue looking around until you find something that doesn't make your hands hurt.

Sorry I didn't see this when you originally posted it. :(
 
#39
You got to let it take time. I think everyone who switches from BG to DB gets something of a shock during the transition period. Its frustrating, but worth it if you want to play DB and enjoy all that comes with it.

I was a pretty ok BG guy, not a name player, but I had gigs and pro calls from time to time. After about 6 months of lessons and practice (including a ton of arco), I could play the lower positions in tune and won an audition for a pro bluegrass band. Coming up to 2 years and after a bunch of work, I feel like I'm starting to find my sound and can hear myself improving. The things I felt made me a "good" BG player such as good time feel, a good ear, bassline construction, improvisation, and good performance habits have transfered over. I've done about 50 gigs on DB playing mostly bluegrass, blues, and old jazz.

I'm still pretty far away from taking a real book gig, firing off a lead in thumb position, or playing a cello suite arco, but that'll come if I work hard to make it happen. What I've learned is that you need to put in the effort and allow yourself the time it takes. Hang in there! You'll be plucking 'grass before you know it.
 
#40
Day 3 update:

I went home, sat down and had a nice long conversation with my new upright bass. First I apologized to her for being impatient. Then promised I would not do that again, and would take the time to learn to love her in her own way for who she was, instead of trying to get her to be my "Big Bass Guitar"

-Lowered the adjustable bridge some more- strings much more comfortable - still no fingerboard buzz.

-Had a big insight : I can play her gently. No need to thump away ax max volume from the beginning. Made a promise to her I would play her softly, quietly and gently until we get to know each other better.

-Ordered a pickup from Bob G. (all hail). This way I can set the volume to hear myself while I am playing gently.

-This AM finished the Todd Phillips DVD on introduction to DB. Realized that I had been holding the neck like a baseball bat instead of the correct way. - No wonder my hand hurt.......

-Started the Hal Leonard String Essentials 2000 for Bass Book One

-Made a decision to find a live teacher locally

-Promised myself that I did not have to give up BG just because I bought a DB. No reason I can't play both. That in itself was a stunning insight. Why did I think I couldn't play BG anymore just because I bought a DB. The idea of giving up BG made me really sad.....

Feeling MUCH better about my new bass. No longer scared or regretful of the purchase. Beginning to think I might like to learn use the bow.

With the panic gone, I think this is going to be fun after all...... :-)
 

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