marvin spangles

Congrats . Enjoy!

The Animas are very loose tension and therefore easy on the RH. They have a sound that is unique. While it can be described as gut like it has a slightly synthetic sound. Not bad just different. Lovely to play pizz. I found them very unsuitable for arco despite Velvet's claim. The arco tone was unpleasant to my ears. Spiros are much easier to bow IMHO and have a superior singing tone. I can't imagine anyone using Animas in an orchestra.

Clarky gave you a pretty comprehensive round up on strings . It can be a long process getting the string that really suits you and your bass. Different basses react uniquely to different strings. Spiro Weich's are a great String and tend to suit most basses and playing styles. Good for arco too IMO. They are the type of string you can put on nearly every bass and just concentrate on the music.

Jazz / big band/ shows/ classical/folk pop 5mm at G 8mm at E Spiro weichs with Mittel E Full circle AI Focus into ten ex

In fairness there are many Soundmen who totally understand the instrument and do a great job. I remember one occasion in Cork Opera house when we had a short time to Get in and set up and the sound felt so good . When I thanked the sound guys ...one guy replied no big deal we just took your band sound and made it louder. In the case of my OP in the Pit where amplification wasn't needed the seemed bemused because he had no role. FWIW I persuaded the pianist to play the house upright which he did . I wasn't competing with his amplified sound so we had a lovely transparent and balanced ensemble. In so many occasions we are forced to amplify when it isn't always needed. I think the way we listen to music in so many venues has become so unnatural that it sometimes becomes the norm.

I was playing in a pit orchestra tonight and when I arrived there was a monitor speaker and DI box beside my Combo. I asked the Soundman what was the extra gear for. He said he had no way of controlling my sound unless I went through his DI. As the orchestra was all acoustic I suggested that I'd be better using my own gear and playing to the sound from the rest of the orchestra and the singers on stage. I got a disgruntled look so I suggested he listen and if it didn't work we'd perhaps try it his way. Two numbers into the show ( dress rehearsal) the Soundman comes rushing down to the Pit looking agitated and in a told you so kind of voice he tells me the bass is way too loud. However when I told him that I hadn't used any amplification the conversation ended and the Soundman turned own his heel and retreated powerless and defeated... Couldn't help but feel smug ...

He watched me play and was quick to point out defects in my LH grip (position of thumb) and my bowing hand Index finger a little too far forward. (French grip) Then we talked about shifting. Reducing the pressure used by my LH and having little or no pressure while shifting. He reduces the technical demands as having very logical solutions. His analogies are quite funny too. He recommended I get the Storch Hrabe 57 study book too. And yes I intend to book more. Not sure what interval I should have between lessons. Any thoughts? I try and get two hours a day if possible or at least one hour when I have gigs. I should point out that I am an intermediate player . I have only taken to the bow this last five or so years. But I have to say that it has improved my intonation no end. I hope to do a diploma either this year or next. I'll see how I progress.

Had my first online lesson with Tom Martin. What a gent ? Despitenthe limitations of Skype it was very informative .Looking forward to the next one .

Glad to hear it worked out.

[quote name='Clarky' timestamp='1353004122' post='1870432'] Also I guess I would have to replace the bridge if I sent the FC off for repair to the US - and that would also require a luthier to fit either replacement adjuster wheels or a temporary bridge. [/quote] Hi Clarky You could put a set of adjusters on easy enough on your existing bridge or even one adjuster as you only need to repair the adjuster that contains the piezo. Just Check the FC fitting. It comes in two sizes. It's not that scary. Just put the bass on its back loosen the strings and lift off the bridge. You can put a weight on the Bass top if you think it'll help eg some heavy books or get someone to press down while you swap adjusters. It only takes a minute. Good luck

HI Clarky A few years ago my FC packed up , I sent it to Fishman who generously fixed it. You could sound them out for the cost of repair in the meantime. It might still be under warranty.

Thanks for this link Floyd. Think I might take the plunge!

Hi is indeed. He spanned all the periods in the development of the bass. From early slap style to modern. He could pretty much play any style. RIP The Judge. Worth checking out his recordings.

The Double bass is a big instrument so there's plenty of margins for tuning error. You tube is full of the good the bad and the downright out of tune. I've had a few experiences in the studio where I felt that I wasn't quite cutting it 'tuning wise' . I decided that I had to do something about it. Here was my solution. 99% of my work is pizz but I practice mostly with the bow. I start every practice session with about 20 minutes on two octave scales starting on E three octaves and finishing on Eb. then there's a whole load more stuff including Bach which I love but will take a lifetime to get to grips with. I recently decided to do grades 5-8 in my 50's so it's never too late. I have a small chamber orchestra which I run and the other day the viola player said to me 'I've never met anyone who plays so many scales' . My reply was 'no one wants a bass player who plays out of tune'... As a result my technique has improved considerably ... it doesn't make me a better musician but it get's me more gigs and recordings. Most of all it gives me confidence. I only wish I did it years ago. So to the OP I say rather than learn bad muscular memory at the beginning of your DB journey which is difficult to unlearn do something about it now. Enjoy your journey.

I am almost embarrassed to admit that this exact type of Scam happened to me and I bought it 'hook line and sinker'. It was for an AKG 414 mic. The price was too good to be true. Normally I'd be awake to this sort of scam but I was at a Wedding reception when I was conducting the transaction so I was a bit distracted and had a beer or two or three. I kept all the receipts including the UKash and all the emails and messages and sent them to Gumtree but to no avail. If you do buy from Gumtree best to meet the person you are dealing with. Lesson learnt! Thanks for sharing this post.

[quote name='Clarky' timestamp='1351061448' post='1846670'] You'll all be sorry if I stop selling gear on BC! [/quote] Indeed we will. Cameron'll have you in the New Years honours list for single handedly getting us out of the Recession. Keep it up!

[quote name='Gareth Hughes' timestamp='1347123763' post='1797228'] Nah, I'll just wait til you've had it long enough and then put it up for sale in the Double Bass section. But then again, you might withdraw it a few days later.... [/quote] Ha ha ha ...