Playing dilemma

[lamborghini98]

Im in hs jazz ensemble (small jazz band .. about 5 or 6 ppl), and theyre all really good musicians and love that old time jazz feel, so they want me to play on double bass.
I dont play double bass. My intonation isnt so hot, my fingers def arent there yet, and my technique is far from proper. I want to learn, but we have two shows comnig up, and playing for a single period gives me giant balloons on my fingers. Clearly i cant play a whole show. what do you guys think about playing electric for the time being, while working on double bass? Should i suck it up and wear layers of band aids or betray their utopian unrationalized notions of greatness and play electric?
I sort of have my mind made up, but im curious what most bass players would do in this situation.
Thanks.

 

[BurningSkies]

I'd bring my fretless and try to get close to the sound they want until I could do the real deal.

 

[UrbanAssault415]

i was in your situation about a year ago. Let your band know ya need to get used to the upright, im sure they will understand. Next time u have practice with them use the upright its the only way you can get comfy with it. A just a little worning its goin to hert your wrist but like i said ya just go to keep playin and before you know it you can hop between electric and upright with out a prob. Also ask if you could use markers (im guessing not your upright) if your intonation aint great then just sit down with a piano and tape and find the "frets". Hope this helped.

 

[lamborghini98]

I wish I had a fretless.... no i dont, i dont like the sound so much.


and thanks, thats pretty much what im going to do (minus the fret-finding thing with a tape. i have a piano player who will do just fine : ) )

 

[Superdave]

Personally I would practice until I'd get my stuff straight; get a few lessons with a DB player to get your posture and technique right, then get to it.