macclad

Maybe your fingerboard needs a "shoot" from your luthier,only a guess though

[quote name='NDH' post='1038036' date='Nov 26 2010, 05:39 PM']Hi Mike, thanks for posting this - makes me feel better about my struggle to make a good sound with the DB. I play electric bass in a functions band and EUB in a 4 piece [standards, 50's R&B]. I'm on my 5th classical DB lesson using a hired instrument. This bass has huge action which I am now getting used to, but I am looking forward to getting my own instrument and having the set up seen to. My teacher is very good and will gently remind me about arm poisition, thumb poisition, finger position and my drooping bow, and be very positive if I actually play a phrase correctly. I have found myself struggling over scales that I have been able to play for years. I've been encouraged however, to find that focussed practice really does work and things are geting a bit more conforatble. Arm ache [lieft elbow mostly] tired hands, a bit of back ache all now OK. I got over using the third finger quite quickly, although I use it lots on the bass guitar. My main target at the moment is to keep my thumb in the right position opposite the second finger. My main irritation is the poor tone I get when I'm concentrating on other things, such as thumb position. This is all down to bow technigue I think. I was interested that you have bought a stool. I use a kitchen stool having been told that classical players all sit down; I find it quite comfortable but had wondered about getting the real thing. Good luck with your venture and I'd be interested to hear how you are getting on after a few more lessons. Nigel[/quote] As afellow novice i can relate to yours and previous posts, and i face the the same problems ie thumb,collapsing hand etc!! hard work ahead then !!

So to summarise,nylon core strings tend to be looser but are fatter than steel core,whereas steel core can have a a higher tension but they are generally not as thick??? Is this correct?

[quote name='thisnameistaken' post='1036962' date='Nov 25 2010, 09:14 PM']I just went string shopping today with similar criteria to you. I ended up ordering Spiro weichs for the E and A, and Evah weichs for the D and G. I currently have a full set of Evah mediums on my bass but I'm not getting enough sustain from the lower strings although I like the tone of the higher strings, and I think my bass will sound better with lighter gauges. I made that decision based on another bass I played recently that had Spiro E & A and Belcanto D & G. I suppose I'll let you know tomorrow whether I bought the right strings. [/quote] Thanks ,i did read your earlier post ,but i've no clue about DB strings, i presume weichs means light gauge?

Hi i'm in the market for a set of lower tension strings to suit mostly pizz although a small amount of bowing might happen ,Clarky has recommended Innovation silver slaps but i'm not sure if they are ok for bowing, has anyone any suggestions ,many thanks in advance!

[quote name='Clarky' post='1035996' date='Nov 25 2010, 11:20 AM']Hi Jake, they are nothing like as thick as the Silver Slaps. In fact they are barely thicker, I would say, than the D'Addario Spirocores that came as stock on the bass. I ordered the Honeys (sounds like a rap artist!) after reading they were lower tension gut-alike strings but IMHO there's not much in it between these and the Spirocores, factionally less tense but not a lot.* Hand is slowly getting there thanks. I still can't make a fist and there is a slightly worrying lump on the upper joint of my middle finger - I have the next checkup on Monday with x-rays. Slightly trepidatious given the developments with my middle finger, which was not the one that broke .... * If you are passing by my house on work in London feel free to come and take a look[/quote] Hi Clarky,on a slightly different note, i'm looking for a lower tension grade of string,have you any advice for a string novice!!

I got my lefty from thomann ,a 2L which as a beginner was a bit of a gamble ,i took it it to a local luthier for the set up and he was very impressed with the quality of A the bass itself and B the fact it was a bona fide left hand built Bass ,i would also say that the said luthier does work for a few of the top jazz bassists in scotland so i presume he knows a decent bass,so get a decent lefty mate its the way forward!!!

[quote name='Duckyincarnate' post='928777' date='Aug 18 2010, 04:37 PM']I'd say if it is only for noodling you might as well save yourself a big headache and buy a fairly inexpensive EUB. Lefty double basses are few and far between, although I think Thomann might do them.[/quote] They do,or did,i got one,the 2L model, which the luthier looked over and was very satisfied with,i would recommend it!!

Hi people ,i need a book to show me correct hand positions etc as my current technique is all over the place ,many thanks!!

[quote name='thisnameistaken' post='877761' date='Jun 25 2010, 08:58 PM']I'll give it a go. I need to do something because I'm struggling to even keep time with a lot of this bop stuff at the moment let alone follow the changes. I love the sound but I can't help wondering how much coke they had to put away to play it.[/quote] Having read all your earlier posts and queries etc it strikes me i am in exactly the same bass boat as you right now!,im glad im not alone in this ! keep trying man ,thats what im doin ,i may get a few lessons for technique and improvisation,that will help me i think ,good luck!!

[quote name='synaesthesia' post='834192' date='May 11 2010, 01:23 PM']If you do, please post what they want for shipping, I don;t think their website is accurate re: shipping prices for v large items like this.[/quote] The website says its free shipping on orders over £195,not bad at all

[quote name='keeponehandloose' post='832467' date='May 9 2010, 07:13 PM'][url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/thomann_kontrabass_1_l.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/thomann_kontrabass_1_l.htm[/url] Try this,there are a couple of more expensive models also. I f youve not bought from them before ,they are great to deal with.[/quote] Thanks very much for this link,i'm sure i will be getting myself one of these lefty's

[quote name='synaesthesia' post='831943' date='May 9 2010, 09:10 AM']For a bit more money you can get one from Bob Golihur sent to you from Bulgaria with a solid carved top rather than a ply top. You can get Plywood top lefties with greater ease from Germany also at this price.[/quote] thanks for the info,i will keep trying !

mostly bluegrass and jazz,my budget is around £1500

Hi ,i know it's a long shot ,but does anyone know where i could buy a lefty upright? Iknow its a big job to convert a right hand bass,any help on this would be greatly appreciated!!