MandShef

Thanks, I went local in the end. A bow maker called Chris Halstead based at the old junior school, South View Road, Sheffield S7.

Also, if you're doing crescendos (gradually getting louder) it's often easier to do this starting with an up bow moving from tip to frog ...

Hi Sarah, there are a few things to consider when bowing. First off, you shouldn't really be 'pressing down' - you'll give yourself hand ache! Instead use your arm weight - then adjust the pressure to get louder or quieter. But, you'll also need to watch where you put the bow - if it starts to creep to close to the fingerboard the sound will get quieter ... move it lower/away from the fingerboard & it'll get louder (though not too close to the bridge either). Finally, you will need to consider bow speed - faster strokes with more arm weight = louder; slower strokes with less arm weight = quieter. I hope that makes sense - it's really hard to explain without demonstrating!

[quote name='BassBags' timestamp='1416308140' post='2608818'] We always keep Nyman's DB rosin in stock. [url="http://bassbags.co.uk/product/nymans-double-bass-rosin/"]http://bassbags.co.u...ble-bass-rosin/[/url] Our standard shipping is two working days with Royal Mail. [/quote] Perfect! A good price too! I have put your link in my 'favourites' so I will know where to go next time

[quote name='hubrad' timestamp='1415627872' post='2602093'] We have Pops and Super-Sensitive Clarity hypoallergenic in at the mo.. link below. :-) I mostly use Pops myself, so try to keep that one around as much of the time as possible. Just in case. Others crop up as and when possible depending on who we're ordering with at the time. [/quote] Thanks Hubrad, Pops does seem easier to get hold of. I'm trying to move away from using it though, as it seems to clag the bow up with it's super sticky consistency! I'm trying to find somewhere I can get stuff like Carlsson, Nyman's, Kolstein to try as an alternative. I'll take a look at your link though

Hi, just curious where you folks buy your bass rosin? Even though I'm city based, no local shops supply it, so I'm forced to buy online. But even then it can be a hassle. I recently ordered some Carlsson from DJM Music, only to be told 3 weeks later that it's out of stock and they won't get any more 'til later in November. Rung them to change my order to Nymans, but that was also out of stock. Tried String Zone, who were also out of stock for Nymans, but I was able to order some Carlsson. Fingers crossed it'll come within the week. But it got me wondering whether anyone can recommend a reliable and quick online shop that sells bass rosin?

Thank you both!

Hello I was wondering whether any of you guys could recommend a good place to get my bow rehaired? Either in/near South Yorkshire, or who can do a postal service? Mine desperately needs doing, it's starting to affect the sound :/ Cheesr!

Looks like you've had plenty of suggestions, but here's what I use: [url="http://www.alangregory.co.uk/music/Super-Sensitive_Large_Clear_Stoppin_End_Pin_Stop.html"]http://www.alangregory.co.uk/music/Super-Sensitive_Large_Clear_Stoppin_End_Pin_Stop.html[/url]

Consider a bass buggy [url="http://www.contrabass.co.uk/bass_buggie.htm"]http://www.contrabass.co.uk/bass_buggie.htm[/url] - I used to get an aching back by the time I'd got anywhere with my bass, but with this I can just push it along. It's shock absorbant so you can have confidence pushing it even if the surface is un-even. It's expensive, but it's one of my best bass buys, and I'd definitely get another if I needed to replace it at any stage. No more back ache on arrival!

[quote name='Owencf' timestamp='1404748742' post='2495370'] Results in, i know its only Grade 1 but 138/150 isnt too bad for a Double bassist who has the sum total muscial tallent of a rock and the breakdown they give you on the marking lets you know what you didnt do so strongly on. Dont be feart it is relatively painless, though some tuition would help most everyone in preping for it. though i wasn't keen to do them its a great benchmarking excersise. [/quote] 138 - that's a [b]distinction![/b] "Isn't too bad" - it's brilliant! Well done you!

Have you guys seen this? [url="http://bassbowpirate.blogspot.ca/"]http://bassbowpirate.blogspot.ca/[/url] His blogs not only include vids of him playing non-classical bowed stuff, but also includes notation and analysis as well. Thought it'd be of interest.

Oh wow, very good! Very inspiring! Thanks for sharing.

Well done to both of you. It takes guts to do these exams as adults! Please let us know how you get on. I've been considering trying for my Gr8 piano, but the thought of doing the exam scares me silly!

I use one of these: [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kinsman-KGS-Guitarists-Dual-Stool/dp/B0030GIGW0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1394390857&sr=8-2&keywords=bass+stool"]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kinsman-KGS-Guitarists-Dual-Stool/dp/B0030GIGW0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1394390857&sr=8-2&keywords=bass+stool[/url] Good height, bar for foot rest, comfy, folds down so easy to carry.

Just had to share this video of a double bass version of Apocalyptica's Path. Awesome playing, and shows how bowed bass isn't just for classical! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8Dl8BdAyQM

Make sure you're not pressing the bow down with your hand - it sounds like you could be pressing down too heavily. Relax your hand and let your arm weight do the work.

Sounds like an interesting blog Ben, look forward to reading more. I've followed your twitter feed - I assume you'll post blog updates on there?

Congratulations! What a special Christmas

[quote name='Mr Bassman' timestamp='1387817659' post='2316074'] Thought I'd replied to this yesterday [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Antoni-Debut-Double-Bass-Outfit/dp/B003JFK346/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1387817292&sr=8-15&keywords=1%2F4+double+bass"]http://www.amazon.co...2F4+double+bass[/url] I got a 1/2 size one of these earlier in the year, quite impressed with the sound butt the neck was too skinny for me. You could order one to try, comes in a large cardboard box. Return it if you're not happy within 30 days. [/quote] Thanks, it's looking like this might be my best option. I really thought I'd find one second hand 'cos kids must outgrow them, but I guess most people don't start double bass 'til they're older & bigger!

Thanks both. I had seen this ebay one, but it's collection only from London. I had also considered a half size, as there seems to be more of them around, but I reckon it would still be just that bit too big (eldest son is 140cm, youngest 120cm). Quite frustrating. Wondering whether I'm going to have to re-tune a cello!!

Hello I've already posted in the 'items wanted' section, but thought I might ask here as well, as you guys are most likely to be able to help me! I am trying to find a 1/4 size double bass for my children to learn on. The local music service won't rent them out unless we pay one of their tutors for lessons, but I'd like to teach them myself. I've taken a look on preloved/gumtree/ebay etc, but the ones on there are collection only from places quite a distance away (I'm based in Sheffield). Anyone know of anyone wanting to sell one, or know of anywhere I can get one that's not too expensive (bearing in mind they will outgrow it fairly quickly)?! Cheers all & merry xmas!

Seasons Greetings from me too! Sorry I've not been on much lately, due to a house move I was without internet access for a while. This is the without a doubt the friendliest and most helpful double bass forum on the internet! I look forward to learning more from you guys in the new year. Cheers!

I used to use one, but got put off when my bass was opened up for restoration work and I saw a great big damp patch at the bottom of it! If you do use one, make sure you get as much excess water out of it as possible. I've taken to keeping my bass as far away from radiators as possible, but I know that now the heating is going on/off wood will swell/shrink causing potential for cracks. I believe if you've got a laminate this isn't such an issue though .... I'll be interested to see what responses you get, as I'd like to know whether I should go back to using mine, or whether there's other stuff that can be done to protect our basses.