Hello bassists everywhere!

[Bob G]

Hi, Bob here, age 56 and from Welwyn Garden City. First up, I have to admit to being a traitor to the cause of the low rumble - I've been playing saxophones for the last few years to the exclusion of all else, but now it's a bit painful following extensive dental work. So, I've decided to return to the bass which I had been playing for about 30 years, and as a self-inflicted punishment I am considering the upright bass rather than the guitar variety! This means I will in effect be a novice in terms of technique, but at least have a feel for the role and possibilities of the bass, and this seems like a nice friendly place for asking what some might consider very basic questions. Cheers everyone!

[jaydentaku]

Hello and welcome.

What are you playing at the moment?

[discreet]

[BassTractor]

Hi Bob,


Welcome!
To me it looks like you're right about everything you write, with the exception of your positive expectations about BC. But you'll get used to it.

Saxophone = good.
Upright = good. Are you gonna carry this around? Me, at 56 myself, I decided it's not for me. Then again, I'm old, and you're probably not.


Anyway, enjoy the site. You'll slide in easily, and people will be standing in line to help you out.


best,
bert

[Bob G]

Thanks for the welcomes! Back when I was playing bass, I started off in about 1971 with a borrowed Danelectro, then my own Vox Precision copy (£15!!) through whatever amp I could blag, eventually I got my own real Precision which at various times went through Hiwatt (for that authentic JJ Burnel sound) then Marshall heads, with either (or both in extreme circumstances) a Marshall 4x12 and Vox 2x15 cabinets. I finally ended up with a Fender Power Jazz Plus (active, all black, nice instrument) going through one of those ludicrously big heavy Peavey combo's. I also had a brief flirtation with a Gibson EB-something, fairly short scale and a bit flappy, but basically was always a Fender man. Also owned a cheapo fretless for about 20 years, and ended up swapping a bass for my first saxophone about 8 years ago. I've also done brief stints in various bands playing guitar, keys in another, and drums in one (plus a ludicrously under-achieving career as a solo acoustic guitarist/singer) but was really always a bassist, it's my first love really despite having only toyed with the old fretless on occasion over the last few years while playing the sax. Every gig I've been to over the last year or so has made me more aware of what the bass is doing to the point where I can almost feel that old neck in my left hand and my plucking fingers get kind of itchy, so I think I'm ready to get back into it. Cheers, Bob

[Leen2112]

Eh up Bob,

Welcome to the forum.

Cheers Leen.

[lastnotleast]

Welcome Bob. Way, way back in school I wanted to learn to play the saxaphone but was put in the percussion section instead.
That lasted through marching season of my Freshman year in high school when I was offered free lessons from our Julliard graduate orchestra teacher to learn double bass.
It was a rare opportunity and the experience of a lifetime. Continued to play drums in bands then guitar/keyboards.
It took me about 40 years to come to my senses and return to bass. Nobody from this lot has yet tried to talk me out of it but then, they haven't heard me play.