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Double Bass Transporting Upright without vehicle

#2
7train.jpg
 
#4
I'll bite on this one as I have a similar problem. I live in a city and don't need to drive.

I took my db down to the studio to record in the hardcase with wheels on the base. It was a giant pain in the butt, it killed me BUT it was only a 5 minute walk. On the way back I put the whole thing on my back which worked and was easier, but I expected a swarm of children to follow behind me wondering where the circus was! The hardcase must weigh 5-6 times what the db does.

I'm starting to busk this xmas season with two old friends, guitar and violin. It will be around the city so I don't have to move it far. I'm looking for a soft case for that. Something designed to go on my back. I've seen cases that are designed to be as small as possible with the endpin sticking out of a hole in the bottom and the straps holding the instrument pretty high and stable.

Anyone have any recommendations? I've seen great looking ones come up here and there on ebay for fairly cheap. I'm into ordering from the states or somewhere eastern basically because the same case that costs $250 in the states works out almost $500 plus shipping here in the UK for some insane reason. Something with the features I describe, fairly light, strong straps designed to be carried on the back, for 3/4 size and around £100 ($200) would be ideal.

On a lighter note while in Poland one group busking on the street had a lady in her late 60's playing the double bass, when they were finished the accordian player hung it from his neck via a leather strap from endpin to a bolt on the back of the neck then picked up a chair, his accordian in a hardcase and another box with props in, he was about 4-5 feet tall and looked to be in his 70's!
 
#6
I lived in Toronto for a while and gigged around a lot. Most of the venues were within walking distance of a subway.

The bus was the next choice. I'd try to time it so it wouldn't be during a busy period.

Third is take a taxi. Put the front seat back and down as far as it will go. Put the bass in neck first and swivel it around until the bass is sitting comfortably in the passenger seat.

Oh yeah, a bass wheel is a great invention. I wish I knew they exsisted back then. I have one now and don't like to travell 200 feet without it. Remember to never take your hand off the endpin until it is stored in the basscase pocket!!
 
#7
I use a gig bag with backpack straps and I can recommend that. There will always be some walking. Adjust the straps so the lower end of the bass is level with or above your knees. Slip it off your back and carry it alongside or in front of you when indoors. Try to find a bag with a good set of carrying handles in addition to the straps.

Check out Quinn Violins, Invalid Link Removed and Invalid Link Removed for some options.

I have also used various rope-around-the-endpin solutions. It works, but as it usually puts most of the weight on one shoulder, I would only recommend that for shorter distances.

Then there are different endpin wheels, trolleys and such, but I haven't tried that.
 
#9
I'm in Chicago-i take the trains and busses. However, i also have a Gaines Bass wheel that has saved my back on numerous occasions. I bought mine from Bob G-one of the best bass related purchases i have ever made.

take it easy.
 
#10
bejoyous said:
I lived in Toronto for a while and gigged around a lot. Most of the venues were within walking distance of a subway.

The bus was the next choice. I'd try to time it so it wouldn't be during a busy period.

Third is take a taxi. Put the front seat back and down as far as it will go. Put the bass in neck first and swivel it around until the bass is sitting comfortably in the passenger seat.

Oh yeah, a bass wheel is a great invention. I wish I knew they exsisted back then. I have one now and don't like to travell 200 feet without it. Remember to never take your hand off the endpin until it is stored in the basscase pocket!!
Click to expand...
Are the Toronto taxi drivers generally cool with this? I'll be living outside of res next year so it'd be good information to have.
 
#11
dperrott said:
Loebass,
I can be a challenge when you have an amp to carry. Non amp situations its fine to take the train.
Click to expand...

Amp AND bass in NYC subways can be done, if you have a good cart for the amp and a good wheel for the bass. You sure wanna hope there's an elevator in your station of destination, which unfortunately is not the case sometimes. But it surely beats paying $600+/month to maintain a car in the city.
 
#12
I've always shyed away from bass wheels because I have heard they are hard on the bass. I have nothing to back this up other than word of mouth. Can someone speak to this?


I usually drive but I have taken the CTA (public trans) a few times. I have a GK-MB150 with the shoulder bag. It has worked like charm on the 'L' (subway). I have had some bus drivers get a little short with me though.
 
#13
fingers said:
I've always shyed away from bass wheels because I have heard they are hard on the bass. I have nothing to back this up other than word of mouth. Can someone speak to this?
Click to expand...

I can't imagine not having a wheel, are you like, kidding me? But then again, you guys all drive, so, no big deal. But honestly, by now I would have developed a major back problem if I hadn't owned a wheel for the past 10 years or so. Wheels hard on basses? Not in my experience...

-MP
 
#14
Aaron Saunders said:
Are the Toronto taxi drivers generally cool with this? I'll be living outside of res next year so it'd be good information to have.
Click to expand...

I always call for a van when I need a cab. In my experience from Toronto and Vancouver, it's pretty much impossible to flag down a cab when you're standing on the sidewalk with a bass. Bejoyous might be more charismatic than me though.

I did a lot of bus + subway transport on the TTC (with a bass wheel) when I was in TO, in fact I never owned a car until I moved to the West Coast. If you avoid rush hour it's usually OK.
 
#15
fingers said:
I've always shyed away from bass wheels because I have heard they are hard on the bass. I have nothing to back this up other than word of mouth. Can someone speak to this?


I usually drive but I have taken the CTA (public trans) a few times. I have a GK-MB150 with the shoulder bag. It has worked like charm on the 'L' (subway). I have had some bus drivers get a little short with me though.
Click to expand...

The only time i don't like having my DB on the L is rush hour. Ideally-i go towards the back of the train where there's that little cubbie-if no one is back there i stand with my bass in the cubbie and it's no problem.

As far as the wheel being hard on the bass-the only thing i could see is the collar of the end pin thingy getting a bit messed up from the addition bumps & travels. Other than that-as long as you have a quality wheel i don't think there'd be any issues. Above that since Bob G and so many bass places sell them-i'd be inclined to think that they can't be that hard on the basses.
 
#17
If the agency or the venue pays for it , I take a cab.
Otherwise , train and bus is no problem. Works great , and normally people understand that the instrument is fragile.
 
#18
fingers said:
I've always shyed away from bass wheels because I have heard they are hard on the bass. I have nothing to back this up other than word of mouth. Can someone speak to this?


I usually drive but I have taken the CTA (public trans) a few times. I have a GK-MB150 with the shoulder bag. It has worked like charm on the 'L' (subway). I have had some bus drivers get a little short with me though.
Click to expand...

Marc, I haven't had any problems with my bass wheel (Gaines). Ever played at the Drake Hotel? The dock is a mile away from the rooms where you play. I can't imagine making that haul without the wheel on my bass. It's had no adverse affects on either the bass or my body after having had it for a couple of years. The wheel gets a big thumbs up from me!!
 
#20
My friend travels all summer long to different festivals, and she carries hers on a custom made golf club roller. It's awesome, not hard on the bass at all, sturdy, and was not expensive to make.

She is married to Dave Nichols, a luthier, and he is the one who made the cart for her. You can contact them at Invalid Link Removed ...and I bet they would post a picture of it or something if you asked. They take pictures all the time and put them on their website when various folks visit their shop. Dave does a lot of custom inlay work for Martin guitars~ they build instruments...they are cool people.

Kim
 

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