TalkCello - Bass Players here learning the Cello

[Federighi]

Pretty! What does the back look like?

Here's one with everyone on a time out. Ha!

ps- I figure I'll get some questions, the DB makers' label claims Klotz 1759 but the consensus is that this is most likely untrue. General thought amongst the group is that it is German and around 200 yo but not a Klotz. I acquired the bass from the SF Sym assist principle via professional acquaintances, etc. It's definitely old and has many stories to tell. Bass fits me very well and I've been very happy with it. And the guitar is a Suzuki guitar from the 70's in a 'baroque' style with cedar top and maple body. I've strung with gut treble and silk/wound silver bass strings at historical pitch. Used for Bach lute and Renaissance tunes. Good fun.

 

[Anne Millington]

Should we grow this as a Megathread here or should I create a Facebook group for this?

I guess a poll? And include the requisite root crop.

 

[SBassman]

Owner Of A Lonely Heart Riff to be played across all adjacent strings.
Another One Bites The Dust Riff to be played on all strings.

Both are, for me, more fun ways of getting comfortable in first position.
Beginner exercises, for this beginner.

 

[Anne Millington]

This post is on the BG side. Maybe post on DB as well?

 

[CaseyVancouver]

Love the cello!
Sometimes I’ll play bass orchestral rep on it, when I feel a need for time off upright bass.

I bought mine from Yita music on EBay, an Asian workshop Liu Xi. Did not pay too much and it is way better than the Yamaha, and others more expensive, I rented. I also have bought violins and a viola from the same folks. All have been a great experience.

Viola is tuned same as cello, for me both easy to pickup.

 

[SBassman]

This post is on the BG side. Maybe post on DB as well?

I think my point is - to find like minded people who know some electric bass - who discover the cello.
Frankly, I think the DB crew will provide the same snobby-ness as the traditional cello crew.

Looking to facilitate progressive, modern learning dialog - for the rest of us.

 

[Geogio]

Suzuki method... put the girls through but when they weren't around I went through the course material. I picked up a full size in a trade 15 years ago. There are times when I'm more engaged then at present. But I get on it a bit more than just occasionally.

 

[Geogio]

"Frankly, I think the DB crew will provide the same snobby-ness as the traditional cello crew"

You noticed that too huh...

 

[SBassman]

"Frankly, I think the DB crew will provide the same snobby-ness as the traditional cello crew"

You noticed that too huh...

A very long time ago. Long before the word cello entered into my mind.

 

[bassicmike]

Aside from finding an accomplished teacher, the first things I'd suggest are a metronome, pitch drone and possibly an orchestral tuner for intonation studies. I still do long tone exercises to this day. My #1 advice is to LISTEN carefully to what you hear. Recording yourself will expose everything.

I've been using phone apps for all of these.

metronome is excellent as I have a tendency to want to speed up and get through the exercise.

my teacher got me into practices with a pitch drone (I also have begun playing along with some drone based music) definitely helps

i'm using a tuning app - what is an orchestral tuner? (i've also used my clip-on Snark tuner)

 

[SBassman]

Excellent.

So I have to something to offer on this.

When I jumped in the water, I somehow thought the phone apps would be the best bet for tuning.
Two apps I tried were all over the place. I needed the stability of what I saw with bass tuning.
I found that DAddario has a clip on specifically for cello. Purchased it, and it was an instant game changer.

Not only do I use it for tuning, I sometimes keep it on while I am practicing for an intonation check.

 

[KeepItMoving]

This is great. I'm so happy a few people found this thread.

Should we grow this as a Megathread here or should I create a Facebook group for this?

Wherever we stay, I Do think the vibe will be much more to some of our liking.
Looking to facilitate friendly, non-super-conservative dialog about learning the cello in adulthood.

So, just my opinion, but I'd much prefer to see this conversation stay on TalkBass — as a conscientious objector to FB I wouldn't be able to join things there. And have to say that so far, the vibe is outstanding!

 

[SBassman]

So, just my opinion, but I'd much prefer to see this conversation stay on TalkBass — as a conscientious objector to FB I wouldn't be able to join things there. And have to say that so far, the vibe is outstanding!

I'm inclined to agree. Thank you.

Hopefully when the founder and admins see this, they will give it a blessing.

 

[bassicmike]

Excellent.

So I have to something to offer on this.

When I jumped in the water, I somehow thought the phone apps would be the best bet for tuning.
Two apps I tried were all over the place. I needed the stability of what I saw with bass tuning.
I found that DAddario has a clip on specifically for cello. Purchased it, and it was an instant game changer.

Not only do I use it for tuning, I sometimes keep it on while I am practicing for an intonation check.

Ordered! Thanks!

 

[SBassman]

Ordered! Thanks!

You'll thank me later.

 

[KeepItMoving]

We have a ton of 2-cello arrangements that we play commercially, and are happy to share.

That's a very generous offer, and whenever it's convenient for you I'd be interested in seeing some! While I've not (yet) delved into the 'cello, I've done several projects where I've picked up 'cello parts on the bass guitar — first playing duets with a cellist neighbor, and more recently in small chamber groups. So anything that can expand my knowledge and perspective is most welcome, especially as I make the transition to a fretless bass.

 

[Federighi]

My cello. No, I didn't have 5K, or 2K, or 1K for it. I found a modest priced Used cello from a shop about 80 miles from me. Was worth the drive. It's a Juzek. Not sure of the precise model.

Juzek has produced many many fine instruments over they years! Sounds like you found a gem!

I've been using phone apps for all of these.

metronome is excellent as I have a tendency to want to speed up and get through the exercise.

my teacher got me into practices with a pitch drone (I also have begun playing along with some drone based music) definitely helps

i'm using a tuning app - what is an orchestral tuner? (i've also used my clip-on Snark tuner)

The orchestral tuner has many features such as vibrating pitch calibration, drone, intonation meter, etc. I primarily use it for the intonation meter along with a separate metronome click and drone sounding. Having a separate drone set to the 5th of scale/mode helps your inner ear develop a sense of tonal center (if applicable). Really take the time to make each interval as consonant or dissonant as possible, this will also help develop what I call one's personal 'musical expectations' towards what is happening in a given moment. The orchestral tuner also provides a great aural and visual reference and can be used to exercise difference between what we think we hear vs the actual pitch produced. Which is not always relative.

Ear training is something that should not be underestimated nor its' importance overstated and IME, is largely something which doesn't get nearly enough attention on at any stage of musical development. Way back when I went through basic musicianship in college, I observed that this skill ranged so widely from musician to musician that there was no practical method for standardization other that the most basic of aural recognition, dictation, recall exercises, etc. Always make sure you fully engaged what you believe you hear and to use a piano (or fixed pitch instrument, fretted bass) to verify your own playing / intonation. When you truly begin to listen in a dynamic way, a whole new musical world will begin to open up for you.

 

[groooooove]

i'm seeing suzuki pop up a lot so i'd like to just share a little thought. the majority of my graduate studies were focused on suzuki's style of teaching.

i think separating "suzuki" the pedagogy/schools/teaching style, from the books, is quite important.

suzuki style teaching is designed for, and works best with, young children. (his words) the goal is to teach music the way we teach language. in encourages daily listening from birth up until the student is able to play vivaldi's A minor concerto first movement (it's for violin originally, but has been transcribed for just about anything.) typically this piece can be played by a strong 6th grader (more commonly 7/8th grade.)

his books, on the other hand, are some of the absolute best student repertoire out there.

my experience teaching children and adults i find the easier books to just be more effective. as i said before, essential elements is a great book. it's certainly not perfect, but it's quite good. the sequence of new information is highly effective.

that being said, after a few weeks of that, you'll want more than twinkle twinkle little star. this is where i would use suzuki's books - to give longer, more 'fun' solos to play.

there are so, so many good books out there (just as many bad ones, though.) E.E. plus suzuki for supplemental solos, as well as "solo time for strings book 1," is the foundation most successful violin, viola, and cello students get at school.

 

[SBassman]

i'm seeing suzuki pop up a lot so i'd like to just share a little thought. the majority of my graduate studies were focused on suzuki's style of teaching.

i think separating "suzuki" the pedagogy/schools/teaching style, from the books, is quite important.

suzuki style teaching is designed for, and works best with, young children. (his words) the goal is to teach music the way we teach language. in encourages daily listening from birth up until the student is able to play vivaldi's A minor concerto first movement (it's for violin originally, but has been transcribed for just about anything.) typically this piece can be played by a strong 6th grader (more commonly 7/8th grade.)

his books, on the other hand, are some of the absolute best student repertoire out there.

my experience teaching children and adults i find the easier books to just be more effective. as i said before, essential elements is a great book. it's certainly not perfect, but it's quite good. the sequence of new information is highly effective.

that being said, after a few weeks of that, you'll want more than twinkle twinkle little star. this is where i would use suzuki's books - to give longer, more 'fun' solos to play.

there are so, so many good books out there (just as many bad ones, though.) E.E. plus suzuki for supplemental solos, as well as "solo time for strings book 1," is the foundation most successful violin, viola, and cello students get at school.

I think there is a ton of opportunity for materials in this space.

The Suzuki method might be awesome. But, from the little I know, the embedded material is less than engaging for today's adults.

I Do think there is a market for modern materials that don't treat tab like a disease - and design exercises based on modern melodies. Twinkle doesn't apply. Thus, my Another One Bites The Dust and Owner Of A Lonely Heart melodies for learning first position.

No doubt - this is a snobby space. I hope to contribute to pushing some of it to the curb.

 

[RandomKaren]

I took up cello as an adult learner and did classic grades up to and including ABRSM grade 5. The jump to grade 6 has proved to be a huge leap though so I've kind of stalled. Maybe one day will pick up the reins again.