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Double Bass When to consider upright?

Thanks for the advice, folks. Most helpful. I guess I was looking less to be convinced NOT to buy, but if now is the time while the voices are speaking. I find that the voices in my head are often correct. Well, except that one time about NCSA Mosaic being a waste of computer storage and HTML being useless. *grumblegrumblegrumble*

This will probably be my last chance to save up so much of my side money. The oldest child begins school next year, which means the end of my own personal play savings. :) Now, if I can start gigging and make some cash on the side that way, that would certainly be nice.

With the bluegrass group I play for fiddle in, I occasionally sneak over to the doghouse bass and pluck out a few songs. My main problem now is the lack of frets and no ability to practice on it since I don't have one at home. And now I am forming a klezmer group, the calling of the upright has become stronger.

Regarding the hat, thank you for the compliments. I have had to order some spares due to my 4-yr old getting hold of the one pictured. Daddy was not a happy bass player.
 
I'm trying to go the OTHER way (from bass to fiddle--MUCH easier to carry--though I'll never quit playing bass). Don't worry about lack of frets, you'll certainly manage w/o too much of a struggle.

Just don't buy a piece of junk. Can you rent or borrow one in the meantime?

And it's quite true that no one here was going to talk you out of venturing into the world of the double bass. But once you start tossing out specific names or info on basses you might buy...the whole tone of these threads can sometimes morph into something bizarre (with mostly helpful advice, but some bits of craziness to make things interesting).
 
I might be able to rent one, and even get lessons, at Mehas Music (in Hamilton, if you happen to be a southwestern Ohio resident). I am going to give their store a visit tonight after work.
 
... I am unable to escape a little voice in my head that continues to say "upright"... I am supposed to get an upright next...
I love the sound of the upright... Can you guys help talk me through this?
I suppose I could make enough room for one. I will know what my budget is by October...
I have begun trawling CL listings in the area... I am going to make this leap, I cannot do it until November at the earliest. I suppose I could arrange some pilgrimages to music stores that have uprights out for touching.
...now is the time while the voices are speaking. I find that the voices in my head are often correct. ...This will probably be my last chance to save up so much of my side money... I occasionally sneak over to the doghouse bass and pluck out a few songs. My main problem now is ... no ability to practice on it since I don't have one at home. And now I am forming a klezmer group, the calling of the upright has become stronger...
I might be able to rent one... I am going to give their store a visit tonight after work.

*tsk tsk tsk* The voices in your head are calling, and so the Greek Chorus here responds to tell you the decision has already been made. Indeed it has. Re-read your posts as above. :rollno:

You will not find space, but rather you MAKE space. Lay-Z-boy or refrigerator, your call, but one has to go. :(

New musical worlds do open upon taking up the doublebass, in fact you're already forcing open those doors with your Klezmer outfit. :hmm:

Sneaking off to music stores to fondle the bass materials of your desire. Counting money, months... *sigh*

Yes, all the symptoms are there. Incurable really. :atoz:

You are DOOMED sir, to the dark side of TB, and you shall join the Chorus here and add your voice to the soundings of the deep. Answer the voices' call... :eyebrow:

... must be that cool Hat.
 
I'd go ahead and drink the Kool-Ade and get a 3/4 size ply to start. You'll love it-I promise! <said with a glazed Cult Member smiling expression>;)
Just try to find a decent bass shop or luthier near where you live who can set the bass up so that it's easy to play. A little $$ for lessons is a great investment, too.
 
Oh man, what a bunch of sick evil enablers you are! I was in the same place as you about 8 or 9 years ago. I got an upright and loved it, but I didn't really have room for it, and didn't realize how the dryness in my apartment would affect it. I got a dampit for it, but it didn't solve the problem. The upright kept drying out and the back kept coming off. Now I can't sell it, can't really afford to keep fixing it, so I'm thinking about burning it. I never got nearly as good on it as I am on electric, and I wasted money on the bass, pickups, little amps, gig bags, etc.

Another side note: If you do go ahead and make the same mistake I did, at least get lessons on it before you do any damage to your left hand. It took me a couple years to correct a bad habit I developed when I first started playing it. Learn the right position to hold it in, and practice it every day, or it will be a waste.
 
I see your from the Hamilton area. You really should take a look at the Cincinnati Bass Cellar, and Nick Loyds web sites. I just picked up my first URB and took it to the Bass Cellar. Those guys are awesome. I haven't delt with Nick Loyd, but I've heard nothing but good about him. His web site is nice too. Alot of info there.

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I forgot Nicks web site, but just google his name and you'll find it.

Good luck in your search. And yes, you should get an upright.:D
 
Went to Mehas. They don't give lessons AND they don't have any in stock. They do carry electric uprights.

Time for form plan B.

*shock* Good God! Look at those prices at the Bass Cellar! $38,000?! *faint*
 
What, you didn't want the $47,000 Prescott. Just kiddin, but give either one of these shops a call, and talk to them about what you want, and what you looking to spend. They are more than willing to help you out. Believe me, you don't want just any URB that you can get. These guys know which ones are good and which ones are bad. The thing is, these guys are more lutiers than music stores. Yes, they sell basses, but they fix, restore, improve, or whatever else you can do to a bass. They have seen it all, and can help you make an informed decision with what you have to spend. Those Shen basses they sell are pretty nice for the price. Either of those shops set them up and put your choice of strings on the bass. Set up alone can go passed a thousand dollars if you get a bass that needs alot of work. Ask anyone on this forum and they will tell you, a bass doesn't have look bad to be bad.
Hope this helps. Let us know what your lookin at, theres a bunch of help on this site also.