Any love for the Double Bass?

[Buschman]

I was able to spend some time on one last year at the "Old Settlers" music festival near Austin. I had a ball and have been looking for an affordable one since then. I found one in Baytown a couple of weeks ago.
What an amazing instrument. I seem way too happy to plays blues anymore and Bluegrass and Americana- songwriters have become interesting to me. The upright will sound pretty, growl,moan. I can't wait to get good. I have played guitar for over 45 years and this is an adjustment, however I always hum bass parts when the radio is on. It is great the way things come out that I haven't thought of because I don't know what I am doing and really have no specific influences.
Any of you spent some time on one?

[LeeMo]

You'll be in good company.

[Cliff Schecht]

Willie Dixon is great. Wrote a lot of great tunes and doesn't usually get credit for them. I have a good buddy that tears it up on double bass but doesn't play much anymore. I should make him get it out soon and jam, I don't know many bass players anymore unfortunately..

[Deric]

My son's been playing for the last few years. Luckily was able to build and trade an amp for a nice bass - good ones ain't cheap.

Been really digging Ray Brown lately. Also, Brian Bromberg's album "Wood"

[Phil_S]

Think about renting one for a while so you can get to know your way around. Consider a few lessons, too. This a whole different animal from a fretted instrument. When you know you are serious, you can invest. The bass comes in 4/4, 7/8, and 3/4 sizes. You probably won't even look at a 4/4 (full size) as it is enormous. A set of strings alone is a big investment, maybe $200. Take your time so you can invest your money wisely. I wouldn't buy one until I was more familiar with the instrument.

[Buschman]

Phil I bought the one out of Baytown. $600 for a carved bass with a bag and a bow. I couldn't pass it up. I discovered Edgar Meyer
this morning on You Tube! I considered selling. Geeze what a fine bass player.

[Buschman]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7EcT5YzKhQ

Sorry guys -no amplification involved. I would have loved to be in that room.

[Jana]

I've always wanted to play a cello. There is something about these big, acoustic pieces of wood that seem so organic and emotional.

[Structo]

I used to be in an orchestra, public school, where you had to switch around stringed instruments during the year.

As a violinist I was required to play the violin, viola (no not the cello)
and the Double Bass.

It was an interesting time, it was a time of aggrevation.

Anyway, I can play a bass.

[Phil_S]

Phil I bought the one out of Baytown...

Aha! I didn't realize you'd bought it. I thought maybe you were thinking about it. At that price point, I don't see how you can go wrong. You get nice plywood, which is a typical starter instrument. It should be great fun and there is every reason to expect it to play reasonably well. It may be worthwhile to be sure the bridge is fitted correctly and that the soundpost is properly set.

When you encounter one made with solid maple back and sides with spruce top....let's say I can still remember being in the back room, really a warehouse, trying out cellos. I was 13. It was terribly exciting. Immediately, I could see, hear, and feel the difference and I knew I would never have to go back to the plywood instrument I was using. And I suspect the ones I saw were just ordinary instruments. I can't even fathom what someone like Edgar Meyer might have spent for his instrument(s).

You'll have a lot of fun with it. Enjoy!

[Teleguy61]

Friends of mine from up Vermont way, the bass player is Billy Brathcher.
Note: There is no drummer-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqbDwDqteLQ

[EtherealWidow]

Maybe I'm kind of a geek, but I love the thought of this instrument.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crSi9IxPfYA