MandShef

[quote name='Owencf' timestamp='1367524209' post='2066503'] course not, that would be helpful, although im wondering what the impact on the bow would be having multiple types of rosin on it.. [/quote] You'd have to play it out before swapping otherwise it could get messy ..

[quote name='Owencf' timestamp='1367514590' post='2066318'] i do not doubt somone Intelligent and bright (not me organisational skills of a hand grenade) might start up a rosin trials thread similar to the Innovations string thread. [/quote] Owen, that's a marvellous idea! I'd love to try Nymans, Carlsson & the Kolstein, but I don't want to have to fork out for full-size pots just to see what they're like. Maybe someone who's organised & knows what they're doing will see this and start something up, 'cos I've Googled and there doesn't seem to be anywhere that offers a try before you buy option.

[quote name='Basstroker' timestamp='1367512768' post='2066274'] Hi! - Below 24°C (75°F) I use Pops, if it gets warmer I use Nyman. Sometimes I try other brands, at the moment Petz Premium, it's not bad to bow but very dusty, so if you like a white bass... Also I have at the momemt Liebenzeller (very expensive) Gold VI H - maybe a good rosin for cello... If you talk about "Oak" don't mistake the Gregorian Oak Rosin (seems to be excellent as far I have heard) for Royal Oak Rosin, this is really bad. - Best, Thomas [/quote] So many brands. Shame there isn't a place you can get samples from!!

[quote name='geoffbassist' timestamp='1367509892' post='2066213'] Kolstien's soft and I like it. Pops is ok, but too sticky for me. A lot of guys on Talkbass use Oak? [/quote] Yes, I think it's the stickiness I'm trying to get away from. I've heard a lot of people recommend Kolstien - it's more expensive, but then I guess you get what you pay for? Never heard of Oak ...

Just interested. I have only ever tried Hidersine and Pops. Having decided that Hidersine was rubbish, I've stayed loyal to Pops ever since. However, I borrowed a fellow bassists Nymans at our last orchestra rehearsal, and really like it - grittier/more powdery than the sticky Pops. I'm trying to resist ordering a pot, as I've still got plenty of mine left at the mo, but it has intrigued me as to whether it merits a change ...

The Simandl Method Book 2 covers thumb position. Not very pleasant exercises, so only to do in small doses, but good for getting it stuck in your head/muscle memory. Also, do scales up in thumb position. I've done a quick search on Google, and there seem to be quite a few you tube vids on the subject (not checked them out though, so can't vouch for how useful they are). Good luck, and if you discover some useful books/vids let us know - like you say, there doesn't seem to be much material on the subject.

Hi I'm a Classical double bassist. I have orchestral experience, performing regularly with Sheffield Philharmonic Orchestra. I am now offering lessons for beginners - intermediate, any age. I am qualified to degree standard - BA(Hons) Music & Philosophy (University of Sheffield), plus ABRSM Grade 8 Double bass (Classical). I am a full professional member of ESTA (UK). I am happy to prepare pupils for the ABRSM Grade exams (instrumental & music theory), or to just learn for the fun of it. I teach from home in Sheffield. Best availability for lessons is term-time during school hours. However, if you can only make a time outside of these hours please contact me to see if I can arrange an alternative time slot. Fees: £12 per half hour, £24 per hour.

It's a shame you can't find a tutor more in tune with the style you want to play. Must be frustrating for you. Keep looking! You could play the pieces pizz, but you may not get as much out of it in terms of improvement. The benefit of arco playing is that those notes sustain for longer, making any inaccuracies in intonation glaringly obvious, so persevering with it could really improve your intonation, even if that's not to be your main style of playing. Hope you're not getting fed up with it. You never know, you may grow to love it once you've mastered it!

[quote name='oggiesnr' timestamp='1364302441' post='2024548'] I have a Hidersine. Be warned, the back straps are worse than useless as the top of the bass ends up so far above your head that it catches on tree branches, road signs etc! I strap it to a small sack barrow for longer distances and so far so good. [/quote] Agreed, I've taken the back straps off 'cos the bottom of the bass kept hitting my calf muscles when walking, and the top of the bass was so high I had to walk bent over to avoid anything overhead! I assume that's the same with back straps on any case though? I use a bass buggy now, one of my best buys for lugging it around and saving myself from back ache!

[quote name='thunderbird13' timestamp='1364292217' post='2024310'] Thanks for that , although the website says at they dont have stock at the moment and there was no reply from their number last night [/quote] Aw that's a shame. I've bought a few things from them, and have managed to get through on the phone and via email. Worth trying again I reckon. Hope they get some in stock again soon.

I got one of these for half your budget: [url="http://www.djmmusic.com/Itemdesc.asp?ic=DBB"]http://www.djmmusic.com/Itemdesc.asp?ic=DBB[/url] Nicely padded, lots of handles for easy carrying/loading. Pocket for rosin etc, long pocket for your bow, back zipped section for sheet music.

+1 for scale exercises. Here is another tutor in our area (Doncaster this time). A fellow bassist in my orchestra used to go to her, and says she's v good: [url="http://www.doublebassprofiles.com/profile-dionne-clow?page=teaching"]http://www.doublebassprofiles.com/profile-dionne-clow?page=teaching[/url] As for books, you could always try the dreaded Simandl (dismissed as a bit boring by many, but it thoroughly goes through all the notes and positions inc a finger chart against the written notes in the beginning). Alternatively, there is Double Bass Solos 1 (K Hartley) which at least has recognisable tunes to play. The music is split up in relation to the position it's played in, and before the noted music there is a pic of the fingerboard showing where those notes are. If Classical is not your thing, then the rock school books might be worth a look - they have tab underneath the notated music so if you're used to tab that might be useful?

Hi Andy, as you know I'm a fellow bassist in Sheffield. I've been toying with the idea of doing a bit of teaching (I've got my Gr8, did a music degree, and play regularly with an orchestra), however, I would teach Classical style as that's what I know, and I'm not sure that's what you're after? When you say you want to learn composition and do the grades are you meaning rock/jazz school? I know a good jazz bass teacher (but they're not so hot on bow work). Or, if you wanted an experienced rather than a beginner Classical teacher, then I have lessons with a teacher from Huddersfield who I'd recommend (she trained at Royal Northern School of Music and is a professional player). [quote name='AndyBass' timestamp='1363816543' post='2018240'] Another is understanding composition. I've learned various basslines which just make no sense to me based on the theory I know, ie they broadly conform to a scale/key but then throw in notes that don't belong. And if you can just stick any old note in, what's the point of a key, etc? Surely it just becomes a free for all driven by ear..? [/quote] The notes that don't belong are called 'accidentals' and they usually perform a purpose e.g. to change the mood of a piece of music. I like playing Moonlight Sonata on the piano, and there's a really good example in there where the G#'s (it's in the key of C#m) change into G naturals, and the mood/colour of the music changes dramatically (becomes darker) even thought you're pretty much playing the same pattern as previous bars. But the main feel of the piece is in the main key. Whatever you decide, lots of luck with it, and let us know how you get on!

Sounds lovely. I've had Beverley Music Centre recommended to me by quite a few local bassists. Hope you can put a few pics up when you get it!

Oh nooo, hope you find one soon!

3/4 is pretty much the standard. I play classical & mine is a 3/4 (as are the other orchestral players basses). I don't actually know anyone with a full-size one!

OK, I happily recommend Geoff Briggs: [url="http://www.yell.com/b/String+Instrument+Repairs-Musical+Instrument+Tuning+and+Repair-sheffield-S359WE-6190528/#aboutus"]http://www.yell.com/b/String+Instrument+Repairs-Musical+Instrument+Tuning+and+Repair-sheffield-S359WE-6190528/#aboutus[/url]

[quote name='sarah thomas' timestamp='1362643839' post='2002469'] Hooray!!! Now here's a question: Would you use the same luthier again? [/quote] Good question Sarah. The process seemed overly long, and during that time I was seriously lacking in information. HOWEVER, when I went to pick it up he showed me the photos of all the work he'd done on it, and I could see why it had taken so long, and the reasons for doing what he did (if only he'd emailed me as updates at the time, then I wouldn't have got so stressed!). To be fair, once I explained to him that I wasn't trying to pester him, but just wanted updates, he did agree to send regular email updates. He has really taken care to properly restore the instrument, doing all I'd asked plus a hell of a lot more, whilst sticking within his original quote. The fixes look great, but most importantly I can really tell a difference in the playing and sound of it. I know people who've gone to bigger places with a team who may get work done quicker (this fella is one man working from his home), but I've also known people be unhappy with the final results, whereas so far I am over the moon! I think all in all, yes, I would go back to him, but hopefully I won't have to for a good long while now! It's this sort of thing that makes me see the sense in having a spare, second bass (if money were no object eh?).

Finally, after 9 months, I got my doublebass back from the luthier. It's been lovingly restored, looks beautiful, and sounds great! So happy to have it back. I am attempting to attach photos ... hope it works! [attachment=129216:DSCF0726.JPG] [attachment=129217:DSCF0746.JPG]

The best description I heard for it was to reach out your bow hand as if to grab a drawer handle, then pull it towards you (open the drawer) and away (closing the drawer). The way you hold your bow should feel like this i.e. fingers down and over, not gripping too tight, wrist relaxed and loose! Hope this helps? If you do a google search there are quite a lot of video tutorials that may be better as there'll be visuals for you.

[quote name='AndyBass' timestamp='1361029543' post='1980033'] I'm afraid I can't help with a loan as mine's left handed and my only bass but thought I'd say hi as another Sheffield double bassist. Is the luthier Geoff, by any chance? He's the only guy I know round here, and he's done decent work for me in the past, although pretty basic stuff [/quote] PM'd you Andy.

Welcome Kate, I am also a double bass player based in Sheffield. I am a classical player, but I do know a jazz bass tutor based in Sheffield if you need any help. As for getting hold of a bass, there is a place you can hire them from, based in Derbyshire: [url="http://www.bassbags.co.uk/Double-Bass-Hire.html"]http://www.bassbags.co.uk/Double-Bass-Hire.html[/url] Lots of luck!

I only have the one double bass, but I have been toying with the idea of hiring a mini-bass for my kids to learn on. They would go in a room alongside my piano, 2 clarinets, a full set of different sized recorders, plus my hubby's elec guitars, elec basses, classical guitar and a child size guitar. Getting a little crowded ...

[quote name='macmellus' timestamp='1360848182' post='1977304'] Was wondering if you'd recommend this luthier of yours. Is he local to Sheffield? [/quote] He is based in Sheffield. Can't say I'd recommend him as yet - I put my bass in at the beginning of the summer hols last year and still haven't got it back yet! Having said that, despite it turning into a full on restoration job & taking what seems like forever, he hasn't increased the price from my original quote. I guess I will only know for sure whether he is any good when I get my bass back (hopefully sometime in March). I will keep you posted! Just to add, I now have a borrowed bass to use. It's a rickety old thing that makes some strange buzzing noises, but at least I have something to play on

I use Pop's. It's soft in the summer, but does get harder in the cold wintry weather. I just do what you do, and pop it on the radiator for a bit ...