TorturedSaints

Well, I wasn’t technically opted in to the 2024 competition, but seeing as I was GAS free for the last 2 years, it was a fair bet. However, in order to play sfz fp crescendo dynamics on the bass guitar with the concert band, I needed a volume pedal (I wasn’t quick enough to do it with the volume knob😮). So now I have a passive EHX volume pedal for that, and I’m out of the running for 2024.

Still looking.

Thanks for explaining it better than I ever could!

Ok it’s a me thing. Although it doesn’t happen on my EUB. Thanks everyone.

Here’s a strange question. I’m convinced that my DB prefers playing in flat keys rather than sharp. My bass just seems to respond and resonate better in flat keys. It’s not a big difference, it just feels to me as though the sharp notes are a bit ‘choked’. I know that as a string player, notes such as F#/Gb are not strictly enharmonic when played in tune (which I try to do!) in a flat key or a sharp key, so I don’t know if that has a bearing on it. Is it just a ‘me’ thing, meaning I need to practice more in sharp keys or do other DBs have idiosyncrasies like this?

Thanks kind people, I’ve ordered a Tourte from a reputable supplier! As for the next ‘Play Day’, it’s not happening for me this time as the music is too difficult in important places (and I’ve had to agree to go to work that day too🙁).

Still a newbie DB player here, although I did successfully manage a ‘Playday’ with Falkirk Tryst Orchestra recently, playing Tchaikovsky’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Overture. Are all ‘Tourte’ style DB mutes much of a muchness or are there any particular mutes that you would recommend for ‘con sordini’ ? (Andreas Zeller 3/4 DB) (just considering another Playday where the music requires mutes🤣)

Still looking bump.

I’m looking for my replacement. I don’t want to leave the band in the lurch, but new job says otherwise. As per the title, Glasgow Community Concert Band (wind instruments plus string bass plus percussion) will need a new DB (or EUB) or electric bass player later on this year, but now would be a good time to start, as concert is in June. Rehearsing every Tuesday night in Tollcross, Glasgow. Subscription £10/month payable with concessions available I believe once you’ve joined - tryouts free, and no auditions ! Friendly bunch of players, playing a wide (eclectic) range of concert band music from classical to film to big band to show tunes to basically anything, normally 2 big concerts per year. Reasonable bass clef reading skills required (no chord charts, just notated music), could be played on electric bass but this season’s music seems to favour a mix of arco and pizz on EUB (bring your own amp/cab/combo - I’m using probably 80-100W, as there are 60 band members). Because of the weekly rehearsal, sight reading not really required as long as you can work on the pieces on your own during the week - you always know what pieces are planned to be rehearsed the following week. Some interesting stuff in the pipeline for this year (can’t say too much but a world premiere, recording session etc). You don’t have to be the best/most technical player, we are all there for fun. Although my reading is excellent (former clarinettist 🤣), my bowing ability is probably only about Grade IV or so. It would be useful if you have played following a conductor before, but if you haven’t it would be a good place to start. No audition required, it’s a Community band (charity) and is a varied ability, varied age group that tries to play as well as they can. Check out FB/youtube etc. Message me if you need any more info (such as current pieces etc), or for a chat. Thanks R.

Can I suggest “Tales from a Dark Christmas” from IQ? My go-to prog Christmas music! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xw2jZjQhft0&list=PLknWpd5vdlORGrdlDVpQBWfUZqwuF3-5t

Sorry guys, there is a whole subset of amateur bass players that don’t get paid. In fact, you could say I’m paying to play as the Concert Band (a charity) has an annual subscription. I think you will find that a lot of orchestras and concert bands are like this.

Time expired

Another vote for “sounds not the right tutor for you”. You mentioned “a fair bit of cash “ - before you part with too much cash for a series of lessons, it’s best to have a trial lesson with any tutor, to see whether you get on with each other and their teaching style. I know you mentioned that you are coming from a guitar background but I would be a little wary of any tutor who was a guitar specialist and thinks they can teach bass because of that. It’s a different instrument. Good luck with your search.

I did have Scottish banknotes refused by a bank in France when I was trying to exchange them for Francs (guess that dates the story somewhat 🤣).

I saw Dave Beatson’s Big Band at Kilwinning Abbey Church, North Ayrshire on Friday (6th October). Outstanding big band, great soloists. I would have paid a lot more money to see this band if they had been professionals, I can’t believe they aren’t professional as the standard of musicianship was so high. From Glen Miller to Weather Report, with a guest vocalist for some Sinatra and more. Big shout out to the bass player Martin (Henderson?), solid as a rock all night and he just made me realise how far I have to go on my bass-playing journey. Great evening.

I bought a selection of DB music from Lawrie. All as advertised, good communication, and a lovely chap to deal with. Thanks!

I have had 4 credit card replacements in the last 18 months as ‘somehow’ the accounts have been compromised, with people phoning the credit card company and pretending to be me, or fraudulently using them. No money lost by me thankfully. The last 2 cards have never been used and have always been in my possession - the only people that know the card number are me and the credit card company. Go figure!

Bit late (hospital got in the way) but I saw Franck Carducci and the Fantastic Squad at the Innisfree Social Club in Newcastle on 19th August. A great up and coming band from France, they’ve been touring in the UK quite a lot and have supported Sting at festivals. They play an eclectic rock/prog/acoustic set and are visually exciting (Franck in the style of Freddy Mercury, who he freely lists as an influence). They all are thoroughly talented musicians and lovely people. One of the band members has an incredible way of playing the theremin, and does some amazing visual performances while singing as well. Best of all, Franck is the bass player/lead vocalist and plays a double neck for most of the set, supplemented by his Fender with (bizarrely) a Union Jack scratchplate. It was an incredibly enjoyable and entertaining gig. Check them out when they next come back to the UK next year. There are some great YT videos available.

I haven’t gigged my DB (no pickup nor mic) but with my NS Wav EUB I use a Fishman Platinum into Quilter Bass Block 800 (without using all of the 800W) into Barefaced OneTen. People seem to like the sound. Plenty of cut through if required for a 50 player wind band.

For me (with limited experience of different basses) it would have to be: a year of birth Fender P Bass (so pretty vintage 🤣) MM Stingray

Since 2005: Shine 10W practice amp Fender Rumble 100 combo (sent it back and got a refund!) Laney RB5 1x15 165W combo and Warwick WCA410 extension cab Eden WT-405 amp and Peavey 410TVX cab GK MB500 and Barefaced Super Twin Quilter BB800 and Barefaced One10

2022 success. No purchases, just fantasy ones . . . 🤣. In my dreams I bought a couple of new ACGs, a Stingray 5, a backup amp and a pickup for my DB. 😀

It’s been a while. I played my first concert using the EUB and German bow with the Glasgow Community Concert Band on Sunday last. Into a Fishman Platinum, through my Quilter BassBlock and BF One10 it didn’t sound too bad. I can see why everyone says it’s a lifetime of learning though 😀😀