Double Bass Upright In New Orleans?

[NeesiesNotDead]

Hi! I’m planning to visit New Orleans in a few months and was wondering if any of yall know good shops with upright basses in that area?
Also wondering if busking around that area is a good idea I’ve seen many videos of it but not sure if it’s smart in this year since the videos are from like 13 years ago. (I may come back to ask about busking advice at a later time as I plan to do it in Tampa aswell)

 

[Don Hergert]

Many towns require a permit for busking. Best to check with the city hall before starting to make sure there won't be problems with legality. Make sure to ask about whether amps or PAs are acceptable.

Regarding safety, speaking as an old dad, I'd never want one of my kids busking alone. Busking with a duet or small band is safer, and might provide better public interest.

Worth noting is that some established street buskers can be very competitive about territory. Best to check out locations with locals.

Best of luck with this!

 

[Lee Moses]

Guide to Street Performance — MaCCNO

maccno.com

 

[AGCurry]

Even if I wanted to busk, I would not do it in a city where I don't live.

 

[Junkballer]

Here’s some advice I received from a long-time busker in New Orleans after asking the same question back in the mid seventies. He and I sat for a few hours chatting about everything. A most interesting gentleman. As we talked he’d insist I jot it things down if he thought it was important. I later cleaned up my scribbles. You won’t find this in a tourist guide:

1. Respect the Street. The Quarter has its own rhythm—don’t come in loud and pushy. Listen first. There are unspoken rules about time, volume, and territory. If someone’s holding down a spot, let them be unless they invite you in.

2. Play like it matters. People can feel it when you're just going through the motions. Even if you’re playing the same tune for the hundredth time, give it life. This town feeds on soul, not perfection.

3. Be ready for anything. Rain, drunks, cops, tourists asking for “When the Saints,” brass bands rolling by and drowning you out. Keep your cool. Adapt, don’t fight it. Sometimes you make more money off one unexpected moment than an hour of playing.

4. Know your gear. Battery amps, strong cases, wheels for your load—don’t leave anything to chance. Protect your tips, too. A clear jar works better than a hat. People like to see what others gave.

5. Take care of yourself. This life can wear you down. Hydrate, rest, and watch your cash. Play sober or at least sharp enough to handle yourself. This city’s beautiful, but she’s wild, and she doesn’t babysit.

6. Learn from the old heads. If an older cat pulls you aside and gives you a word, listen. They’ve survived the streets longer than most folks hold a day job. That’s worth something.

7. Don’t fake New Orleans. Play what’s true to you, even if it’s not trad jazz or funk. But if you do step into that style, study it right. This city honors the roots, and players can tell if you're just dressing up.

8. Count your blessings. You get to make music where music is life. That’s rare. Treat it like the gift it is—even on the slow days.

Busking here isn’t just about tips. It’s a conversation—with the city, the people, the ghosts. If you listen as much as you play, you’ll find your place in it.

 

[NeesiesNotDead]

Many towns require a permit for busking. Best to check with the city hall before starting to make sure there won't be problems with legality. Make sure to ask about whether amps or PAs are acceptable.

Regarding safety, speaking as an old dad, I'd never want one of my kids busking alone. Busking with a duet or small band is safer, and might provide better public interest.

Worth noting is that some established street buskers can be very competitive about territory. Best to check out locations with locals.

Best of luck with this!

Thank you! I’ve made sure about different locations needing permits and I’d be busking with my band.

 

[NeesiesNotDead]

Here’s some advice I received from a long-time busker in New Orleans after asking the same question back in the mid seventies. He and I sat for a few hours chatting about everything. A most interesting gentleman. As we talked he’d insist I jot it things down if he thought it was important. I later cleaned up my scribbles. You won’t find this in a tourist guide:

1. Respect the Street. The Quarter has its own rhythm—don’t come in loud and pushy. Listen first. There are unspoken rules about time, volume, and territory. If someone’s holding down a spot, let them be unless they invite you in.

2. Play like it matters. People can feel it when you're just going through the motions. Even if you’re playing the same tune for the hundredth time, give it life. This town feeds on soul, not perfection.

3. Be ready for anything. Rain, drunks, cops, tourists asking for “When the Saints,” brass bands rolling by and drowning you out. Keep your cool. Adapt, don’t fight it. Sometimes you make more money off one unexpected moment than an hour of playing.

4. Know your gear. Battery amps, strong cases, wheels for your load—don’t leave anything to chance. Protect your tips, too. A clear jar works better than a hat. People like to see what others gave.

5. Take care of yourself. This life can wear you down. Hydrate, rest, and watch your cash. Play sober or at least sharp enough to handle yourself. This city’s beautiful, but she’s wild, and she doesn’t babysit.

6. Learn from the old heads. If an older cat pulls you aside and gives you a word, listen. They’ve survived the streets longer than most folks hold a day job. That’s worth something.

7. Don’t fake New Orleans. Play what’s true to you, even if it’s not trad jazz or funk. But if you do step into that style, study it right. This city honors the roots, and players can tell if you're just dressing up.

8. Count your blessings. You get to make music where music is life. That’s rare. Treat it like the gift it is—even on the slow days.

Busking here isn’t just about tips. It’s a conversation—with the city, the people, the ghosts. If you listen as much as you play, you’ll find your place in it.

Thank you, I am currently looking for resources on New Orleans trad jazz but haven’t found much but I have a few months to study a good bit

 

[eh_train]

... wondering if any of yall know good shops with upright basses in that area?

Hi NND,

The people at Keller Strings were very friendly, and they do sell basses. One of the younger staff members (if he's still there, I visited about 8 years ago) is a bassist. I'm sure they could, at least, give you some advice.

Have fun, it's a great city!

 

[NeesiesNotDead]

Hi NND,

The people at Keller Strings were very friendly, and they do sell basses. One of the younger staff members (if he's still there, I visited about 8 years ago) is a bassist. I'm sure they could, at least, give you some advice.

Have fun, it's a great city!

Thank you!

 

[statsc]

I would approach this with caution, not because it’s necessarily unsafe, but because you’re essentially a tourist busking for fun. There are many locals busking in New Orleans so they can feed their families.

 

[NeesiesNotDead]

I would approach this with caution, not because it’s necessarily unsafe, but because you’re essentially a tourist busking for fun. There are many locals busking in New Orleans so they can feed their families.

Oh that’s a good point I’ll make sure to talk to some buskers there before I don’t wanna take their spot or anything and ill def avoid touristy stuff like big name hotels

I would approach this with caution, not because it’s necessarily unsafe, but because you’re essentially a tourist busking for fun. There are many locals busking in New Orleans so they can feed their families.