I think I've fallen into a double bass player's dilemma... at least when it comes to shopping for a new double bass.
There are plenty of low end double basses that sound good for its price, and there is a great deal of high-end priced double basses in the market. In an ideal world, my budget for a double bass would be at an endless supply and the sky is the limit when it comes to shopping for the bass of my dreams. Such is not the case with the reality of my limited bank account.
Although, it does seem that a mid-level priced bass is within my budget. The only problem is that there might be a small supply of quality double basses that are under $9000 Canadian.
It doesn't hurt to dream, but you can't always get what you want.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Flat or Carved back upright bass?
I found this article on stringemprium.com
Here it is:
Even to this day, upright basses are made using gamba outlines, with either carved or flat backs and there are violin form (outlines), with violin corners, made still in either flat or carved back models.
Is there any shape or style that is better? There are some musical (tonal) thoughts of why one might be better and there are reasons of practicality. When compared to violin or even cello making, carving a bass back is very strenuous and time consuming work. Whenever basses are made whether on a private one per order, or mass produced, basses with a carved back were always more money. This is true today and true throughout history. (Also, working and carving maple is much harder because it is much denser wood.) Making a flat backed upright bass is much quicker and cheaper.
Over time, carved back basses tend to show much less cracking. With a carved back bass, the back is more "elastic" and is able to accommodate the climate and seasonal changes much better than a flat backed bass. Also, in flat back basses, the braces used to support the back over time can peel away and actually shrink or expand in different direction than the rest of the back. This can sometimes be problematic. Some basses over time, are more prone to this because the wood used for braces are too temperamental with the seasonal change. Sometimes we just change out the braces with new ( dry seasoned) wood and this usually solves the whole issue.
Playing and sound. While there are no 2 basses the same, if one were able to compare a flat back model to the very same make (but a carved back), there might be a small difference in the way the bass responds. The flat backed bass tends to respond with a sharper, quicker attack, while the carved back bass will still have good attack, but tend to also have a little more depth to it. This of course is a huge generality! Both types of basses work and can sound great, but they have to be set up and treated according to individual requirements of that particular, one bass and player.
Here it is:
Even to this day, upright basses are made using gamba outlines, with either carved or flat backs and there are violin form (outlines), with violin corners, made still in either flat or carved back models.
Is there any shape or style that is better? There are some musical (tonal) thoughts of why one might be better and there are reasons of practicality. When compared to violin or even cello making, carving a bass back is very strenuous and time consuming work. Whenever basses are made whether on a private one per order, or mass produced, basses with a carved back were always more money. This is true today and true throughout history. (Also, working and carving maple is much harder because it is much denser wood.) Making a flat backed upright bass is much quicker and cheaper.
Over time, carved back basses tend to show much less cracking. With a carved back bass, the back is more "elastic" and is able to accommodate the climate and seasonal changes much better than a flat backed bass. Also, in flat back basses, the braces used to support the back over time can peel away and actually shrink or expand in different direction than the rest of the back. This can sometimes be problematic. Some basses over time, are more prone to this because the wood used for braces are too temperamental with the seasonal change. Sometimes we just change out the braces with new ( dry seasoned) wood and this usually solves the whole issue.
Playing and sound. While there are no 2 basses the same, if one were able to compare a flat back model to the very same make (but a carved back), there might be a small difference in the way the bass responds. The flat backed bass tends to respond with a sharper, quicker attack, while the carved back bass will still have good attack, but tend to also have a little more depth to it. This of course is a huge generality! Both types of basses work and can sound great, but they have to be set up and treated according to individual requirements of that particular, one bass and player.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
SCS - Crazy For You
Thought I would share with you that I will once again have the privilege of playing bass for Scarborough Choral Society's production of Crazy For You.
Here are the details.
March 2009 - Crazy For You
Dates:
March 27th - 8:00pm
March 28th- 2:00pm & 8:00pm
March 29th - 2:00pm
April 3rd - 8:00pm
April 4th - 2:00pm & 8:00pm
April 5th - 2:00pm
Tickets: TBA
Location:
Bayview Glen Upper School Theatre
85 Moatfield Drive,
Toronto, Ontario
(near Don Mills and York Mills Roads)
Box Office:
(416) 293-3981
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Marathon Training Update
Hi all,
Sorry for not posting in a while, but it's funny how life throws you many curve balls.
As most of you know, I have signed up for the Ottawa Marathon on May 24th and I'm training with the Running Room Clinic and their Run Club. Little did I realize when I put pen to paper that marathon training would involve a lot of sacrifice and discipline. Thankfully, I'm on track and the marathon training has gone well. The sacrifices, unfortunately have been significant. I've had to turn down a number of gigs, my time with my children is limited, and activities that I normally participated in, have been placed on the back burner.
Now, don't get me wrong, I completely enjoy every training session. I think this is mostly due to the fact that my training has become my family's training. You see, my cousin, who is an avid marathoner, has been there since day one to run with me. Day two, I found her brother decided to come and run as well and also signed up to be a part of the marathon clinic. Not long after that, his wife has come out to run a number of long runs as well. My Saturday training days have been known as the 6km at 6am with my brother; he just signed up for Ottawa's 10k race. And it seems my dad started to head out the door and has put rubber to the road.
Although this has been a great change to my old lifestyle of juggling home and gigs with various other activities, this has been a great opportunity to grow closer to my other family members.
So, to all those who have their doubts about the training, the change in lifestyle, or even the actual 42.2km that it takes to finish, know that all the rewards are not at the actual finish line but during the quest to finish.
Sorry for not posting in a while, but it's funny how life throws you many curve balls.
As most of you know, I have signed up for the Ottawa Marathon on May 24th and I'm training with the Running Room Clinic and their Run Club. Little did I realize when I put pen to paper that marathon training would involve a lot of sacrifice and discipline. Thankfully, I'm on track and the marathon training has gone well. The sacrifices, unfortunately have been significant. I've had to turn down a number of gigs, my time with my children is limited, and activities that I normally participated in, have been placed on the back burner.
Now, don't get me wrong, I completely enjoy every training session. I think this is mostly due to the fact that my training has become my family's training. You see, my cousin, who is an avid marathoner, has been there since day one to run with me. Day two, I found her brother decided to come and run as well and also signed up to be a part of the marathon clinic. Not long after that, his wife has come out to run a number of long runs as well. My Saturday training days have been known as the 6km at 6am with my brother; he just signed up for Ottawa's 10k race. And it seems my dad started to head out the door and has put rubber to the road.
Although this has been a great change to my old lifestyle of juggling home and gigs with various other activities, this has been a great opportunity to grow closer to my other family members.
So, to all those who have their doubts about the training, the change in lifestyle, or even the actual 42.2km that it takes to finish, know that all the rewards are not at the actual finish line but during the quest to finish.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Gig Recap - SCS ChristmasConcert (my Wish List)
First off,I had a great time being a part of the Scarborough Choral Society's "Sounds of Christmas" Concert. I enjoy being a part of an orchestra where everybody is a good player; it basically keeps me on my toes. Anyway, I hope to be playing again with the SCS in the near future.
One thing that I have found after doing all these gigs is that my bass doesn't seem to produce a loud enough sound that I can easily play. I always find myself needing to dig in a lot when I'm playing pizzicato without an amp. Although I do develop callouses very quickly, it sure does use up a lot of energy always having o dig in to ensure that I can be heard. Now, I'm not about to bring an amp out when I play in an orchestra, but I am thinking about upgrading my bass.
So, I've been doing a bit of web-window-shopping and I've had my eye on this one particular double bass. It's the Emanuel Wilfer "Gentleman Jazz"
According to Lemur Music, The Gentleman Jazz "is a 7/8 bass with a playable 42" string length. Violin corners, antique amber color and medium-fancy woods make for a beautiful instrument that can really move some air. If you’ve dreamed of playing piano trio gigs without an amp, this could be your bass. It is also great as a four-string arco bass for regional orchestra section or serious musicals."
Looks may be deceiving but it sure does pull at my heart-strings. All I can do is keep pinching my pennies and wait.
According to Lemur Music, The Gentleman Jazz "is a 7/8 bass with a playable 42" string length. Violin corners, antique amber color and medium-fancy woods make for a beautiful instrument that can really move some air. If you’ve dreamed of playing piano trio gigs without an amp, this could be your bass. It is also great as a four-string arco bass for regional orchestra section or serious musicals."
Looks may be deceiving but it sure does pull at my heart-strings. All I can do is keep pinching my pennies and wait.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Quote of the Week
"It makes all the difference in the world whether we put truth in the first place, or in the second place."
- John Morley
"It makes all the difference in the world whether we finish the race or mope in the gutter"
- BassBassDude
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Scarborough Choral Society
This will be my second run playing double bass with Scarborough Choral Society's "Sounds of Christmas" Concert.Here are the details.
Scarborough Choral Society presents
Sounds Of Christmas 2008
Director: Judy Scott-Jacobs
Accompanist: Claire Bresee
Guest Performers: CharACTOR Theatre Troupe
Performance Location: Markham Theatre (NW corner of Hwy 7 & Warden Ave in Markham)
Show Dates:
Saturday December 6th @ 3pm and 8pm
Sunday December 7th 2:30pm
Ticket Prices:
Adults $25.00
Seniors $22.00
Students $18.00
It is always a pleasure playing in the orchestra for this production and I look forward to playing there again this weekend.
Hope to see you there.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Quote of the Week
Every man is wise when attacked by a mad dog; fewer when pursued by a mad woman; only the wisest survive when attacked by a mad notion.
- Robertson Davies
Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve.
- George Bernard Shaw
Competence, like truth, beauty and contact lenses, is in the eye of the beholder.
- Laurence J. Peter
Competence. A highly undervalued commodity to the incompetent.
- BassBassdude.
- Robertson Davies
Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve.
- George Bernard Shaw
Competence, like truth, beauty and contact lenses, is in the eye of the beholder.
- Laurence J. Peter
Competence. A highly undervalued commodity to the incompetent.
- BassBassdude.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Gypsy's last week
Hey,
Just a quick reminder that this is the last week that Gypsy will be on stage at Theatre Scarborough. Three shows left. Thursday night, Friday night, and Saturday night is closing night. If you haven't had a chance, it's a great show and I'm having a good time playing in the pit.
Just a quick reminder that this is the last week that Gypsy will be on stage at Theatre Scarborough. Three shows left. Thursday night, Friday night, and Saturday night is closing night. If you haven't had a chance, it's a great show and I'm having a good time playing in the pit.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Theatre Scarborough: GYPSY
So, I'm back with Scarborough Music Theatre playing bass in their production of the timeless musical "Gypsy". Here are the details:
Gypsy
October 30th-November 1st, 6th-8th, and 13th-14th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
November 2nd, 9th, and 15th at 2:00 pm
Tickets: $24
Seniors & Students: $20 (Thursdays and Sundays only)
Groups of 15 or more: $20 each
Now, as most of you know, I am a harsh critic when it comes to vocalists and I have to say that the cast is filled with excellent pipes. It's a fun show and I highly recommend this show to everyone.
visit:
theatrescarborough.com for more info
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Toronto Condo Show Recap
This past weekend, I had the chance to play at the Toronto Condo Show with Melodious Vibes.
Everything went well and the response that we got from the show was great. Thanks to all who came by.
Looking back, I found this a great time to take a look at songs that we haven't looked at in years. Saturday seemed to be the day of re-hashing all the "oldies but goodies". Some were songs that I had not played in over 6 years. Anyway that was nice.
Sunday I got a chance to do a number of songs with only Lianne; vocals and bass duet stuff. It's a good challenge to bass players to work in duet situations; especially if they are not piano or keyboard. It makes you think more about the notes you pick when supporting your partner. Walking also becomes more exposed and if you do too many songs that have the same tempo and feel, the song becomes the same song.
Anyway, the Toronto Condo Show was a great experience again and was an excellent opportunity to try new things and re-learn the old.
Everything went well and the response that we got from the show was great. Thanks to all who came by.
Looking back, I found this a great time to take a look at songs that we haven't looked at in years. Saturday seemed to be the day of re-hashing all the "oldies but goodies". Some were songs that I had not played in over 6 years. Anyway that was nice.
Sunday I got a chance to do a number of songs with only Lianne; vocals and bass duet stuff. It's a good challenge to bass players to work in duet situations; especially if they are not piano or keyboard. It makes you think more about the notes you pick when supporting your partner. Walking also becomes more exposed and if you do too many songs that have the same tempo and feel, the song becomes the same song.
Anyway, the Toronto Condo Show was a great experience again and was an excellent opportunity to try new things and re-learn the old.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Lucky
On Saturday night, I had two gigs booked. Because the location of the two were close proximity, I figured things would be fine.
Normally after playing one gig I tend to be a little tired regardless of the duration. Having two gigs in two different locations, with different people each time, can be a little trying. Fortunately, for me both gigs went off without a hitch, but by the end of the second, I was mentally tired.
Well, when I arrived home and was unloading my gear, I quickly noticed that my bass amp was gone. I realized I left it in a parking garage where I played my second gig. I quickly called my friend who I had played with to see if she was still close to where we last played. In the meantime, I jumped back in my van and headed back down to the parking garage. Lucky for me, my bass amp was still where I had left it and my friend was able to pick it up.
Tired and exhausted with bass amp in-hand and a hard lesson learned, I went to bed with the feeling that I was given a very lucky break.
Normally after playing one gig I tend to be a little tired regardless of the duration. Having two gigs in two different locations, with different people each time, can be a little trying. Fortunately, for me both gigs went off without a hitch, but by the end of the second, I was mentally tired.
Well, when I arrived home and was unloading my gear, I quickly noticed that my bass amp was gone. I realized I left it in a parking garage where I played my second gig. I quickly called my friend who I had played with to see if she was still close to where we last played. In the meantime, I jumped back in my van and headed back down to the parking garage. Lucky for me, my bass amp was still where I had left it and my friend was able to pick it up.
Tired and exhausted with bass amp in-hand and a hard lesson learned, I went to bed with the feeling that I was given a very lucky break.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Marlowe Tomorrow Night
Hey,I'll be up at Marlowe tomorrow night (Tuesday August 12th) playing with Melodious Vibes from 7pm until 10pm. We'll be doing a mix of Jazz and Old School R&B that night. Here's the details:
Marlowe Restaurant and Bar Grill
155 York Boulevard
Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3B4, Canada
Call
(905) 771-8645
visit:
themarlowe.ca
melodiousvibes.com
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Gig Recap
It's nice to always take a step back and take a good look at things. Especially, when at the time, it wasn't the greatest feelings. Last night's gig was one of those nights.
I arrived first to the gig with 2xbass in-tow and started to get ready. I made a quick call to just check in to see where my band mates were. It turns out they got caught in traffic behind a major car accident. Anyway, the chances of them arriving on-time were pretty slim. I was going to be left me on my own for a good chunk of time in front of a large number of people with not much solo bass repertoire under my hat. I'm normally the support in a musical stand-point, not a virtuoso soloist. Needless to say, I felt like a fish out of water and was wating for some sign of relief. I basically went into a number of songs withnot much direction (and not much reactio if I may add).
Anyway, one the rest of the group arrived, we got set-up very quickly and jumped right into our first tunes and played staight in just under two hours.
Once we got into playing, everything sounded great and the audience really enjoyed our show which was our main goal in the first place.
Lesson learned: try to prepare for anything. Time to work on some solo repertoire.
I arrived first to the gig with 2xbass in-tow and started to get ready. I made a quick call to just check in to see where my band mates were. It turns out they got caught in traffic behind a major car accident. Anyway, the chances of them arriving on-time were pretty slim. I was going to be left me on my own for a good chunk of time in front of a large number of people with not much solo bass repertoire under my hat. I'm normally the support in a musical stand-point, not a virtuoso soloist. Needless to say, I felt like a fish out of water and was wating for some sign of relief. I basically went into a number of songs withnot much direction (and not much reactio if I may add).
Anyway, one the rest of the group arrived, we got set-up very quickly and jumped right into our first tunes and played staight in just under two hours.
Once we got into playing, everything sounded great and the audience really enjoyed our show which was our main goal in the first place.
Lesson learned: try to prepare for anything. Time to work on some solo repertoire.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Quote of the Week
I wonder what it means when your grandson is more crotchety than you are.
- Aaron McGruder
If time flies when you're having fun, it hits the afterburners when you don't think you're having enough.
- Jef Mallett
On the whole human beings want to be good, but not too good, and not quite all the time.
- George Orwell
Sometimes success is determined not by being great, but by being just good enough.
- BassBassDude
- Aaron McGruder
If time flies when you're having fun, it hits the afterburners when you don't think you're having enough.
- Jef Mallett
On the whole human beings want to be good, but not too good, and not quite all the time.
- George Orwell
Sometimes success is determined not by being great, but by being just good enough.
- BassBassDude
Monday, June 16, 2008
Street Party
Over the weekend, a friend of my mine was part of a Street Party and decided to provide some musical entertainment. So, he asked to come out and play on his front lawn. Long story short: it was a great time. Everyone that I spoke to at the party said the music sounded great and that we were very entertaining. I just wished it would happen more often, but it's not all that easy to close off a street for a day. Not bad for a beautiful Saturday evening full of good food, good neighbours, good music and good fun.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Quote of the Week
There is still a difference between something and nothing, but it is purely geometrical and there is nothing behind the geometry.
- Martin Gardner
I used to wake up at 4 A.M. and start sneezing, sometimes for five hours. I tried to find out what sort of allergy I had but finally came to the conclusion that it must be an allergy to consciousness.
- James Thurber
If this is coffee, please bring me some tea; but if this is tea, please bring me some coffee.
- Abraham Lincoln
Coffee - Life's magic potion that makes everything seem a little better and makes my urine smell funny.
- BassBassDude
- Martin Gardner
I used to wake up at 4 A.M. and start sneezing, sometimes for five hours. I tried to find out what sort of allergy I had but finally came to the conclusion that it must be an allergy to consciousness.
- James Thurber
If this is coffee, please bring me some tea; but if this is tea, please bring me some coffee.
- Abraham Lincoln
Coffee - Life's magic potion that makes everything seem a little better and makes my urine smell funny.
- BassBassDude
Monday, June 02, 2008
Casino Rama Gig
Hey,I'll be playing with Melodious Vibes up at Casino Rama in Orillia tomorrow night courtesy of Tai Pan Tours. We'll be playing from about 8pm to 10pm in their Silvernightingale Ballroom.
Hope to see you there.
visit
casinorama.com
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