r/doublebass

I’m an electric bassist in my first year on double bass. I have an in-person teacher who I’m very happy with, but due to my work and his gigging schedules, lessons often end up being a month or so apart. I’m looking for something to fill those gaps other than books and playing along with recordings, which I obviously still plan to keep doing but it’s a bit dry at times.

Open Studio currently has a deal on their annual subscriptions for $195 which I’m tempted by, as I’ve really enjoyed their free YouTube material. Is anybody using it and do you recommend it?

I’m also a big fan of Discover Double Bass but buying multiple courses from them would end up quite expensive and they don’t have any non-bass material, unlike OS who I could use for occasional piano and guitar lessons as well.

I struggle very heavily with intonation and being able to "reach" notes such as F and F# in that section of bass between D and the G harmonic. It makes it very difficult to consistently play on the G string, especially with Capuzzi in F (the entire concerto is literally RIGHT THERE).

Are there any technique books or possible techniques I am not utilizing that I could use to make this section of the bass easier to navigate?

I’ve been stressing about this a lot lately. I was able to rent a bass for the summer because I’ve been using my schools during the year but I always worry that without a teacher I’m not learning technique properly and I’m worried about injuring myself as my hand have been aching and hurting a lot even when I’m not playing.

The problem is I don’t really have the money or time to get a teacher and there aren’t many in my area anyways.

I’d say for the year that I’ve been playing the bass I’ve improved a lot and can play pretty decently but will I ever get good enough to compete with other double basses without a teacher and without starting younger?

A friend here in Salt Lake City is seeking any information about his bass. He bought it from local luthier named Dan Salini and all he knows is that it came from a luthier in the midwest. He thinks it was purchased in an estate auction. Please let me know if you have any ideas about it! It seems to have some unique ornamental designs, as well as a makers stamp. Front looks like solid spruce w/ perhaps flamed maple sides/back?

I play bass guitar in a musical orchestra and I've been asked a few times if I can play upright bass, so I'm thinking of buying one (I used to play it when I was younger). However I'm hesitant about it because these musicals always take place in an open air theater. As the orchestra we're still sheltered, but it's always in the summer months when temperatures can get quite high (especially when you look at the recent temperatures in Europe, I'm in the Netherlands), or humid because of rain. Or even drop from like 25° degrees C to 15° degrees C throughout the evening. Also in terms of transport, it can easily get above 30° C in my car in the summer.

Is this going to cause issues? Am I better off getting an EUB? I know an EUB is not the same as an acoustic but with this concern (and portability) in mind I'm seriously considering it.

I’m portuguese and belong to something called a Tuna, it is basically a University group that function kind of like a band but is strongly focused in portuguese folk music.
Being in a Tuna with a lot of new members coming every year everyone ends up carrying the instruments and sometimes people aren’t the most careful with the bass and we do a lot of walking and play in various spots around Portugal.
So I was looking for something relatively cheap and that was sturdy and could take a hit and I’ve never bought a double bass so I was looking for tips on what to look for!

Welcome to our new monthly for sale thread! Posters with something to sell will be redirected here. Please feel free to list your instrument, bows, or other Double Bass equipment below. This thread will be posted on the first of every month.

Besides the Cello Suite…

Looking for a challenge piece to learn that utilizes the range of the double bass with some interesting harmonic themes.

I’m an amateur, but occasionally gigging, jazz pizz player. no classical/orchestra background and learning as an adult.

I am working through Book 1 of Simandl right now and am having trouble playing in the position between 5 and 6 (E to F# on the G string). I am mainly struggling playing in the position on the A and E strings because my thumb is on the side of the neck/neck block and my fingers are having a hard time reaching to push on the string for the lower strings. Should my thumb be on the side of the neck or do I need to move it to be able to play the A and E strings comfortably?

I have been paying double base rental for the last 5 years for my son who started double bass in 4th grade. He is about to start high school. I have quite a bit of equity built up in the rental fees that I have paid. He would like to play for 4 years in high school, at least. Our rental store offers purchases with a 40% discount that our equity covers. what do you recommend of the following for this age. and what bow? He ​has been using fiberglass or cheap wood. He prefers German. He likes playing solos and stretching the typical double bass repertoire.​ Therefore, he likes the idea of an extension, but certainly doesn't need it at this stage. Also, not sure if he will play beyond high school. Our local ​store has

Eastman vb 95gr hybrid - 6679

Sebastian Mohr carved, not sure model - 9807

shen hybrid, not sure model - 5188

7113 - Eastman vb95 with extension hybrid

or are we better off getting something used on marketplace?

any German bow recommendations?

this might be a stupid question but i’ve been trying to play with a french bow for quite a while but i can’t play for more than a minute before my hand starts to cramp.
Is there a specific way to hold the bow? Or do i just have to work up more strength in my hand

I'm thinking of getting an electric upright bass and I'm just wondering if it's worth it as a practice tool? If I play in jazz clubs they will have their own and I'll be getting some lessons on technique where I'll be using the teachers one.

The one I'm looking at is 600 quid.

I like the sound of it but I'm just worried that it won't be close enough to the actual thing. I don't mind it sounding a bit different (of course) but how do they feel. Whenever I see videos the people aren't plucking like a proper double bass so I'm worried it's just a funny bass guitar rather upright practice tool.

Should I just save for a plywood upright? Or are these generally worth it? Another factor is it will be very hard to get in and out of the apartment, but if it's very clearly the better choice then I'm willing to take the annoyance.

Thanks!

I’m looking to buy a new double bass in Florida and was hoping for some recommendations.
I currently play a Shen SB200 7/8 Germunder 5-string, but I’m looking to switch to a 4-string. My budget is around 10-11k, and I’m looking for a fully carved bass.
I found a bass at Kolstein that I really like, but I’m a little hesitant because of the legal issues I’ve read about. I also checked out Miami String Haus, but my experience there wasn’t great, so I’m looking for other options.
Are there any reputable shops or luthiers in Florida that you’d recommend? I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences buying a bass in the state.

I have been double bass for 3-4 years now and have rented a double bass from bassico during this time.
As a upper secondary student, I am looking for a bit of advice on buying my first instrument.
How reasonable is a price range of 2.5k to 3k euros for a 4/4 bass (what about other sizes) ?
Where is a good place to look (and maybe not to look),( I live in north east Germany) ?
I have watched a few videos with tips on what to look out for when buying a double bass but what are the most common mistakes ?
A bit of context:
I am relatively tall so I am looking for maybe a 4/4 bass.
I am also part of a school orchestra.
I try a mix of classical and jazz with German bow but also pizz.

Thanks allot!

I'm 17, finished 3rd year of musical high school and need a concert for my last year. I've been playing for 6+ years. My main pieces this year have been 3 movements of the Dragonetti nanny concert and Hertl's tarantella. Last year I did chanson triste. Do you think the koussevitzy concert is too advanced? If yes, what pieces do you recommend? I have a solo concert this year, and need some good programme.