geoffbassist

I'm planning on coming down on Sunday, but I'm not sure if i will be able to bring my bass. Last year was great and I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone :-)

The bow hair shouldn't ever touch the stick. However, it does need to flex, so leave some spring in the hair and don't over tighten...just tighten enough so the hair doesn't touch the stick when you really dig in and play at your loudest volume. It should move and flex, but not ever 'bottom out' and touch the stick.

If you can't tighten the hair enough you can get the bow adjusted, or re-haired so you can add enough tension to stop that happening.
BTW, I've actually filmed a lesson on this topic, so if you want to check it out follow this link: http://discoverdoublebass.com/lesson/how-to-tighten-a-double-bass-bow/

My favourite hybrid strings are Evah Pirazzi Weich, but there are lots of great options out there.

..also +1 on getting a lesson as it will be really helpful to get the feedback, especially if you are new to the upright (or bowing).

[quote name='gypsyjazzer' timestamp='1474878645' post='3141125']
When bowing should the bow hair [b]ever [/b]touch the stick? If the hair does touch the stick and should not, would you consider a new bow?

What do you consider the best make of strings for arco and pizz?--good tone and volume for both styles. What strings have you tried? Answers most welcome.
[/quote]

The bow hair shouldn't touch the stick. However, it does need to flex, so leave some spring in the hair and don't over tighten...just tighten enough so the hair doesn't touch the stick when you really dig in and play at your loudest volume.
If you can't tighten the hair enough you can get the bow adjusted, or re-haired so you can add enough tension to stop that happening.

My favourite hybrid strings are Evah Pirazzi Weich, but there are lots of great options out there.

..also +1 on getting a lesson as it will be really helpful to get the feedback, especially if you are new to the upright (or bowing).

I've got an old series III Clarus (single channel) and it's awesome with upright. The new ones are amazingly small too.

I've heard great things about Duke basses. The NS Cleveland I played was awesome too so you have 2 good options there.

David is superb and I've been to one of his workshops before and loved it. Well worth the trip.

[font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif][color=#282828]Great video Michael, they are killer basses! I love the look of the sunburst and it's great to hear the details are done so well. The tone of the one with flats is epic! [/color][/font]

This is a beautiful instrument! I know Martyn & Dave put a ton of work into creating it and I bet it's going to make its new owner very happy!

I would recommend Sam Wells http://doublebassrepair.co.uk for any set up work. He's got a superb reputation.

I've tried the original Fishman and Full Circle and much prefer the Full Circle. I would love to be able to use a mic with my amp, but I find it too much hassle so go with the Full circle and am pretty happy with the results. I do always use a mic to the front of house whenever possible though.
I've not noticed any problems with finger noise from the Full Circle.

Wow, this is incredible. Seriously inspiring stuff.
Thanks for the share.

I was just on doing a double bass seminar and had a great time. It's an amazing event Scott's putting on. The site has been suffering due to the numbers so Scott just posted this message for anyone wanting to check it out.
>>>>[color=#141823][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]
Ok... we've got two sites up and running for you to view the seminars - so if for any reason one does't load, just try the other one...[/font][/color][color=#141823][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]
Option 1: [url="http://scottsbasslessons.com/live2016"]http://scottsbasslessons.com/live2016[/url][/font][/color][color=#141823][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]
Option 2: [url="https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/sbllive/index.html"]https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/sbllive/index.html[/url][/font][/color]

I'm a huge fan of the Fishman Full Circle but it would mean getting it fitted by a luthier unless you have some skills in that area. IME it's the best option for giging with an amp, but there's a lot of different pickups you could try and the results do vary due to different basses, amps, cabs and personal preference.
Mics are great for front of house but harder to get consistent results from when running into your back line. But, some players love them.

It was my third year and I thought it was the best yet. BGM did a superb job.

I'm really looking forward to seeing them at the Manchester gig. Should be a very special gig!

Great photo! That's how you play the double bass!

[quote name='gcordez' timestamp='1457603818' post='2999987']
Hi all. I'll be there working 'Upright Bass Zone' for Bass Guitar magazine. They have 10-12 double basses there, and I'm there (presumably) to help and show some techniques etc to get started etc. Basically, an excuse for a hang. Those inclined, do come and say hello. Hopefully we may be able to talk over the wail of slap bass...
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Hey Greg, I'm coming down so it will be great to meet you and say hi. What are the basses that are on display?

[quote name='Beer of the Bass' timestamp='1456164341' post='2986143']


Doesn't he have a signature Elites set now? Or has he quietly stuck with the spiros?
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I was wondering that too :-) I will be the bass nerd on the front row checking :-)

I much prefer the older well used set of spiros. The new ones are always too bright on my bass, but they seem to get better and better if I leave them on. I wouldn't change them unless they were damaged or playing up somehow.
BTW, I'm off to see Danny Thompson in Leeds on Friday and predict a serious bout of Spiro GAS coming up! :-)

I've always used String Zone and had a great experience. Also Thomman can have good prices for some brands.

I think it looks great, nice design!

Chris is a great player/seller so if you are looking for a French bow I would check this out. :-)

Very cool! I love the flames.

Congrats. Looks like a beauty! :-)

Great playing Spencer, I really enjoyed it. Cheers Geoff