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[quote name='endorka' post='529711' date='Jul 1 2009, 04:33 PM']In general, when using the pinky to stop a note on the double bass, you should also be holding the same string down with all the other fingers as well, to distribute the load. So, if you're using your pinky on G on the D string, you would also have the 1st finger stopping F, 2nd finger stopping F#, and 3rd finger somewhere between F# and G. Regardless of this, the 3rd and 4th fingers should operate as a single unit; doing so addresses the strain on the pinky that you mention. Jennifer[/quote] That's good stuff - thanks Jennifer - sounds like I really should get my act together and take those lessons!

[quote name='teej' post='529484' date='Jul 1 2009, 12:20 PM']Just go down to a lower fifth... [/quote] Haha - good point - it's funny, but playing further down the neck is definitely easier on the hands - I've been playing "El Cuarto De Tula" by the Buena Vista Social Club and the bass line is mainly up the neck, but I usually get knackered halfway through and end up playing it right down at the bottom. I noticed on the DVD that Cachaito himself does the same, although I'm sure he did it for solid musical reasons and not because he's a bit of a wuss like me

[quote name='merchant' post='522580' date='Jun 24 2009, 01:47 PM']I don't want to sound overly glum, and I'm all for putting oneself in testing situations, but I really really really would not play a 2 hour set having only just got a double bass. Heck even at my peak I wouldn't play a 2 hour set.[/quote] I've been playing DB for about 6 months and I've played a couple of gigs. But what I've done is bring the electric bass along, and as soon as I feel any tiredness at all in my left hand, switch straight over the the electric. From everything that I've read, you should never try and 'play through' the pain. I'd imagine from the kind of music that you describe that there will be a lot of root-fifth type bass lines - what I find difficult about these kind of lines is the strain on my little finger having to repeatedly hold down the fifth. On BG, you you can use your third finger for this, but on DB your little finger will take the brunt so watch out for this. Anyway, hope this helps and enjoy the gigs!

Does anyone know of a dealer in the UK (or even in Europe) that sells any of the new Baby Bass models that are available from the likes of Azola, Ray Ramirez etc? There seem to be plenty of manufacturers in the US and Latin America that make these, but I can't find any that will deliver to Europe for less that a small fortune Thanks for any pointers.... Dave

I picked up a second hand Shen SB180 hybrid here in Ireland recently and I'm very happy with it - the quality/finish seems very good and I like the way it plays and sounds. Over on TalkBass the general consensus is that along with Christophers they're among the best of the entry-level basses. I'm not sure where you can get them in Europe so I'm not sure if this is much use, but if you can find one I'd definitely recommend taking a look.

I've just started playing DB and I don't have a huge amount of time either. My 30-min practice involves going through some of the exercises in Ray Brown's book for 20 mins, then a quick run through a couple of easy-ish standards (Autumn Leaves and Favela are my current choice). As I get better I hope to run through some faster tunes but for now I'm doing well if I can get through these tunes with intonation reasonably intact! Hope this helps

Hi all I created this chart to help me internalise the relationship between notes on the fretboard and notes on the staff. I'm sure I'm not the first person to think of it so apologies in advance if anyone else has already created something similar. Anyway, I hope some people find it useful and please let me know if you spot any mistakes or improvements, Dave

Thanks very much for the replies gents I think you've both helped and made it harder for me to decide at the same time I have no doubt that I'll enjoy the Stagg, but I definitely take teej's point about the effort and pleasure involved in getting a sound from a big lump of un-amplified wood! I'm pretty sure from reading posts here and on TalkBass that cheap DBs are just not worth having, whereas the Stagg players round these parts seem totally happy with their purchase, so I'm still veering in that direction. But I'm going to keep my eyes peeled over the next few weeks for the right DB... Anyway, thanks again and I'll keep you posted! Dave PS Teej - the afro-cuban thing is fun alright, and getting my head round the cuban bass tumbao is one of the most enjoyable things I've had to do on bass for years. Plus I get to play percussion sometimes, so it's all good stuff.

Hi all I've been playing electric bass for a long time and like plenty of others, I'm looking at a Stagg as a transition to playing DB. I guess what I'm trying to figure out is whether starting on a EUB will take me in the direction that I want to go, or will I learn 'bad EUB habits' that may make the transition to DB more difficult? My situation is that I really can't afford to spend the 1500+ euro (I'm in Ireland) that it'll cost for a decent starter DB/strings/bag/setup/pickup at the moment, but I'm saving up slowly...In the meantime, I play in a mainly percussive Afro-Cuban band and the Stagg would enable me to get going right away. If any players and/or teachers have any thoughts on the above I'd love to hear from you, Cheers