sarah thomas

I can see I’ve left lots of information out which would help people to help me. So sorry! I play a Paul Bryant Soloist, currently through a MarkBass 801 combo but previously through an Acoustic Image Ten 2 or the Contra extension speaker. I’m a jazzer, sometimes with a trio and sometimes with a lot of horns. I struggle to cut through the horns. I’m an amateur player, classes, courses, jazz jams and playing with friends at each others houses. Occasional gigs, usually for charity, often in a church, sometimes outside. I thought if I had a double shot or upshot from Acoustic Image then I could use the same head/amp from the Ten 2 with the new speaker/cabinet. You can see I’m not at ease with the terminology! If I got the combo double shot, then I could sell the Ten 2 and Contra with the head. I think that would be more attractive to buyers. So yes, I guess ideally I’d like a combo but that’s partly because of my lack of experience and confidence when it comes to pairing cabs and heads. I honestly thought the Ten 2 would last me forever but it’s too much to carry these days. Thank you so much for taking the time to help me.

Well, I’d decided to bite the bullet and buy an AI doubleshot and that’s when I found out the sad news about Rick Jones. I have my fingers crossed for a secondhand double shot or upshot but as my creaking back can’t handle the ten2 anymore and my MarkBass 801 struggles against the horn section, I’m hoping that there might be something else out there that weighs around 15-20 lbs and delivers a clean sound. Maybe AER or Gallien Krueger? Any help gratefully received.

Mid-April would be good for me.

[quote name='bluejay' timestamp='1475579998' post='3147027'] There will be more pics in the blog (scheduled after the SE bash blog). We want to see you at the next one, Sarah! [/quote] Thankyou! Blog? What blog?

A big thankyou for the pictures. Not as good as being there of course, but it helps! Looking forward to the next one.

You forgot the lead!

Bob! Is it so bad that £200 or so can't fix it? Have you taken it to a luthier? And to be honest, if you want to sell it on this forum, people will want to know what the issues are. Please don't give up!

[quote name='owen' timestamp='1472731672' post='3123726'] Ho hum But priorities in the right place. Cannot fault them. [/quote] Cheers, Owen. I'm more than happy to send my tenner to support the event and gutted that I won't get to try the KK baby bass or the mega pound bow. And most gutted that I won't get to spend the day with all you lovely people. Can't have everything, hey?

[quote name='owen' timestamp='1472569816' post='3122212'] This is a very poor show. [/quote] I know! A few years back, I decided that having some simple, clear priorities would help in these situations. They are these: 1 Family. 2 Friends. 3 Music. 4 Work. So that's that. Family first.

[quote name='owen' timestamp='1472569816' post='3122212'] This is a very poor show. [/quote] I know! A few years back, I decided that having some simple, clear priorities would help in these situations. They are these: 1 Family. 2 Friends. 3 Music. 4 Work. So that's that. Family first.

Argh! I am no longer able to attend the DBB because I will be celebrating my brother in law's 50th. Ah well, swings and roundabouts and all that. Please post some pictures and tell me all about it.. I will be mostly drinking gin.

Absolutely!

You could try asking at The Sage, Gateshead, for tutors. Newcastle uni could be a source as well. I know there's a jazz orchestra, not to mention a folk music degree, so there's bound to be one or two broke students happy to set you on the right path.

Sounds great! Let us know how you get on.

Great! Thanks everyone x

It's always said and it's a great idea to have lesson or two with a teacher when you start off. The way you position and hold yourself is very important in avoiding later injury. If you say where you are, people may be able to recommend a teacher. Also. Geoff Chalmers of this good site at www.discoverdoublebass.com has excellent video lessons to help get you going. If you like the blues, then play the blues! Jazz is pretty much based on a lot of blues, so it'll stand you in good stead while you learn. The iRealPro app is great for playalong as well. Enjoy!

Also, make sure it's secured firmly in the bungee - balls should be up. And if you're using the buggie without a case for your bass, don't let the hard balls press against the body when transporting it. Crikey, this sounds more like a Viz comic strip with every single word. But I've heard of one double bassist with a hole in her body and another whose bass fell off the buggie. It's worth watching the video and taking time to adjust the strap properly. And that's enough from me.

Agree 100% with Mtroun - great for gently balancing standing up but it's not recommended to leave it standing up unattended. I love mine!

I am transposing a tune from an Eb part (in the key of F), written for an Eb saxophone, to a concert part in the bass clef (for upright bass). After struggling with the key signature and settling on Ab for the concert part, it now looks as though I can copy the notes as written onto the bass clef. So. a treble clef C becomes a bass clef E, treble clef B becomes bass clef D and so on. Can anyone confirm this for me? If right, this means I can play parts the saxophonist brings along by simply changing the clef and key signature, which will be a real boon!

I have a Kala U bass and it's great. Much admired, sound wise by all who've heard it. The fretted version has intonation issues, so go for the fretless. It has ghost frets so plenty of vIsual guidance but not available in the UK (unless someone knows otherwise). I got mine from Germany. Brilliant little things.

The excellent Laurence Dixon of Bassplace, Herne Hill, had one in his shop which he posted to me. £131 posted, but could have saved a tenner by going to have a look at his shop. Sadly I live too far away and was too busy to take him up on his offer. I don't know if he's importing more, but worth asking if you want one. I've been using a borrowed one for a couple of weeks now which convinced me to get one myself.

This was fantastic! A big shout out to anyone thinking of going next year. It's brought my practice on leaps and bounds. Top notch!

I'm definitely coming along. It was a great day last time, so friendly, helpful and the buffet was astoundingly good value. I'll bring my German flat back, Kala UBass, Yita bow and AI combo. Chris, there wasn't a lot of interest in the Superlight last time (too many wooden elephants to play with) but if you change your mind and would like to see the skellybass again, I'll happily bring it. Looking forward to October! All for a tenner. Unbelievable.

Thanks everyone! I'm on a summer school in Cardiff at the moment and more and more convinced of the need for a buggie. I have a trolley and a bass wheel. Wondering how long the case with wheels would last (the wheels) trundling over pavements and roads. I hear they're fine for smooth floors but wear out quickly on the streets. (Don't we all). A recent devotee of Screwfix, I need to check out their sack trolley. You've all given me great ideas, thanks again.