Linus27

I am a bit confused here with amp ratings and ohms etc. If I buy a 1 x 15 which has a Power Handling of 300 Watts @ 8 Ohms what sort of power am I going to get out of this Little Giant 350?? 350W or half?? If I buy 1 x 15 which has a Power Handling of 300 Watts @ 8 Ohms what sort of power am I going to get out of this Little Giant 1000?? 500W or half?? Will these amps work with a 1 x 15 which has a Power Handling of 300 Watts @ 8 Ohms?? Also, am I right in thinking that if I buy a 1 x15 which has a Power Handling of 300 Watts @ 8 Ohms, and I buy a 300 watt amp head, I am only going to get about 150 watts out of it as it will be running at 8 Ohms?? Sorry if a bit obvious, not bought an amp for about 10 years and everything has gone a bit fuzzy in my head :)

Hi JD1, I am also very new to double bass so I will share my experience from being a self taught electric player for 20 years to then moving over to upright. For the record, I am learning on a Stagg Electric Upright and having lessons from jakesbass. I have had two lessons so far and only been playing for maybe a few months. My biggest problem I have had has been the strength in my left hand (fretting hand) or lack of especially fretting the E string. String tension, technique and the different approach were all factors. Looking back, I could maybe only play along to 1 song but now, with practise and being shown how to correctly use the fretting hand, I feel I am getting there. I still have a long way to go and my hand still gets tired but when it does, thats when I know to stop and rest. jakesbass has been teaching me scales (no former musical training) and this really helps with building strength, especially as he says its taking me away from my comfort zone which it is. On one hand it's an easy practise to do and rewarding when you do it well but on the other hand it means you can focus on intonation, fretting correctly and getting used to techniques whilst building up hand strength. For me, I found this has really helped, not only from a musical learning tool but also for developing my left hand technique. It also gets you thinking what notes to play where. What I mean by this is I was never a fan of playing open D and G strings on an electric bass and would certainly use the A string a lot more than moving up to the D and E. With double bass I have totally changed my approach to this. I have had to really. As for my right hand, I am a little confused by this. Having always played with a plectrum and never with fingers, one of my biggest worries was not having the strength in my fingers. I tried before playing with fingers on an electric but after a few fast songs, my whole right hand would go numb and would go dead. Maybe because I played guitar punk pop When I first went to see jakesbass, it was obvious that not only was I plucking (sure thats the wrong terminology) the upright incorrectly but the difference in what could be achived in terms on power and what I was achieving was like night and day. However, once shown I seemed to make this change with little problem and it seems very natural. Whats odd is I can now play along to my old bands album with fingers on an electric bass with no problem. I can't really comment of how to hold the double bass as mine is an electric upright and I just did what felt natural which was support it against my left knee whilst my leg is slightly bent. The one thing I had to adjust was the height as I had it to low. I would really recommend lessons as the double bass is such a different instrument to the electric bass. I wanted lessons as I wanted to make sure I was starting out the correct way and not pick up any bad habits early on. I have enough of those already from playing electric bass Lessons have really helped me. One other thing, when you go back to an electric bass after playing double, your be amazed at how much easier it is to use your left hand. Hope thats helped you a little from another total novice

I have had a fair few basses over the year (Not as many as some of you nutters here) with some good ones and some not so good ones. The best I have had are a Fender 1977 Precision which sounded superb. A Musicman Stingray which had a beautiful neck and feel. A 1973 Fender Telecaster bass which was fat and solid. An ESP 400 Series which is such a lovely, friendly, easy to play jazz bass. A few other pretty decent ones also over the years by Fender, Status and Bass Collection. However, do you know what I think is the best bass I have ever played. My Squire Vintage Modifed Fretless Jazz. Not only has it got a neck on it that feels smooth and equals the Musicman, but the tone and punch is amazing. It just sounds and plays superb and its the best bass I have ever owned. plus it looks fantastic. Just thought I would share this as I am pretty surprised at this.

[quote name='gary mac' post='164495' date='Mar 27 2008, 02:29 PM']I always do it, after learning the embarassing way, I also take the other end of the lead around/through the side handle on my combo.[/quote] I do both of these, also from learning the hard way from both ends. Guitar end I pull tight so you don't see a big loop so to avoid any dodgy Eric Clapton muso type comments :) Amp end I also pull tight as possible. Nothing worse than walking across the stage a little to far to find you have pulled the lead out of the amp. :)

[quote name='mic mac moe' post='163354' date='Mar 25 2008, 08:19 PM'] Mike!! Are you still there? I tried one of these in a shop in Blackpool.Seemed pretty good.Don't know much about EUB's or the steam bass for that matter,but on its own merits,I would spend on it.And thats a big deal for me,as I swore I wouldn't have anything else with Stagg on it.Had loads of crap stuff including drumsticks etc and the rubbish I've had to repair for my students................[/quote] Do you mean me Mic Mac Moe???

Tom, Well worth going for some lessons. Has opened my eyes to a lot and I can't wait for the next one. Just don't do what I did on Sunday which is cut your first finger open so you get a nice big cut right across the top where you would normally fret. Thats what I have done and have not been able to play for 3 days

Had my first lesson today with Jakesbass. I have played electric bass for 20 years, some of it profesionally but I have never had a lesson in my life and certainly no experience of playing double bass. I found the whole thing truely fascinating and a real eye opener. Jake explained things in a very clear and logical way and despite being a little confused at times due to my own inexperience, I went away with a ton of things to practise and a derire to learn so much more. So I have booked another lesson with Jake for two weeks time. As for the Stagg EUB, I had no problems today using it as a way to learn double bass and Jake seemed to be happy with it also. If anyone is looking for some lessons, then I can highly recommend Jake.

[quote name='steve-norris' post='145411' date='Feb 23 2008, 12:41 AM']Kneel before the kick drum and pray to your new master seriously the drummer is your best friend or worst enemy, the bass is not a four stringed guitar! it's a TOTALLY different instrument, in its modern electric form it may look vaguely similar to a guitar but its role lies firmly in the rhythm section. I like to think of bass as almost a tuned drum set, you provide a like between harmony and rhythm, quite how you achieve that i am still working on but if i had four ears i would keep two on the drummer one on the guitarist and one on the singer.[/quote] That is a superb way at looking at how the bass sits with everything. I could not agree more. Of course there are variants. You can play the bass more like a lead guitar or you could play the bass more like a drum rythem but all in all, you are spot on.

Ok here is my effort, not played very well and something I kind of just made up. I have not played it for a week so it all felt a bit alien again. Anyway, thats not the point, its more to compare the sound of it. My settings were direct into the soundcard on my PC and with the Sub Bass setting on about 85%.

Blimey!! Mine sounds nothing like that. That did sound like a frettless. Mine is a lot more thumpy and grungy. Maybe its my playing. If I can work it out, i'll try and record a sound clip.

Hi, A friend's daughter is learning to play bass and she has asked for some music books. Does anyone know where the best place to get them from? She is after the following bands, Green Day Nickleback Bon Jovi Brian Adams Status Que Garth Brooks Marilyn Manson Kings Of Leon Thanks in advance for any help.

Again, thanks Jake for the advice. I have sent you a PM regarding lessons.

[quote name='jakesbass' post='144534' date='Feb 21 2008, 05:23 PM']Vice like grip is NOT i repeat NOT something you need. vice like has a stiff and un yielding nature to it which can lead to over working muscles and reduced mobility. What you need is efficiency of pressure, using the physical attributes you posess and fluidity of movement, which can take a little getting used to. If you are serious about getting any good on the instrument then have at least a few lessons on left hand technique, the positions and movement. It really is nothing like Bass Guitar (I've been playing both for over 20yrs) You may well get some people responding to this post saying you can get by without training, this is true but who wants to just get by. You can save a whole heap of time by gettting some basic advice which will set good habits in place and immeasurably enhance your progress. also If you are getting pounding muscles and sweating, you may well be over working without need.[/quote] Hi jackbass, Thanks for the reply. I think the vice like grip has been interpreted wrong here What I was meaning was, to fret an electric bass is pretty easy compared to fretting a double bass. Having played electric bass for 20 years, I am finding the physical strength required to fret on a double bass much higher than an electric bass. So, the vice like remark for me was once I am used to it, I am sure my fretting hand is going to be a lot stronger and thus, when all is said and done, my fretting hand will be as strong as a vice, jokingly of course. Certainly not refering to any technique. Thats what I mean't, not sure TheRinser was meaning. Of course, once I am more used to playing, I am sure it will all become a lot easier. I certainly noticed after just a week that things were easier. One other point, I am not sure if its normal or not, but the strings on the Stagg seem pretty taught. So I am finding the tension of the strings and the thicker neck on an EUB is requiring more strength in my fingers to fret. When I go back to playing an electric bass, its like the neck is as thin as a pencil and the strings are very floppy. I do plan on having lessons. I think this is the only way forward or the sensible way to go. Its such a different instrument that i really want to be heading in the right direction with it from the start. I just need to find a tutor in the Surrey area. Thanks for the advice. really appreciate it.

[quote name='paul, the' post='144521' date='Feb 21 2008, 05:07 PM']Right, sorry to be such a fool, but I need to clear this up if anyone can help. Can this bass be played without a lead and amp? Can you just play the bass with the battery listening with headphones? Is there a waiting list on these? If so, how long? How large is the box it's sent in? Are there any user pics of a honey one yet? Probably more questions to come. Cheers everyone. paul.[/quote] Hi Paul, Yes, you can play this bass by simply plugging in some headphones into the headphone socket. I did not believe it at first but when I plugged in my headphones, the blue LED came to life. I was amazed and even more amazed when I turned the volume and and low and behold, full on bass coming through my headphones. It's such a superb function. No idea on the waiting list but I think there might be as others have been waiting. I was lucky to buy one 2nd hand from Bassace who I don't think had it for very long. Its in mint condition. I am sure you will be able to buy one with a bit of shopping around. You might want to check out these two links. [url="http://www.zingsmusic.com/product_info.php?products_id=5176"]http://www.zingsmusic.com/product_info.php?products_id=5176[/url] [url="http://www.normans.co.uk/Items/Item.aspx?SKU=edb-3/4mbk"]http://www.normans.co.uk/Items/Item.aspx?SKU=edb-3/4mbk[/url] The first link also has the EUB in the honey colour. if you clink on enlarge, it shows the full range of colours. I have the 2nd one which is a very nice deep wine red. Again, no idea about box but you do also get a superb gig bag. Its not some cheap flimsy rubbish, its a proper padded gig bag. really good. The one thing I really want to know is what are the stock strings that come on this EUB. They seem very good and Bassace also thinks they could be good one. I have no idea on who to ask though or who might know. Hope that helps.

[quote name='TheRinser' post='144301' date='Feb 21 2008, 12:12 PM']Just a quick update... Lovin' it! Spent last night trying to play along with some jazz standards and some fingathing tunes (awesome instrumental hip hop band, just EUB and decks, UK based too!). I'm actually finding 4 finger technique easier than the 124 double bass thing. Hand strength has still got a long way to go, and intonation, but it's great fun. My back aches a bit. If anyone fancies giving me a few pointers that'd be nice... Or generally any info about standing position relative to the bass. Tried to find some stuff on the net but doesn't seem like there's much about... Cheers, Tom[/quote] Thats my weak spot also, the lack of strength in my left hand for fretting. I can't wait to get my vice like grip as time goes on. You mention that your back is aching. I am also finding this. I also find that my arm muscles are pounding after playing. Its a very physical instrument to play which I am loving. What I started out was creating a CD of some good simple basslines. Things by the Police, Sting, Bjork, George Michael and other song with some mild Jazz themes. Playing along to some of these was hard because I just did not have the strength in my fretting hand to play more than 3 songs in a row. After a week I could happily play 3 and worked up to 5 songs. Its still hard work but its getting easier now as I am not having to think so much about my fretting hand. I really think the whole physical side of playing upright bass is under estimated. I would also appreciate any guides or tips on playing.

Riders on the Storm has a great sort of walking bass line and Peace Frog has a great bass line.

Jerry Scheff played on L.A Woman stuff. Here is what he says on his web page, "Right about this time I got a call to do an album with "The Doors." We spent six weeks in the studio recording "L.A. Woman" Which turned out to be their last album. They had always used keyboard bass live, after we finished LA Woman I was approached about joining the group. Jim Morrison went to Paris and died. One of those things!"

Shame I am to old at 37 and live in Surrey. Sounds a great gig.

Does anyone know what the name of the manager or the main person to contact at Andertons Music Store in Guildford Surrey? Thanks

I think they are superb basses. I was looking at getting one and would had if I did not already have an awsome ESp 400 Series Jazz bass which is now about 20 years old. So instead, I bought the Squire Vintage modified Jazz Fretless and it is a superb bass. I have owned a Musicman, a 77 Precision, a 72 Telecaster bass and this Squire fretless is amazing. i don't think your go wrong with the VM Jazz. In fact, your love it. just buy it.

I wear a wristband for any bass I play as I always get a blister on the inside of my wrist. The 51' re-issue feels a bit clumsy due to the non contour of the body but apart from that its fine to play. Compared to a Jazz or a precision, it just feels a bit clumsy. Apart from that, its great. Here is a quick picture of mine.

Mine says Crafted In Japan on the back of the neck where the neck joins the body.