Mike

Interesting experiences as always. My thoughts and horrendous experiences at the bass cellar (and correspondingly good experiences with the Gallery) have been documented in this thread already. However, I haven't seen much mention of the bass merchant. I know they are in Essex (off the A12 from London) but recently I've been looking for a new bass around £1500ish - i had three visits to the bass merchant, trying the same bass, chatting with Darren, drinking coffee made by his daughter. Eventually I bought it at a price better than any online retailer. Please consider them along with the big guys in London. They really bend over backwards to help. And no, I'm not on commission!!

Just want to add my excellent experiences with Mark at Bass Direct ordering online, and how he replaced a TC gig bag that broke way too easily! Hope i can visit in the flesh sometime.

Hi all, looking for a black leather quiver. Thinking of this; [url="http://www.bassbags.co.uk/shop/34_22/string_accessories/double_bass_bow_quiver_black_leather.htm"]linky[/url] Any other ideas/favourites? Or someone selling something similar? Cheers! Mike

Great discussions here. I would always prefer not to see tab, and if I'm frank, am sometimes put off where I see it. I see the benefits for certain players but from where I am, I would tend to avoid books with tab.

[quote name='ElCapitan' post='1053453' date='Dec 9 2010, 10:20 PM']Maybe its the only reason people buy his albums?[/quote] Harsh and unfair, but quite funny!

Wow, I've been on jazz courses with both Nick and Dudley as tutors. Nick's bass is absolutely stunning! He let me have a quick play recently. Love it! Tell him I'm getting on really well with Tony Hougham, a teacher with whom he studied!

Interesting. I would probably want to stand as I'm planning on playing jazz. But I'm learning classical technique from a classical teacher who always sits to play. He is happy for me to do whatever I want. Thanks for alerting me to this, I'll talk it over with Tony.

[quote name='endorka' post='1037590' date='Nov 26 2010, 11:40 AM']Do you sit to play arco and stand for other gigs? Jennifer[/quote] Hi Jennifer, that is the initial plan. Saying that, I'm quite enjoying sitting so perhaps I'll be one of those guys. Not sure yet really. Will update when I have more experience! [quote name='27 frets' post='1039895' date='Nov 28 2010, 01:31 PM']Hi Mike We have a lot in common. I too live in Chelmsford and took up DB a couple of years ago, after years on bass guitar, having lessons with Tony - he's an excellent teacher, and he will really help with your technique: it's better to learn it right than 'unlearn' poor technique. I've lacked time for lessons recently, which has been a pity. I've also joined a local orchestra - nothing too serious, but great for developing ensemble skills (and counting bars rest!). I'm on my own there on DB, so some company there would be nice once you're feeling confident enough! It would be good to meet up sometime - send me a PM if you're interested. Regards Peter[/quote] Sounds great Peter, I'll be in touch - thanks for sharing your experiences! [quote name='27 frets' post='1049884' date='Dec 6 2010, 09:14 PM']What kind of bow are you using? I guess French type if you're learning with Tony, as he doesn't seem too into German bows, but what's it made of, and how heavy? Yep, just a cheap Frenchie, carbonfibre but it seems a little heavy, or I'm just going to have to get used to it![/quote] [quote name='NDH' post='1051175' date='Dec 7 2010, 11:58 PM']I collect the new bass at the end of the week - mildy excited. Nigel[/quote] Exciting, what have you got? I look forward to when I can upgrade in a few years to something nice!

[quote name='Sibob' post='1053242' date='Dec 9 2010, 07:28 PM']"Always listen to music you don't like, you might learn something"........can't remember who said that, but quite true I think. Si[/quote] Janek Gwizdala is a great believer in this.

I had a similar budget. I decided to get a cheap Zellor second hand and spent around £600/700 on getting it properly set up by a top luthier and have things like the bridge and sound post replaced - now it's extremely playable and sounds great!

3rd position?? Hark at you!! I completely agree - bowing is so new to me, to also think about reading (not difficult at this moment as it's straightforward Simandl exercises) and left hand fingering (including intonation) is really causing some mental strain!