27 frets

Hi Vauxhall Zafira - MkII version (now superceded by MkIII, so some new ones of these possibly still around, and heavily discounted) masses of space: my full size DB fits comfortably down the middle on its side, with space for one rear seat up, and space for stool, bag and a smallish amp in the boot.. A 3/4 size bass would possibly even allow 2 rear seats up with bass down the middle

I've been using EP Weichs too - nice clear tone for arco, not too bright, but on my bass pizzicato on E string is perhaps a little quiet

[quote name='SevenSeas' timestamp='1382427676' post='2251885'] Hey everyone, Looking at a new double bass bag, it needs to be a full size bass bag 4/4. I have used Gewa before and they're nice bags but in my honest opinion I don't know if they're padded enough! (Annoyingly they're well priced but having a decent case is crucial) Anyway using the Jaegar? [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/jaeger_kontrabasstasche_44.htm"]http://www.thomann.d...sstasche_44.htm[/url] Really expensive but are they that much better than other cases? (Soundwear 4.4) [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/soundwear_performer_3244_blue.htm"]http://www.thomann.d...r_3244_blue.htm[/url] [/quote] How about Gedo Musik:[url="http://www.gedo-musik.de/shop/product.php?id_product=772"]http://www.gedo-musi...?id_product=772[/url] or [url="http://www.gedo-musik.de/shop/product.php?id_product=168"]http://www.gedo-musik.de/shop/product.php?id_product=168[/url]

[quote name='ubassman' timestamp='1365202462' post='2036835'] CAPTION? [/quote] And this is what I found at the top of the beanstalk - bringing it down was a bit tricky though!

[quote name='ubassman' timestamp='1364383198' post='2025610'] Thought i would just start a lighthearted 'caption' thread ....here are some images found on-line . The idea is to chip in with alternative captions and add new photos ! ( found these by Googling Double Bass + adding a word ! ). "...now just got to reach up and get that end pin extended!" [/quote] "McCartney violin bass reissue goes awry after manufacturer uses measurements in inches rather than centimetres" OR "Dobby the house elf regrets standing in on bass for Hagrid in Hogwarts School Beatles tribute act"

[quote name='DaveFry' timestamp='1364067670' post='2021632'] Ho ho , reminded me of ; [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPFwpjkJYsc[/media] [/quote] Must feel deflated at the end of a gig!

PMed

[quote name='gypsyjazzer' timestamp='1363279146' post='2010978'] Does anyone know where I can obtain [b]aircraft stranded stainless steel cable[/b] in the UK --for fixing DB tailpiece to end pin? [/quote] Why not just buy a tailpiece wire? e.g. [url="http://www.thestringzone.co.uk/wittner-ultra-stainless-steel-double-bass-tailpiece-wire"]http://www.thestringzone.co.uk/wittner-ultra-stainless-steel-double-bass-tailpiece-wire[/url] Full size version also available, if not from this supplier, then elsewhere. Wouldn't recommend nylon versions - tend to snap

[quote name='itsat34' timestamp='1363600083' post='2014418'] Hi folks As a new EUB owner, I want to get the basics of posture, fingering, etc right to start with. Can anyone out there rcommend Double Bass Tutors in Essex in the Chelmsford area? Cheers [/quote] +1 for Bilbo's reply. Tony Hougham taught me - he's in Great Baddow. Tony is a top classical DB player (Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and tutoring at various colleges), but I know he's also taught Jazz players. Not sure what he'd make of EUB though. Depending on what you're looking for, I could possibly give some pointers on basic upright bass technique

[quote name='fatback' timestamp='1356961334' post='1915616'] I've got one of these, and good players who have tried it say it's excellent for the money. [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Top-Model-Carbon-Fiber-Double-Bass-Bow-French-/150580744560?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Sting_Instruments&hash=item230f4fd170"]http://www.ebay.co.u...=item230f4fd170[/url] Posted from China, but arrived very quickly. You might want to check out Rabbath's Art of the Bow video, if you can get it. Very helpful (although I can't imagine what t would take to get me bowing reliably. ) [/quote] +1 on the French Carbon Fibre bow from YitaMusic, they also do a German model, and similar bows of a slightly lower spec.

Handel's[i] The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba[/i] is a popular piece, enjoyable to play, but not particularly difficult on bass - mainly quavers whilst higher strings play semiquavers

Hi Depending on type, Gedo basses come from different sources. When I bought mine (fully carved, solid wood model - which is what yours appears to be), I was told that: "First of all, we are working as wholesaler since 1964 in Germany and export to more than 70 countries around the globe. Right, the cheapest one (approx. 450 Pounds) is all laminate construction, but with proper ebony fingerboards the basses are Made in China and Korea - finishing will be made by our own workshop with 3 violin-makers. We generally use "normal" steel strings and bridges to be fitted by ourselves. If you have special requests for better grade, etc., we would be glad to have your corresponding disposal. Basses in the range of Pounds 630-650 are Made in Korea and Czech, same with the bridge, solid spruce top, ebony fingerboard. The solid models are Made in Czech and improved by our workshop. They are delivered with German fingerboards."

Hi Gedo Musik who sell a lot of basses on eBay also do cases: [url="http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Gedo-Online-Musikshop/_i.html?_fsub=7"]http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Gedo-Online-Musikshop/_i.html?_fsub=7[/url] Though based in Germany, they will respond to email queries in English, and shippnig to UK is prompt. My Gedo bass came with a 'Tim Hendson' branded case, which has been fine, though some of the clips on the shoulder carrying straps have now bent a bit, making them rather insecure. It looks like they have switched to their own brand cases, with the rucksack-type shoulder carrting straps stitched on, and wheels added on some cases - so probably an improvement.

Hi I've tended to use one of the cheap slot-in bridge piezos from eBay, but as I don't need huge volume (I play in Church), I've just ordered this clamp-on condensor to see if it gives a more natural tone: [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140422452918&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:GB:1123"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140422452918&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:GB:1123[/url] It looks identical to this one from Studiospares (currently out-of-stock) [url="http://www.studiospares.com/mics-instrument/studiospares-s150-miniature-instrument-mic/invt/449180/"]http://www.studiospares.com/mics-instrument/studiospares-s150-miniature-instrument-mic/invt/449180/[/url] but even with postage, it's only just over half the price! I'm not sure if the bass response will be that strong, but it's worth a try for the price. Also need to work out where best to fix it, as foot of bridge may be too thick for the 13mm max clamp opening - might try fixing to the tailpiece, or further up the bridge, or under the centre of the bridge between the two feet - trial and error!

[quote name='J.R.Bass' post='1277254' date='Jun 21 2011, 04:15 PM']I know Harrison well, he studies at the RNCM (my uni) and he's an astounding double bass player. He's also Mark Basses youngest endorsee. You can check him here, [url="http://www.harrisonwood.com"]http://www.harrisonwood.com[/url] His list of work that he's done, people he's played with and his reputation really is amazing, and he's only 20 years old.[/quote] OK: Fair point about Harrison Wood - maybe it was the BGM people who messed up on the scale length in the technical spec, but I still don't get the bit about ebonised tuning pegs, whuich is included in the text and the technical spec (they look like typical chrome/brass machines to me), and it would still be a fairer review for readers if the Antoni had been a stock model, not one with a luthier upgrade costing half as much as the bass itself (or more).

[quote name='2wheeler' post='1276628' date='Jun 21 2011, 07:56 AM']Ahhh. My double bass teacher said I could try one of their basses but that I should get the tail piece re-secured immediately because they all fail. This is a known problem, to some extent.[/quote] I think that may be true - I've seen several basses being auctioned on eBay by G4M with broken tailwires. Why they don't fix them themselves is a bit of a mystery - don't they have the expertise in house?

Tailpiece wires do go sometimes - mine went after about a year, and I replaced it myself. Advice from my luthier is that the nylon ones are definitely not worth using - Wittner wires ones are much better. Soundpost adjustment might take a luthier, but shouldn't be too expensive.

Disappointingly inaccurate/inadequate review of the Antoni Debut DB in Bass Guitar Magazine by someone called Harrison Wood. He gets some basic details of the spec completely wrong: - a 30" /754mm scale - I doubt it (unless it's a small scale children's model - 30" is short scale BG length!) - 'ebonised tuning pegs' - that may be what Antoni fit on cellos, violins and violas, but these are clearly metal machine heads. Is this guy actually a DB player? Hardly a stock model either - this one has been fitted with a Fishman Full Circle, which he admits is a £300 upgrade, which of course means there's an adjustable bridge, and presumably it's had a luthier set-up too. What was the Antoni set-up like with the standard bridge? Interesting that even then the fitting of the Full Circle doesn't feed it through the bridge, as it should do, to keep the wire neat and tidy. They wouldn't review a budget bass guitar with the benefit of an expensive upgrade and set-up, so why treat the Antoni any different? 4 stars - questionable

[quote name='Major-Minor' post='1266246' date='Jun 12 2011, 04:13 PM']Keith Hartley has published a couple of books of solo bass tunes which I've used with some of my students. Excellent material to work with, all well known tunes transcribed for solo bass. [url="http://www.doublebass-solo.com/Book1.php"]http://www.doublebass-solo.com/Book1.php[/url][/quote] +1 on that book: I've been working on some of those pieces, and because many are well-known, I think it's easier to get a handle on how they should sound Don't always agree on the bowings though - some pieces shown as separate bows seem to sound better slurred, e.g 'Jesu Joy' (Bach), or maybe that's a deliberate challenge for playing legato without slurs

[quote name='james_guitar' post='1235136' date='May 18 2011, 02:42 AM']It seems that most of the double bass stands I have come across online are also for Cello and and it is hard to assess what the quality is like based upon pictures alone. Having had my reaonably okay DB stand go missing after a gig a recently, I am on the hunt for a high quality stand that is ideal for both home and live and won't run the risk of my bass falling off and breaking (already been there; not a pretty topic). Has any one in this forum got a high quality double bass stand they would be able to recommend? SO far I'm looking at both the Hercules and K&M models, although the K&M model is particularly confusing as they have just upgraded their old model and the new one looks a little cheaper in the photos online... What do you good people here think?[/quote] BM gig stand is good, grips neck, but only just big enough for my 4/4 size bass body see: [url="http://www.footesmusic.com/product.asp?strParents=%20395&CAT_ID=698&P_ID=3924"]http://www.footesmusic.com/product.asp?str...8&P_ID=3924[/url]

[quote name='Bilbo' post='1245639' date='May 26 2011, 02:23 PM']There is a guy down that way called Tony Hougham but he is classical (top banana for arco by all accounts but expensive). You could try Steve Laws at Oakdene Music Services (Sible Hedingham near Sudbury?). I have Steve's no. if you want to PM me (he is also a luthier).[/quote] I live in Chelmsford, and went to Tony when I started. He's a top teacher: Professor at Royal College, and Guildhall, besides being Principal Bass at Covent Garden. Don't be overawed by that though - he also teaches at local schools (KEGS, CCHS). From what I could find, he's the only DB teacher around in this area. Great on arco, which will definitely help your intonation, whether you're laying arco or pizzicato. Uses Simandl technique re: fingering etc. Certainly helped me to gety started and progress quite quickly (I'm also a bass guitarist). Lessons not cheap though, as Bilbo has noted. You'd be welcome to pop round here some time to give my bass a try. If you're interested - PM me.

[quote name='blackmn90' post='1185822' date='Apr 2 2011, 01:21 PM']try this flamed maple bass, i unfortunately cant afford it. [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FINE-QUALITY-VINTAGE-3-4-DOUBLE-BASS-FRENCH-MIRECOURT_W0QQitemZ250796249254QQcategoryZ16222QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp5197.m7QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D5%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D8171213818068877872#ht_4765wt_1462"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FINE-QUALITY-VINTAGE...#ht_4765wt_1462[/url][/quote] Interesting looking bass, but a few things I've spotted on the pics Angle of neck to body seems quite steep Odd looking endpin wire arrangement Bridge is leaning/even curving somewhat - (a sign that it needs replacing?) It may just be the camera angles, or are these things normal on a bass of this type?

[quote name='Bilbo' post='1174811' date='Mar 24 2011, 03:44 PM']Read this and follow the links. Just a few extra options you may not have thought of. Shipping to the UK is very cheap (£20 IIRC) and the packaging is top drawer. You have to fit the bridge yourself on receipt but its idiot proof (otherwise I couldn't have done it ). [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=93958&hl=gedo+musik"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=...p;hl=gedo+musik[/url][/quote] +1 to that - I bought a Gedo Musik fully carved bass just over 2 years ago, and have been pleased with it. They honour their 2 year guarantee too - Over last winter, part of the back came unglued (probably due to the cold/dry weather, and less damaging than the instrument itself cracking). I contacted Gedo Musik, and after accepting that shipping it back to Germany would be too expensive for a minor repair, they agreed for me to get it repaired locally (Martyn Bailey) and refunded the cost afterwards. Can't say fairer than that!

Try this [url="http://musical-instrument-suppliers.co.uk/bassaccs.htm"]http://musical-instrument-suppliers.co.uk/bassaccs.htm[/url] They're quoting £180+ p&p

[quote name='moonbass' post='1152169' date='Mar 7 2011, 08:35 AM']Hmm, so I'm confused: after reading this thread and some others I've found, I don't think I understand the input impedance issue. If piezos are high impedance should they not have a low output (compared to guitar pickups?) and how come some preamps can handle the high impedance and some can't? Wouldn't this require some kind of buffer switch (like between active and passive?) Am I just lucky that my Markbass stuff seems to handle it ok? And why wouldn't a pro mixing desk be able to take high impedance inputs as a DI effectively? Are mic inputs low or high impedance? (Sorry if I'm hijacking the thread.) A.[/quote] In simple terms, a high impedance piezo pickup produces a relatively high (voltage) level (and very low current level), but this then degrades significantly with cable length, and/or if fed into a lower impedance input. So a preamp high impedance input is used to 'buffer' the signal and produce an output with a lower impedance for going into a standard amp input, and an even lower impedance signal for DI purposes (the low impedance standard for microphone/mixer inputs is around 600-2000 ohms). Low impedance signals tolerate much longer cable lengths, and can be fed into a range of input impedances, without deterioration in frequency response and signal level. Piezo signals also have an uneven frequency response, so the preamp may also offer some EQ to balance this. The ideal is to match the amp/preamp input impedance to the pickup impedance as closely as possible - some bass amps do have relatively high impedance inputs (1 M Ohm = 1000000 Ohms or higher), so will work OK with high impedance signals from piezo piezo, typically around 10M Ohm impedance. Standard 'high impedance' inputs for magnetic pickup or microphone signals were once as low as 50-100K Ohms (but usually higher now), which gives a significant mismatch with a piezo signal.