calduggan

If you want to play double bass, I’d recommend getting a double bass, not an EUB. Mike Morgan in Llantrisant or Martin Jones in Caerphilly could set up a bass for you (Mike’s done good work on my basses over the years), I’d echo what others have said that it’s worth earmarking a couple of hundred quid for a set-up, as it can make a fairly ordinary bass sound and feel a lot better!

I don’t really see the point in starting on EUB, especially as you’ve mentioned you’re into jazz and folk (the latter especially relies on the sound of an acoustic bass). I guess they’re a bit physically easier, but the older gumtree bass you’ve linked to looks a great bet. As someone else mentioned, it’ll probably well set-up and ready to go. If double bass is the instrument you want to play then I’d suggest getting one rather than something that’s not quite the same.

Apparently a well-fitted sound post ‘should’ stay in place. But maybe getting wiggled around on a plane it might collapse, so I’ll have to get proficient at re-setting it which isn’t a bad skill for a bassist to have!

The circle on the neck heel is a cap with a magnet which sticks to the bolt which goes through into the neck block. There’s a tiny divet cut out so you can get the cap off, the magnet also helps so you can stick it to something while you’re doing the whole process so you don’t lose it! I’m away a bit over the next few days but will take some slightly better photos!

Just in case anyone was following this… I got the excellent Charles Collis to do the work - he’s done a brilliant job. Super easy to use and really secure. He also made me a new extension and set the bass up and it’s sounding great. Can’t recommend him highly enough!

Any idea what this is and approximate value? (Assuming the cracks on the front are solidly repaired and stable etc)

I’m looking at having a removable neck mechanism fitted to my double bass for travel reasons, just wondering if anyone has had this done in the UK and how it went!

[quote name='Marc S' timestamp='1476199345' post='3152224'] Hi from a fellow Cardiff based player. I also play DB (well, not as much as bass guitar these days) Who was the guy you had lessons from? Welcome to BC, and don't forget to keep an eye out for the next local bass bash (hosted by Gelfin, who also resides in Cardiff) Do you play the DB through the Markbass, and which model is it? [/quote] Hi! It's a Minimark, nice little amp - and nicely portable too! I do play DB through it when the occasion calls for it. Chap I had lessons from was Ashley Long, I think he's on here somewhere from time to time. Incredible musician!

Hi all, Double bassist from Cardiff here - am half way through a postgrad in classical bass at the Royal Welsh College, but started out playing bass guitar as a teenager, moving down here to study pop music at Glamorgan uni, and got inspired to take up the double bass halfway through my undergrad after seeing an amazing double bass player at Cafe Jazz in town. Plucked up the courage to ask him for lessons, and completely fell in love with the instrument. Started playing with a bow mostly as a jazz player to improve my intonation, and fell in love with the instrument all over again! I mainly play in orchestras and pit bands now, but have done quite a bit of pop/indie stuff, as well as a fair bit of folk! Gear-wise i've got Bryant Panormo copy with a C-extension, bow by A. Reiss (amazing Brazilian bowmaker who lives in Cheltenham). Fender jazz and a markbass amp. I used to be a lot more into gear (had a load of pedals), but entering the murky world of classical music has meant I've only been able to afford to keep stuff i REALLY use!