MandShef

[quote name='ubassman' timestamp='1384001368' post='2271721'] Out of interest Hector do you use a cushion? Having one of those fitted seems to me to be a really good idea ! On balance you know I am not a great fan of anything that puts the bass in contact with the ground but sometime needs must ! [/quote] Yes, this is a good idea. The bass buggy is designed with shock absorption, but for extra reassurance I also use some foam ground sheet material for extra padding (I believe you can pay extra for bass buggy padding, but it's easy to add your own). I guess the ideal would be to carry it so you're not pushing it along the ground, but for me that's not an option - I used to turn up to concerts with chronic back ache trying to do that! My bass buggy definitely is included as one of my best bass buys.

I've got a bass buggie and would highly recommend it. Makes lugging the bass around so much easier. I've had mine for over a year and it's still going strong. It's sturdy and easy to use.

[quote name='jimbobothy' timestamp='1382548321' post='2253543'] There is also a classical teacher even closer (err, about 2 miles!) to me called Jennifer Nicks. As I initially want to play classical I plan to at least start my Double Bass playing with her. [/quote] Jennifer Nicks is an excellent teacher. I have lessons with her and have been really pleased. Lots of luck with it!

I use a Kinsman Cello/Double bass stand. It's sturdy and has never fallen over, despite having two kids running past it on a regular basis! To me it''s safer than propping it up in the corner of the room, which is what I used to do. Must admit I only use it to store my bass at home though, I've never tried using it for a gig ...

Aw Hector, this pic made me wince. Hope the Martins can get it fixed for you, and that it doesn't take too long. Do you have anyone you can borrow a bass from to tide you over? When mine went in for restoration work I was surprised by how many lovely people were able to offer me a bass to use while I waited.

Jennifer Nicks is an excellent teacher based in Huddersfield: [url="http://www.musicteachers.co.uk/teacher/9085b9d9eed1a87b9db4"]http://www.musicteachers.co.uk/teacher/9085b9d9eed1a87b9db4[/url]

Wow, that has brought a smile to my face! It starts of funny, but when he brings it down to centre stage ... marvellous! What a show off

[quote name='ubassman' timestamp='1380738282' post='2229861'] Do you think that means if its in a gig bag then its covered under the policy or would you have to put a blanket over the gig bag do you think? [/quote] No, it needs to be covered up with a blanket or something.

[quote name='sarah thomas' timestamp='1380723223' post='2229562'] Allianz look great and have just quoted me £6.83 a month for a £3000 value, worldwide, all risks, including the bass being left in an unattended vehicle. The small print says the instrument must be concealed from view. Greg, how did you get along with that? Would a blanket thrown over the behemoth in the back do the job? [/quote] Sarah, I phoned and asked about that, 'cos I wasn't convinced that you could ever count a double bass as being 'concealed from view', but they did confirm that as long as it was covered with a blanket/tarpaulin then it would be OK.

I use Allianz: [url="http://www.allianzmusicalinsurance.co.uk/find-the-right-policy/"]http://www.allianzmusicalinsurance.co.uk/find-the-right-policy/[/url] This is insurance specifically for insuring musical instruments, and as well as cover for use in the home they cover your instrument in transit as well as at rehearsals/concerts, and if you have to leave it in your car between rehearsal and concert. V useful if you regularly gig with it. My sister, who is a music teacher, also uses them.

I also use a stool from the hall where we rehearse rather than lug mine about, and it does take a few mins to adjust. I reckon it's good to not become reliant on just one stool. Having said that, I change my posture/seating position during rehearsals anyway, 'cos 2.5hrs is too long to sit in one position for me! I reckon if you use the 'resident' stool at rehearsal every week you'll soon get used to it, though I must admit I always use my stool from home for concerts just to be on the safe side! Just out of interest, which orchestra have you joined?

I use a bow quiver and have been very pleased with it. Although I've heard it said that sound can be affected, I have not noticed any problems. BTW, it might be worth asking your question in the EUB and Double Basses section of the forum. There's lots of knowledgeable double bass folks on there who are always very helpful.

With Sheffield Philharmonic, tackling Mahler 5 I think. The four basses got to sit centre stage on a raised platform, instead of being hidden at the back for a change!

Done

And here's one coming up at the Birmingham Conservatoire in November: [url="http://www.bcu.ac.uk/pme/conservatoire/events-calendar/double-bass-day"]http://www.bcu.ac.uk/pme/conservatoire/events-calendar/double-bass-day[/url]

I use one of these: [url="http://www.thestringzone.co.uk/stoppin-floor-protector-large"]http://www.thestringzone.co.uk/stoppin-floor-protector-large[/url] It's good for slippery floor surfaces, or wooden ones where you don't want to leave spike marks too.

Went to this last year, and it was very good. Open to players of all ability. Takes place at the Birmingham Conservatoire on Nov 3rd: [url="http://www.bcu.ac.uk/pme/conservatoire/events-calendar/double-bass-day"]http://www.bcu.ac.uk/pme/conservatoire/events-calendar/double-bass-day[/url]

Thanks for your enquiry Telboy - I'll PM you

I had this exact same problem. Swapped a Citroen C3 for a second hand Mazda 5. You can fold half the seats down, making room for a double bass, with 2 seats (one behind the other) for the kids, plus passenger seat in front (so family of four plus bass). In fact on one occasion we got five people plus bass in (bit of a squeeze). I do love your determined attempts though - brilliant photos

Just watched (& liked) your shifting pt2 vid. You've got an exercise in there that I'd not come across before, so v useful. I like how on a couple of occasions you'd noticed you'd gone slightly out of tune but didn't edit it out, instead emphasising that this is exactly why we do these exercises! This is only the second vid I've managed to watch, but so far I feel these are far superior online tutorials than others out there on You Tube. V clear. Cheers for the shifting exercises e-book too. Once I've got the kids back at school I can get back to practicing again & I will print it off and have a go!

What a good resource Geoff. I've watched the first lesson (& liked it for you!), and I've bookmarked the rest to watch later. I've also subscribed to your website/email list.

Rehearsing for an outdoor concert (you can just about see me behind the cellos!): [attachment=142030:DSCF1606.JPG]

[quote name='ubassman' timestamp='1376580686' post='2176417'] ...must be something quite extraordinary to have a wife who can play like that ! [/quote] Alina is Rinat's daughter - she's obviously inherited his musical talent. I've found a vid of Reverie to add to the list: [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f7IwDEnEVk"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f7IwDEnEVk[/url]

Ooh, thank you! Just downloaded Reverie to have a go at! I'll bookmark that page too, so I can work my way through the others (I've already got the two Method books, which I think are great).

That's brilliant, well done. Practice makes perfect so keep doing what you're doing