The slippery slope of the dark side......

I think the Betty Ford Clinic has a program.

But relapse is common.

 

I feel your pain my friend. I started the DB because of my love for Jazz. My teacher insists that I use the bow to get my ear in shape.

I didn't want to use the bow at first . . . now I can't put it down.

How do you stop it?
You don't.
Enjoy your new life

 

And tren the strings.....oh, what about a stool, I'm switching to French bow, maybe I should get a bass viol de gamba as well....

The sickness is incurable. Here is the medical journal explanation for the Bass Bug (courtesy of my teacher Don Munday)

The actual term is erectus bassicus bassitus. Here’s some information from a medical journal.

Erectus bassicus bassitus (eh-rek-toos', base'-eh-kus, base-eye'-tus) An inflammation of the cerebrum which restricts the cerebrolvascular systems flow to the frontal lobes and effects the thought process and motor functions.
Occurs from intimate contact with fine aged wood, horsehair, and compound rosin substances. The patient exhibits uncontrollable urges to acquire string basses, which only provides temporary relief since the patient will be in contact with the bass(es) for even longer periods of time. This prolifically contributes the spread of the erectus bassicus bassitus throughout the cerebrum causing a drastic augmentation of the urge to acquire string basses inadfinitum. There is no cure.

Contraindications: Increased pulse rate and perspiration when in contact with or engaged in conversation about stringed basses. Speech is occasionally slurred and combined with incoherent appreciative grunting.
Patient becomes possessive and will utter phrases such as “Nice bass”, “I need this bass”, “I want this bass”, “If I had a gun it would be my bass”.

American Academy of Musical Medicine Journal November 1952.

 

That bug has gotten several of us in the past year, Jon. I got mine in March and have to force myself to pick up the electric....er...the "slab"....

 

I'll give it away... you realize that you really don't want to use an amp at all, that an amp and pick-up spoil the natural acoustic sound you work so hard on for hours everyday, and you become 10x's more obsessed about your technique than you do about buying new DB stuff. Once the disease progresses to this stage recovery is not possible and the patient is usually written-off as totally hopeless.

 

Very cool, Pacman!

These stories ... gosh ... I'm all teary!

After hearing these stories, I almost wish that I was a late convert to the DB. I started on DB in the 6th grade, and I took it for granted for a long time. Although I love playing EB, I know where home is.

You mentioned playing with a wind band - that is fun stuff! I got to play in the Wind Symphony at UNT for 2.5 years and it was without a doubt the most rewarding musical experience I've had! I love the standard symphonic repitoire, but wind music can be more adventureous, IMHO. If you like that stuff, check out Schwantner, Holst (duh), Kraft, Mailman, Corigliano, etc. etc. If your really interested, then check out Klavier Records' Klavier Wind Project CD's. Shameless plug, but they're great records and I'm really proud of them.

 

don't tell her. It will only hurt until you pass out from the pain. When you wake up from the pain induced coma, you will hace a 15k instrument to have fun with. It will be worth it.

 

Pacman - time to change your avatar.