sblueplanet

I am small at 5' 1"". I have used 3/4 size to record once or twice on tracks which were not challenging but the whole physical thing made me think that to leatn some technique on an upright I should start on something compatible with my frame. Been playing bass on and off for 30yrs but they are very different instruments. I do have a bow but no arrows :-) so finger-style is what I do. For listening to upright it has to be jazz and folk that appeals. I currently play in a funk band with some lean towards latin music so could be utilised here too if my technique improves.

Although i'm experienced on electric bass I've just picked up a pretty worn but decent sounding 1/2 size double bass by Andreas Zeller. I have only ever borrowed an upright for recording on one or two occasions in the past and have no real experience with one. Because I'm small I thought 1/2 size would be better physically, albeit a compromise on sound and tone so I was hoping for some tips on what might get the best from the instrument, namely strings. No idea what the bass is currently strung with but I would say the action is low but would like a deeper bottom end if possible, although it has a bridge pickup fitted which is a plus. Again, don't know make of this. Anyone here been through this stage and found a good solution?

One of my all-time fav bassplayers. So melodic but centred.

I play the same way. I didnt think twice about simply flipping a guitar over to try and play on it when I was starting out.

[quote name='HowieBass' timestamp='1404768306' post='2495612'] I want to know what that metal part's for now! [/quote] He could tell you but then he'd have to kill you :-) »TOP SECRET«

Gorgeous 75RI you have there LeftyJ. I tried the darker tort guard from my other jazz on the bass and it looked good but I'll keep it plain for a bit. Still to show it assembled to the guy who painted it.

Get well soon Howard. Your belter of a pickguard is now adorning my jazz bass refin.

I could see this taking off. Pimp My Bass thread.

I stopped playing for years and gradually sold all my gear. Having to buy new gear when I had the urge to play again was exicting. My taste and needs had changed so was like a musical reboot.

Sadly Mark at Limelight has just got back to me to say he can't build me a lefty :-(

Update from John at Bravewood is that he now thinks lefties will become a possibility. Have also asked Mark at Limelight but he says no. Maybe down to sourcing parts?

Heads up! There's an accomplished upright bassist from France looking to borrow a leftie double bass for an upcoming jazz gig in London this September. If anyone can help him out he has posted in the EUB & Double Bass section. His name is Chris Jennings. Cheers.

Just got my MIJ jazz back from paint. Not sure which look I prefer. Was white but after a little accident with some paint stripper I decided on a refin. Had all the holes filled in case I decide to use it minus the eye candy.

Hi Chris Try also posting in the lefties section. Good luck :-)

I've emailed asking about a leftie. If the build was going to happen I was gonna ask Mark if he could put a decal on headstock saying 'Limelight' rather than the sharpie pen on the back. Easy enough to do. Either use same font as Fender or even have a competition here on BC to choose a suitable font or design a logo from scratch.

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1403700773' post='2485424'] I think the fact a Roadworn Jazz/Precision is now £1000+ has something to do with it. Not only that, it's the sheer choice/options available. I'd like a Fiesta Red/Tort/light relic/rosewood/P neck bass. If I go Fender, it's a Pino, and its money I don't want to invest. Fender make great basses but £3000 or whatever it is for a VERY basic design is just not my thing, (unless I suddenly throw caution to the wind). [/quote] Limelight website has one of these for sale at the moment at a very attractive price.

Wowser! Never heard of Limelight. Do they build lefties?

I'm of the same age Rich and had been away from playing for a while. Basschat has really given me the inspiration to be playing music again with other musos and of course, created a huge amount of GAS. Hope you have room for all the new gear you will be wanting :-)

Can't make it myself but for anyone who goes please leave a bit of blurb about it and maybe a pic or two? :-)

And that's just his setup for practicing backstage :-)

If you choose a waterslide decal, give it a few light mist coats of clear lacquer before use in the water etc.. Same after applied to headstock although I think some old Fenders just had decal plonked on top of final lacquer coat. I applied a decal to a P bass copy headstock this way and it looked as good as my real one. Good luck with your choice of design and put up some pics when finished.