Electric player using 1/2 size bass.

[Richard Prowse]

Originally Posted by Ken Smith

Well, Simandl is like serious Boot Camp. The other Book I mentioned 'My First Simandl' is more like Sneaker Camp..

Still, it's a serious matter learning the Bass...

Well Ken, on that we are in total agreement.

Off the topic:I've just started working up my walking speed for a possible gypsy jazz gig. I've taken it up to crotchet = 288, so a wee way to go yet. Those gypsies like the fast times so I thought I'd better get prepared.

[Chris Rapadas]

Now, I know what all the hub bub is about!The DB is an untamed beast!I have My 1/2 size Lidl and after an intense setup that included screws(I'll save that for a new thread in the Luthier forum with, big gnarly full size pics,elitist,..run!)I am hooked!

For now I can only play pizz,the only bow I have is for violin. It took awhile to carve My bridge to a playable setup and, I learned alot about the machine that is a DB.I mean,such small adjustments have,such a huge impact on tone and volume.Anyway,I can pretty much play anything I can play on electric on this thing(a bit slower on some stuff)and,can already play some stuff like,Big in Japan(T. Waits),Walk on the wild side,ya know fun easy stuff.

Now,I'm not assuming for one minute that any of this is proper,I notice I keep wanting to grip the neck like a hammer.I never even do that on EB My thumb is always anchored to the back of the neck.Also,I can see how a bigger bass would suit Me as,i feel I hunch over to find a comfy position.

For now,I'm in I love this instrument and,cant wait to find a teacher.I am also going to sell off a couple of EB to fund a new 3/4 size bass.I hope to have a budget of around $2,000 so,any recommendations in that department would be great!

Feel free to school this newbie,thats why I'm here!Thanks in advance!.......Chris

[Richard Prowse]

What's the latest on that double bass playing Chris?
Any luck getting a bow?

[Chris Rapadas]

Richard,The DB is coming along great!Thanks for asking!I'm still messing around with the setup but,the playing is going great.I have not been able to get a good bow yet but,I am practicing w/my violin bow.Soon,I will be getting a decent bow and,the books that you guys recommended(My first Simandl.).

I am really looking forward to this learning experience.I really want to get into the arco stuff as,it seems I really am drawn to the notes when bowed like,that is the sound of a Bass that,is the sound I've always heard in My head.

I'm still looking for a teacher though.I will keep you guys posted and,I will be putting some pictures together for,a thread documenting the whole crazy fiasco of getting this bass to play(I'm sure it will be very entertaining).Till then,FEEL FREE TO LET ME KNOW ALL THE BAD HABITS YOU KNOW I'M PICKING UP FROM NOT HAVING A TEACHER!!Oh yeah,I'm looking for 3/4 so,any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!!

[Richard Prowse]

Good on you Chris. I don't know about that violin bow though. Pity you're not near as I'd lend you a student bow. The best thing you can do is check out other arco players (youtube is good for this). Check their posture.
It's exciting that you're doing this.
Keep us posted.
Richard

[Chris Rapadas]

Originally Posted by Richard Prowse

Good on you Chris. I don't know about that violin bow though. Pity you're not near as I'd lend you a student bow. The best thing you can do is check out other arco players (youtube is good for this). Check their posture.
It's exciting that you're doing this.
Keep us posted.
Richard

O.k.,I'm looking for a bow.I have a few questions for y'all.First,German or French?Also,since I will be bowing a 1/2 size bass should I buy a 1/2 size bow?My thinking is I should buy a 3/4,4/4 bow since I will soon be making the transition to 3/4.

Richard,I wish I lived near as well.You are very kind.Someday I hope to show My kids that part of the world(soon I hope!They are almost grown!).Anyway any help in this department would be great.

BTW I am considering this:

[Richard Prowse]

German or French? There is really no answer to this question.
Fans of both bows will give you good arguments.
The French is probably better for string crossing and German probably gives you a bigger tone. I've used both and really would be happy to use either. I changed to German about 3 - 4 years ago because of a hand injury. I have put a lot of work into this bow and love it. I personally prefer the tone I get with this bow, which I hear as 'darker'. I am now a definite German fan and wouldn't want to go back... I used a French in a shop a few weeks back and it felt a little unfamiliar, but I'd soon adjust again, except for the old injury. I love Edgar Meyer's playing with the French.
I think that you should definitely get a full size bow, as you will be getting a bigger bass. I drive an old car, but I still put new tyres on it! (What a silly comparison!)
The bow in the picture looks fine to me, but I am definitely no expert... I hope Ken takes a look for you.
I hope you make it to NZ some time soon. An afternoon or six of bass playing would have to be on the agenda.