Double bass query

Dear Molee,

I will write you a sensble reply around midnight. It is not so easy, but can send you some suggestions ...

Must fly now ...

ATB from George

quote:

Originally posted by molee:
... and has effectively taken ownership of my ancient Aria bass guitar... To restore a bit of balance we would like him to have a go at the double bass and have hit a brick wall with regard to tutors who have a second instrument so that he doesn't have to cart a 'basscase' on the bus around town. Has anyone any tips with regard to suitable makes of starter instruments/ things to look out for in the secondhand market. Any assistance greatly appreciated or else the doom metal will finish us off altogether. M

Dear Molee,

I played the bass for about fifteen years before an ailment in my left hand ruined my technique. I had a reasonable period playing freelance and teaching the instrument. I think the bass is somewhat underestimated generally in its significance in music.

But it is not easy. The left hand is required to be very strong, pressing heavy strings down firmly without the aid of frets, and altogether it is much harder to play than the cello for example, because, at least in the orchestra, the bassist is required to play everything the cellist does, but with a much bigger spacing between the notes and a different tuning and fingering patern. No bass guitarist will fall into dificulty with finding the notes, but the actual fingering is using three of the four fingers of the left hand because it is impossible to cover the semi-tones any other way. The tuning is the same as the bass guitar, in fourths starting from the bass "E" on four stringers. [Or usually with a "B" or somewtimes a "C" for the fifth string, but don't start on a five stringer! It has problems unique to itself!].

So really he needs to be quite motivated, as the breaking in period is not easy. If he learns the bass he probably needs to also learn bowing, as that is the only way to achieve a technique of playing well in tune. Hours of fairly painful practice is required, which without a certain gritty motivation will not so easily be managed.

However if there is an interest that is gutsy, then the next issue is equipment. Student basses are not cheap, even for relatively base level instruments. I recomend starting with a thre-quarter size, because cheap full sized instuments tend to be less playable in the sense they sound rough and and are awkward to bring to a gig or concert.

You may find that your county education department actually has a bass, and that may be a starting point. Most of all you need to find a teacher. The double bass is definately not a "teach yourself" type of instrument.

Essentially you should seek advice from the proposed teacher on the subject of obtaining a bass and bow, but here are a few pointers.

Three quarter size, possibly second hand. Meinel used to make good student basses - made in the old East Germany that were fairly robust and having acceptably good sound. Footes in Golden Square in London are [or used to be!] a very good double bass dealer. Turners Of Nottingham, are high class dealers, who should also be able to meet the needs of a beginer. I don't think Hamilton Casswell in Bristol is still going, at least for double basses.

For a bow, do not get a brazil wood, or worse, anything else - you must get a pernambuco wood bow. There are two styles of bow, and again consult you proposed teacher. In this country I doubt you will find a teacher using the German [underhanded] technique, as conventionally in the English speaking world we use the French "over-handed" style, similar to a violinst or cellist. For the underhanded style look at a picture of the basses in the VPO or BPO ...

The best reasonably inexpensive French style bows are actually made in Germany! This is the minum quality necessary in my view at the start. I would suggest looking at Seifert, or if you have more money Conrad Gotz, though other makes may have become prominent at the budget end in the last twenty years. Another consideration is a carbon fibre bow, but these were more expensive than the low end when I bought mine, and a Master Bow will invariably be made in pernambuco, and cost as much as a reasoable familly saloon car these days. You will be surprised how much a Morizot, or PW Briant will go for. My favourites were by an Englishman called Paul Voigt! The bow, string, and set-up are certainly more important than the instrument, but most especially at the beginer stage.

If you want any further help, email me. Address in profile. I will attempt to prevent you making any early and expensive mistakes buying the wrong things, though essentially you do need to cosult the teacher, as he or she has to face the difficulties that can arrise if the wrong things are bought.

Hope this is of some help, and not off putting, George

PS: If buy a new set of strings, simply get Pirastro "Original." These steel strings have been the professional's choice in the orchestra for forty years and are not much dearer than other usable strings, and last for ages. Avoid Dominant, perlon, strings as they can break all too easily. Gut strings are probably a very persoanl choice, involving real issues with staying in tune. I used them, because of their superlative sonority, but you never finish tuning them. Tune as you go! No, stick to steel to start with. They are usable, stay in tune and if they get overtuned, tend not to break.

G

Thanks for the detailed reply-the one tutor I have communicated with here echoes your emphasis on the choice and quality of instrument-right down to his personal preference for a high action on his (only) instrument which would create difficulties for a beginner. There is certainly a great deal to consider here. BTW Thanks Munch for the suggestion-my parsimonious nature, though, would not stretch far beyond a wheelbarrow.

Molee
My son took up the double bass at the age of 9, so I have been through what you are facing. In addition to the advice you have already received there is also (or at least there was, and I assume it is still going) something called the Bass Club run by a lady called Caroline Emery. She is a total double bass nut and among other things teaches at the Royal College of Music. The Bass Club holds events during the holidays for young players and does a lot to foster their enthusiasm for the instrument. I'll see if I can dig out a URL if they have a website.

The good thing about it (there are several of course!) was that it introduced me to a whole repetoire of music that would otherwise have passed me by, and which I still enjoy today even though my boy is now 25 and really doesn't play any more.

Molee

Try this :-

www.bassclub.org.uk

What about an electric upright bass? They seem much more portable?

A gallery of makes and sound samples is here:
http://ebass.nl/site/index.php

I have an Allegro from BSX Basses.
You can see them here.
Dino Fiumara, the owner, makes a great electric upright. The best I've played, period.
It is not the "same thing" as a full-bodied acoustic but one hell of a lot easier to haul around and the amplified sound is amazingly good, free of feedback and other pickup/microphone problems you'd have with a retro-fit.
If you are looking for a full-blooded, full-bodied acoustic bass for classical bass playing then this may not be the ticket.
But fitted up with orchestra strings (as George recommends) then you can bow it just like a "real" one.
Mine is fitted with Spirocore strings that are well-suited for the acoustic jazz sets I play with it but those strings do not bow particularly well. (I also need to get a much better bow than I currently have.)
Such an instrument might push him to playing jazz which will greatly expand his musical horizons. As will a deep study of classical music. Both would be best.
But at 13, some headbanging is clearly in order... Hope he continues to explore with the most amazing and fun instrument in any style.
David