Burns-bass

Good question!

I started playing electric at 15, got reasonably good at it. Achieved Grade 8 standard, toured Europe and taught at a local music college. Sitting there once transcribing a track (I think it was 'Maybe it'll rub off') I realised I was bored with my sub-Jack noodling crap, so I sold all my gear apart from one bass and didn't play properly for the best part of a decade.

I'd always loved the idea of upright, but never the reality. Then, when my wife became pregnant I decided to treat myself and spend the nights indoors with the new family as an opportunity to learn something new.

The next best thing to happen was enjoying a free jazz concert (cost not music) in Bristol (where I live) and seeing Some amazing players I realised the complexity and beauty of the instrument.

I also realised it's sheer size and physical presence meant that the sort of widdling virtuoso bollocks (sorry) I was prone to on the electric - and that bores me stiff - was impossible on upright. Its apparent simplicity is it's complexity, even though within one four bar phrase you have millions of potential options writhing the first few positions.

I realised I couldn't do it alone so I plucked up the courage to get some lessons and create what I always told for my students: a structured practice plan.

I'm now relearning theory and practical bass playing in a completely new context which is incredibly rewarding and exciting. I'm also now open to huge amounts of new music (some of which is very old!).

I can also play through changes too, which is pretty cool.

Favourite players? Hard one - I'd probably say the thing that kicked me into getting a DB was listening to Thompson play with John Martyn after rediscovering Solid Air.

This is live which loses some of the enchanting quality of the album track, but gains some of its own allure:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg_Utj4Aljc

Interested to hear from others.

Different username (old band) but have been here from the start!

I like the story Nick, that sounds like a real friend you have there. It's interesting the physical intimacy you have with an upright translates into a different - and perhaps more intense - relationship than with an electric bass.

I had a similar thing when I was searching for an electric bass. I used to import vintage basses from the States as a business, and could never find one I genuinely loved. In the end, I found one an hour away and it's been my best friend for years. Entirely impractical, and worth a fortune, but I will never part with her.

In terms of upright basses, my plywood bass is perfect for local gigs, travelling to lessons, practising and so on. She's no looker, granted, but I've no complaints with the sound. It's a little agricultural though, hence me investing in something a little more refined for recording and so on.

I agree with the principle of always buying the best you can afford, but I guess in this instance the OP may be dipping a toe in the water.

This is for the OP now - if I hear of anything, I'll send you a DM.

Fair enough. I don't know enough about these instruments, but if people on here love them then that's enough for me.

Personally I wouldn't buy a DB I hadn't seen or played, but I appreciate there are some amazing instruments coming out of the Far East. Particularly if cost is the deciding factor it's probably your only way to get something new.

I guess the internet has enough advice on how to seat a bridge, check the soundpost is in the right place and so on.

I'm conscious I may be annoying the original poster here as my views may not be particularly helpful.

I disagree that set up is unimportant, in fact it's absolutely essential. So many people give up the instrument quickly; becoming frustrated at battling with an instrument that's basically unplayable. Not to mention the risk of suffering a physical injury.

Unless you buy a cheap instrument someone here has loved then you'll struggle for £600. I bought mine from a touring pro for £400 (friend needs the space). Even though this was used for gigs a new set of Spirocores helped. When a luthier checked it over it needed a lot of work, but £400 later I've a wonderful bass.

If you're new to bass buying blind (even if you see it as an amateur you won't really know what you're buying) is dangerous.

If I had the cash again I'd still do what I did because I love the way my bass sounds and feels, but I would consider investing in buying through a luthier who can set up the instrument properly.

Sorry for babbling. Last thing to be aware of is that as soon as you start, if you can break through the initial fear and technical challenges, you might become hooked - which can be expensive.

My focus for 2017 is figuring out how to pay for the Bryant bass I'm having built. If anyone needs any odd jobs doing, let me know!

My rig once consisted of two DR103s and a couple of 4 x 12s.

It was incredible. Bet this sounds amazing!

Also, make sure you get a bit of history on the bass. I met the seller (recommended through a friend) and my bass had toured the country as part of a Buddy Holly musical apparently.

Quirky bit of background. I'm currently getting one built so I will have to take of that instruments history all by myself!

Absolutely!

I was referred to the incredible upright bass master that is Martin Penning by my teacher. He's helped me an awful lot with getting my old knackered (but cherished) bass to a wonderful playing and sounding instrument.

An upright bass is a complex piece of design and engineering held together with glue and pressure. I certainly have no idea how it works, I'll defer to a pro.

Best advice I had was to get a DB teacher and get them to advise you. They should understand your technique and your requirement.

They can also spot potentially expensive issues (although a luthier will help with that).

Of course don't but sight unseen, but more importantly, listen to the bass! Cheap ones can sound great, but it's often hard to tell until someone plays it for you.

How much did two kids cost you?

Sorry. These basses are wonderful. When I was gigging with a signed artist he insisted I played one of these strung with Roto flats and a slab of foam at the bridge. Sounded wonderful. Good luck with the sale.

I bought one of these basses (on Basschat) and it's incredible. I'd buy this if divorce wasn't on the cards of another bad turns up.

You can find Mexican Strats for about £200. I'd save a few more quid and get one of those...

Seems you've got this sorted, but I'd always recommend a Simon & Patrick. These are beautiful guitars that are fantastically well made and cheap as chips online.

It's brilliant. Just get out the real book, get rid of the bass and crack on. This is why I wasn't able to progress years ago (honest).

I had no idea how utterly amazing that iReal thing was. I'd never seen it before, but it's absolutely brilliant. Thanks!

Geoff is a legend. I really enjoy how straightforward they are. It's no substitute for real lessons, but they're a constant reminder of new things to try and how to avoid common issues. Incredibly generous really.

That's great. I have that DVD somewhere - an unopened present from the wife. I haven't opened it because I assumed I wasn't good enough. It seems that maybe I am!

I'd be interested in knowing where you got those exercises from - be great if you could provide a link (happy to pay if it's a book etc.)

I love the way they've used a bamboo bin as a stand. I also love the way they've placed the face of a wood finish bass against asphalt. Really generates confidence...

I'm not able to play for hours a day, so a practice diary helps me structure things. I do an 80 bar warm up following 2 pages of the Walking Bass book.

I then spend about 20 minutes on scales and arpeggios (alternate between the cycle of 5ths and 4ths) and then what time left I spend playing along with a Walking Bass book. It's not nearly enough to get me making rapid progress, but family life mean it's all I can do at the moment... can't imagine the others in my office would be happy if I smuggled in a DB.

I'm having a similar issue. I can play scales and arpeggios for an eternity but as soon as I need to play songs or tracks I'm knackered within minutes.

That is an absolutely stunning instrument. I've got vintage Fenders but this bass is just as iconic.

I think the guitar is worthless. I'll offer you £10.

As long as you've tried it you won't be disappointed.

Precisions are funny things. They're currently less popular than Jazzes, and more of them were made of course. I purchased a 63' all original and in great condition for £4200 this time last year, and that was from a dealer.

If I were buying it for investment value, I'd make sure to buy an original bass. If it's to play, or for recording etc. then it doesn't matter.

I use a 73' Jazz which has a replaced set of pickups and pots which gives me the oomph I need.