Double Bass Outside the box metropolitan practice space ideas

[daveriedstra]

Anyone here have interesting / unusual solutions for db practice spaces in big cities? Bonus points if the solution includes storage.

Backstory: I'm just about to move to a small apartment in Toronto which will not accommodate practicing or storage of my instruments. I've spent some time looking into renting a personal studio space but it would mean doubling (or worse) my rent expense. I'm not currently affiliated with any institution, musical or otherwise, which might have space for me.

 

[BOOG]

1. Cheap land parcel in an industrial area.
2. Excavate/grade/form/pour 6”-8” (whatever’s code) concrete pad.
3. Purchase used overseas shipping container (roll off box) sealed from weather and lined with foam/carpeting/wood slats etc.
4. Alarm/cctv/padlock.
Done. Hell people live in communities made of the things these days.

 

[daveriedstra]

1. Cheap land parcel in an industrial area.
2. Excavate/grade/form/pour 6”-8” (whatever’s code) concrete pad.
3. Purchase used overseas shipping container (roll off box) sealed from weather and lined with foam/carpeting/wood slats etc.
4. Alarm/cctv/padlock.
Done. Hell people live in communities made of the things these days.

I like your thinking, but I think that is still out of my budget.

 

[Tom Lane]

Sign up for a class at a local college? Start teaching at a local commercial music school?

 

[BOOG]

Idea#2: practice only 09:00-21:00 and rig ceiling block/tackle for above horizontal storage

 

[Groove Doctor]

A Retail or Office job where you can lock your bass in a storage cupboard and practise there outside of business hours.

I saw a Yoga class in a Sports Clothing Store last Sunday morning when I was out for a walk.

 

[daveriedstra]

Idea#2: practice only 09:00-21:00 and rig ceiling block/tackle for above horizontal storage

and hang my bass like a guitar, but from the ceiling? I like the image, but I'm not sure my bass does! (also, we're moving above a chiro clinic, so the hours I could practice are hours they'd need quiet... although, maybe I could practice in the clinic after their hours...)

A Retail or Office job where you can lock your bass in a storage cupboard and practise there outside of business hours.

Alas, I already have a pile of freelance web dev work lined up.

Sign up for a class at a local college? Start teaching at a local commercial music school?

I'll look into both these options. Could be a good opportunity to keep taking lessons, too.

 

[fu22ba55]

Something Church-y? Maybe help out their music director in trade for storage and practice space?

Or ask your landlord? If he/she manages many properties, they might have a dry basement somewhere you can use?

 

[emilio g]

Try to meet other musicians as soon as possible and put something together with them. I know lots of guys (often drummers) that go in together on practice spaces so it's not so pricey. Or maybe you could barter some web dev service with someone?

If any of your clients are local, maybe you can ask them too?

 

[Sean Riddle]

Do you have any parks nearby? I’ve done that before with no issues at all.