Double Bass NBD-First Double Bass

[Anachronism]

I bought the bass I was asking about last weekend, and have been playing it for the last week. It's an old German ply that the seller thought was from the 50s. It came with a bag and a bow, and seems to have a decent setup and newish strings, as he had claimed. Fingerstyle (or pizzicato as I think I'm supposed to call it here) hasn't been too hard to practice, though I am no doubt missing many nuances, from precise intonation to plucking technique. Arco has been harder to pick up. An initial internet search for teachers around here was not very promising, but word of mouth might have better results--I know there are double bass players around here.
Anyway, I'm enjoying myself so far.

 

[saabfender]

Right on. Looks awesome. Rosin up your bow and play your fiddle hard.

 

[fdeck]

Congrats! Welcome to the addiction.

 

[Jay Corwin]

Welcome to the dark side.

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Congratulations! I don't know how up to date it is, but Gollihur has a teacher directory here. It lists at least a couple in MO.

 

[Matt Ides]

Congrats and looks like you got a good starter bass.

 

[MrLenny1]

Get ready for some work, especially the bow.
Have fun.

 

[Don Hergert]

As a yearling on the DB, I'd emphasize the fun element for now, but also, find a teacher either in person, or if that isn't possible where you live, try online. There are plenty of online sources to research yourself, but a teacher for at least a few lessons can help you build your playing foundation.

As someone who has spent the last year in pretty intense DB concentration, I can tell you it's been one of the most fun projects I've ever had. I'm looking forward to many more years continuing to build and polish my technique. I hope you experience the same!

 

[Anachronism]

Thanks for the well-wishes. I've found that rosin really matters, especially in the winter. Getting some Pops has helped get bow work started after some struggles with TI rosin (probably excellent stuff, but not the best for a beginner in January).