I've always wanted one of these, but never had a real reason to get one. But I've found myself listening to a lot of traditional jazz the last couple of years, and so I thought I'd give it a shot.It's quite a different animal from the bass guitar, even the fretless. But I'm enjoying myself a great deal as I work around the fingerboard, trying to find my notes. I got a bow with it, and I am trying to work with that too, but it still sounds very much like a sick cow when I use it.
Right now I'm working with a book that I used to use during bass lessons in the 80's - The Evolving Bassist by Rufus Reid. It's a very good book, and he included fingering and bowing instructions with the excersizes. Still I may have to spring for lessons to make sure I'm doing it right. I wouldn't hurt to have some direction too.
My plan is to keep renting this for a while until I decide it's for me. The shop I'm renting it from has a nice policy where 100% of the rental fee gets applied to purchase should I decide to buy one later. I'd like to get a hybrid (solid top, ply sides) or, if I can afford one, a carved bass. But that's in the future. Right now I just need to figure out how to play in tune.
4 comments:
Hi. I found this blog because I was searching for any info I could find about Olga Buttle from Mainland. You mention her name in one of your posts so this blog was one of 2 matches.
I went to Mainland around the same time you did. I graduated in '84. Mrs. Buttle is the reason I became a musician for a living, actually, which is why I was looking for her. My maiden name was Susan Pieretti, and I'm a singer. It was cool reading about people that I knew, or knew of, way back when. It's good that you still have music as part of your life. I've pretty much made a living my entire adult life as a singer, actor and voice teacher. I can't imagine doing anything else. Actually, I don't think I'd be good at anything else!
Anyway, just thought I'd say hello.
Hi Susan
Thanks for commenting on my blog. I was class of '83 myself.
It's so cool that you're able to make a living with music. I must say that I'm a little jealous.
Keep up the good work.
-tom
Did you stay in the NJ area? I'm originally from Somers Point, but I left when I went to college at 18. I moved back at 28, and now I'm in Galloway.
I love that my job is also my passion, but I spent many years on the road. I had a good career, but it's a very hard life. I don't miss it as much as I thought I would. Now I teach voice, acting and music theory from my home.
If you're still in south Jersey and want a bass teacher, for either electric or upright, I have 2 friends who are awesome. One's a huge musician in the area, and his fiancee is an amazing upright bass player.
Don't know what I can do to help, but if you ever think of something, just let me know. Artists should help each other out whenever they can.
No, we relocated to central Ohio about 7 ago. We occasionally trek back to SJ. We're hoping to get back there this summer some time.
I do have a list of available teachers throughout the area, so now it's a matter of dedicating some money to the cause. I've noticed, though, that playing the upright seems to be aggrivating my back problem. My doctor wants me to see a physical therapist about it, so I'll have to see how that goes too. I really like the upright. Hopefully I can find a comfortable solution.
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