Burns-bass

The problem with marking where the notes are is that you train yourself to look at the fingerboard. You’ll contort yourself into an odd shape to do so which is technically incorrect. Probably doesn’t matter much if you’re enjoying playing at home, but if you then need to read music, sing or just fancy looking at the audience it can knock your intonation off. I’d recommend learning to play in tune with a drone. You’ll benefit from it in the long run.

Plug for a book by the wonderful science writer Philip Ball. He tackles this (and lots of other musical questions) in a really accessible way. The guy is a phenomenal writer. I did have a copy somewhere. If I can dig it out of the loft you (or anyone) can have it. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Music-Instinct-Works-Cant-Without/dp/0099535440

If the guy has a gambling problem it’s likely the cash is gone and he’s desperately trying to find some way to replace it. This is how things escalate, I’ve seen it happen and it’s desperately sad. The likelihood is that more people will lose out to pay you back. I’m not saying you shouldn’t persevere, but a chat with someone more official might be wise as others are likely to be affected too.

What a silly man

Danger signs. Who knows how long it’s been sat. Always plan for the worst (and hope for the best!)

The bass looks ok, but always factor in the cost of a set-up, strings and common things like a new bridge and nut. Personally I’d always buy on Basschat from a seller that had an instrument that had been cared for and set up properly. As I’ve learned to my detriment, they’re a no such thing as ‘cheap’ when it comes to double bass!

What I’d give for an hour of playing or practice a day! I’ve played in bands, toured and taught now I just play for fun. There’s no other way when you've got two kids.

It’s an interesting question. I used to write everything down, but I found it was draining the enjoyment out of learning, so now I roughly do the following (this is DB) 5 - 10 minutes warm up, scales and exercises from Simandl book to improve intonation. 10 minutes of ii v I working on a different approach each time (chromatic, scale approach, dominant approach, targeting the 3rd etc) One exercise from a book (at the moment I have the Bopland licks book which is amazing) Play something I want to. This is usually the process I follow, but some days I’ll just turn on the iPad and play through an album I like. Currently really enjoying the Laura Marling album.

I’ve had many of them and the two stand out basses for mimicking what a DB feels like are the MK bass and the SLB. The MK Jazz with a suspended soundboard really resonates like a DB and sounds great but the Eminence sounds very good too. Personally, I found the Eminence moved too much and the waist bar wasn’t great, but I was a more sizeable chap then and I’m sure this had something to do with it! If I’d not come from a DB to EUB then I’d say the Eminence is probably the better bet. It’s portable and really picks down small if you buy the golf-buggy case and everything. If you want an EUB that’s as close to a DB, then buy an MK new or SLB second hand. If you want a stick EUB that sounds amazing and is great for gigs, then go with an Eminence. In all situations, budget for a decent pre-amp, a new set of strings and a set up too.

My daughter has SEN provision at school for many of the issues listed above, so I understand your point Patrick. It’s very tough and there is judgement on the parents, that’s undeniable - even from family. There’s a world of difference between someone self-diagnosing themselves and one provided by a professional team. If you look at how vague some of the symptoms appear, it’s no wonder (it’s why so many people claim to have had Covid earlier this year when the statistical probability is that they had a bad flu and just want to feel special). It appears that much of the research comes from the US where the default treatment is with a range of drugs. The skepticism is often fuelled by the belief that this is a conspiracy by drugs companies. Thankfully, in the U.K. the focus is more on strategies and approaches that are inclusive. Thank goodness! In my experience, *every* professional I have encountered has been helpful, respectful and supportive. My daughter receives wonderful support from her teachers, support worker and school and has made incredible progress. I really hope you experience the same. Anyone who has been in your shoes won’t judge.

I imagine for £2,500 you could buy a bass, hunt Trevor Down, pay him a grand to sign your bass and still be left with £500 left over.

It’s always a compromise, but for me the MK or the SLB are the closest I’ve ever experienced.

The string of kings! (And queens and other minor royals)

Big shout out for Thomann. The bass I ordered (B stock) wasn’t in stock. So not only did they offer me a brand new bass at the same price, the guy offered to know off a few more quid “for my inconvenience”. Quite amazing service.