supabock

[quote name='Shaker' post='593305' date='Sep 8 2009, 09:20 PM']I played electric bass for well over 20 years and then got a DB......about 5 years ago Bad stuff Although it is tuned the same it is a fundamentally different instrument, so be prepared to learn again and to be rubbish when you start. Physically it is very demanding, you will use muscles that you don't use with EB and it can be discouraging. When you start bowing it will sound [email protected] keep going. This will teach you to play in tune. Good stuff You get great gigs and the admiration of the gender of your choice. People really love the bassman! The experience transfers back to your EB playing..less about speed and more about note selection and hearing (makes you a better musician?) The sheer physicality of it is really quite joyous...you, the bass..it is very immediate. Lessons learned Take it slow...work up to 20 minutes each day, establish the plateau then move on. Get some lessons to protect your body Find the set up and the strings that suit you and your bass. This is HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!! What else I wouldn't consider the half step from EB to EUB as worthwhile. The EUB is useful ( and great fun to play) but doesn't prepare you for your final transition to DB (if that is what you want to do) enough to make it worthwhile. Jump in bravely, but carefully. My instrument is a 1960's east european plywood fronted, ebony boarded POS, which plays rather nicely but will never be a really good instrument (think of it as a Squier, if you know what I mean) but is is hugely satisfying to play and I have got awesome gigs with it (festivals, radio etc.), that I truly believe I would not have got with the EB. and finally.... A saxophonist friend of mine said to me ' you will never regret buying a Yamaha'...to paraphrase him ' you will never regret playing a DB'...except when you are walking 400m to the venue;) Take the plunge...........if you buy wisely and it doesn't work out you should cover your costs, but don't get me started on amplifying the beast.......... Hope this helps Shaker PS If you are ever in Kent and you want to try my bass out PM me[/quote] Oh and by the way thanks for the offer.....Maybe you should elaborate on the amplifying of the beast, as that would be the next stage i'm sure ??

Its all a really great help, believe me. There was me thinking that all these issues were down to me, but it appears all have gone through this leap of faith and out the other side with great results!!

Would it be right to think that if i try a DB in a music shop its likely to be factory set up and probably not that playable, and hence would need a good set up by a Luthier? Or is it a case of keep trying until i find one that seems to fit me so to speak, and feels comfortable and not to much of a struggle to get a note out of?

Both are nice looking instruments, whats the pickup on the DB?

Great playing !!

Just out of interest what EUB did you go to? What model of DB did you end up playing?

Hi, did you not find the transition from electric to Acoustic upright a really difficult transition? I just feel that when i try a real DB its just so impossible, so i would never know if i was playing a good one or if i would ever get to grips with it. I'm sure this must have gone through your mind when changing??

Thanks to all so far for your valid points of view and opinions, its a great reassurance to know that theres a good knowledge base of experience out there to guide us novices. I am still erring on the side of going intermediate as i find the traditional instrument quite a tough one to play, but i'm not ruling anything out at this stage as the traditional instrument does appeal a lot to me

Hi John, What a wonderful instrument i will PM you. Steve

Ok here's the story..... I have been playing electric bass now for some 25 years or so and I really would like to learn the upright bass but not quite sure where to start. I have only ever tried one upright which was new, but a dog to play. Whilst I understand that there is a completely different technique, approach and mindset when playing uprights, and it will be something that will take time to become proficient in, is it a case that all basses will be a dog to play until I get used to the different instrument? I have tried a variety of electric uprights, namely the NS Wav and Dean, and these are very playable. Should I start with the electric which is similar and playable and then progress to an acoustic upright. In reality will the electrics give me the sounds that a traditional acoustic will? Any suggestions as to a good playable acoustic to start on as there is nothing worse than buying cheap and fighting with the instrument, when you ar trying to make your life easy at the start? Its a big leap of faith in terms of dedication and money to spend on a traditional upright if all I get is frustration from it.....Help in this deepartment would be greatly appreciated

Whatever happened to Bernie Torme??

[quote name='bilbo230763' post='589036' date='Sep 3 2009, 07:53 PM'][url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Nsys9d99HY"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Nsys9d99HY[/url] Here's that opening track of the dvd. Its called Incompatibilidade De Gênios - Ney's bass solo starts around 2.35 but its the feel of the hole thing that I love. I would love to have this gig![/quote] He's not bad eh !! another one for the favourites........

Thats not really what they are all about. We all watch this space with anticipation though.....

Its not really about hype, its about quality and reliability, and maintaining a solid reputation. I think the parties including myself who have been privvy to such information are just as excited about the situation as we all are (well Wal owners and players), and i think the information is just little and sparse, and i am sure that Paul is not telling people and then swearing them to secrecy. Time will show what the new Wal have to offer and i think they can only get better with any of their product in time. Wal certainly are not Apple Mac but really are right up there in terms of top bass builders etc.

I'm not sure its as easy as that. I am sure there are plans in place to get things geared towards production before making a big announcement then have the order books rammed and not have the ability to deliver the product. As Wal bases are so desireble i am sure they just want to be ready......I dont think its a double top secret, but a case of just getting things in the right order.