The Upright Bass

[Page Against The Machine]

Any bass players around here that have tackled this giant instrument?
I'm just starting to get into the bass guitar and I was wondering if you started with a regular bass and moved up or started with the upright and how different it is.
How much did you buy your bass for?
How long have you been playing?
And if you have any pics i'd love to see them ;)

[Sadie Sparkle]

Hello!!

I'm a strings teacher here in the UK (violin, viola, cello and double bass). I picked it up when I was 16 and just clicked with the instrument straight away. I'm sure my brain cheated though cus its similar to playing cello haha.

The bass guitar and the double bass are REALLY different technique wise. The most important thing on upright bass is that you keep your thumb exactly behind your middle finger all the time, and that you use the tip of your fingers to press down. The neck on a double bass is really thick compared to a bass guitar, too.

I bought my bass for £3000, but at the time I was off to music college and needed a conservatoire level instrument. I've been playing for 6 years, but played other stringed instruments since I was 5.

I reckon if you just GO FOR IT you'll be fine! Its such a great instrument to get into. My other top tip is that if you soak your fingertips in a little surgical spirit (TCP) for a few minutes each day your fingertips will develop nice thick bass playing callouses. Sounds gross, but they are essential, or you end up with a bloody mess!!!

No pictures, sorry! Maybe I'll get round to showing you one some day haha.

xxx