lobematt

Hey guys I'm looking for an amp for my upright, I'm a bit of a noob on DB gear and I can't find much advice out there! Most DB players I see tend to be using small speaker cabs so my current BG rig (the Jeff Berlin Markbass 115) probably isn't the best choice I'm guessing! This looks like a bit of a bargain, is an 8" speaker going to be a bit [i]too [/i]small?? https://www.gak.co.uk/en/markbass-micromark-801/56360 Thanks!

Thanks for the replies guys!

Can anyone recommend a DB repair guy near liverpool? Got an end pin that needs straightening!

[quote name='neilp' timestamp='1465899794' post='3071909'] 4ths are more difficult that 5ths or octaves, there's no real trick, just practice to get the string crossings smooth. Work and more work, I'm afraid! [/quote] Ah, I was afraid of that haha

I usually use either finger 1 or 4 (with 3) depending on what I'm playing. Finger 4 feels most natural but this is probably just a throw back to my bass guitar technique!

Thanks!

Hey guys! I'm a relative newbie to double bass and there is one thing that crops up quite a lot in the music I'm playing that catches me out, playing fourths. In particular when I'm in half position and playing F or Bb, R 5 8ve type shapes. For the 5th and 8ve I would ordinarily use my pinkie on BG but it doesn't seem like a great option on the upright, has anyone got any advice for this? I play quite a bit of folky root-5 stuff and this comes up A LOT!! Many thanks Matt

Thanks guys, I was fairly close to the guitar although it was a nylon strung guitar so not too loud. I was quite far away from the nearest wall too and definitely got a sense of the sound flying away from me! I'll pick up a pick up (ba dum!) this month and let you know how the next one goes! EDIT: Is this the one? http://www.thomann.de/gb/david_gage_the_realist_kontrabass.htm

I played my first gig on my upright this week - woohoo! It was a duo gig with an acoustic guitarist in a small cafe and I haven't got a pickup for my bass yet so I thought I'd just test it out without and see. A friend of mine who came to watch said it was definitely loud enough for the gig but I really struggled to hear myself, i'm guessing because my practice room at home is quite small but this cafe was large enough for me to not have the sound bouncing back for me. Am I best just getting a little amp for monitoring purposes for gigs like this or are there any other options like better bass positioning? Thanks!

[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1438529958' post='2835189'] A simple RBoS joint bank account was all we did. [/quote] Thanks for the help guys!

[quote name='Lw.' timestamp='1438357285' post='2833911'] Given the fact you're providing a service & charging people for it in what would look to many like a business transaction it seems fair that the guy would think you need a business account. Any reason that you don't want one? [/quote] Mainly because you generally have to pay for business accounts! At the minute we all declare our earnings to HMRC and are registered as self employed. The band itself doesn't actually make any money, just the members of the band. I'm sure it falls into all kinds of grey areas but was just wondering if anyone had set up anything similar??

[quote name='PaulWarning' timestamp='1438353510' post='2833853'] cash cash cash, just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get me, why do you want a bank account? [/quote] Haha because all our payments are bank transfer the week prior to the event so we don't need to chase drunk brides for money...

One of the bands I play with are looking into getting a bank account rather than taking payments into one of our personal accounts. Ideally anything with more than one of our names on it would do just to keep everything kosher... I had a chat with a guy in TSB who seemed convinced we need a business account, although the band itself isn't registered as a business. I was just wondering what you guys have done in similar situations, a joint personal account maybe? Cheers!

[quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1438001434' post='2830676'] It's the bit where everyone stops and you keep going (generally thinking 'oh, fcuk!! Is this right? Shoudl I have shut the fcuk up by now or what'? 'Why is everyone staring at me'? It is usually a bass cliche but best check before you play it . [/quote] Yeah I definitely got that feeling in the rehearsal yesterday! Thanks

I've got a big band gig coming up in a few weeks and I'm working through some of the charts. Quite a few have the marking 'Soli.' above certain measures... What does it mean?? Thanks!

Thanks for the hard work matey!

Hey guys, This is something I've been working on for a while now, would love some feedback! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxT92kOXj-E

Hey guys, I've been listening to the A-Z of Warne Marsh on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/6IchlUQVqxb9exsxRS4SB9 Some of the bass playing is pretty stellar! I know it's probably a few different players but one of the songs in particular, April, is too good! Can anybody help me identify this bassist? Pederson maybe?? Thanks

[quote name='Hector' timestamp='1428059478' post='2737572'] Hey Matt! Look for Chris Fitzgerald's videos on youtube. There's a fairly decent in depth video about LH technique (not saying his is the only right way of doing it). Geoff's lessons on youtube are great as well - he has couple of videos on left hand technique, and some potential pitfalls. One exercise you can do is trying to play simple melodies without the thumb on the back of the neck. I'd also recommend playing crotchets with the bow at 40bpm, so you can get your technique under the microscope. I will say that my experience so far is that there's always a bit of effort required to play the E and A (especially down in 1st or 1/2 position), and that trying to squeeze less isn't a lightbulb moment, more a gradual refinement.You will both build strength over time, and use that strength more efficiently. As ever though, much of these physical aspects of DB playing basically necessitate a good teacher to physically show you and that's what I'd recommend most of all. You might get there by trial and error, but a bit of guidance would go a long way! It's all related to posture and stance with the bass, which bit of your finger you stop the string with etc. and it's a tricky one to get right on your own. Firm foundations will make you soooo much happier and you can focus on the music [/quote] Thanks Hector. I have seen Chris's and Geoff's videos, they are helpful but I just wasn't sure if I was missing something! I've seen a teacher for a few lessons when I first got the bass and I'll be heading back for a few more in the summer. In the mean time I'll just keep practicing, thanks for the tips!

Hi guys, I've not been playing my upright long and have been watching/reading quite a lot about using arm weight rather than squeezing your hand on the neck. I've been practising this quite a lot recently and I seem to be getting the hang of it on my D and G strings but when I move to my lower strings I can't apply the same pressure and keep my wrist/hand in shape without the bass wanting to fall over or using some pressure from my thumb. Are there any exercises I can do to help with this? Also when you're playing on your E string should your thumb on the back of the neck now be over closer to the G string side of the neck? Thanks!

Thanks mate, that must be it!

Hi guys, I'm trying to track down a version of Joe Pass and Ron Carter playing 'Telephone'. If anyone could help me out I'd appreciate it! Thanks

Thanks fellas!

HI guys looking for some reading practice that isn't in 4/4! Specifically 2/4, 3/4, 2/2, 6/8, 9/8, 12/8. Any bits people can throw my way would be appreciated!

I've got it, I think it's great! I love Damian anyway, really like his teaching style. This book as with most I would say pick one exercise and stick with it until it's internalised before moving on. The rhythmic exercises at the back are really useful!