Calling string bass doublers

[TubaZac2012]

So I'm just curious how difficult it is to pick up a bass and learn. I'm wanting to learn to double. I can already do Euph pretty well and my tuba abilities get better daily, but I'm wondering if I'd be worth learning the string bass along with the tuba and euph. My brother is a pretty accomplished bass player and is willing to teach me. Just curious if it'd be a smart move. For all you out there just curious how much you do, and which one you do the most?

Thanks in advance,
Zac

[Three Valves]

Since you already know music and bass clef, It will be easier than just learning from scratch.

And besides, it can't hurt!!

I just picked up a combo after being out of it since 9th grade orchestra.

[PaulMaybery]

Back in the old days of the more classic musicals, the book was usually for string bass. I would bring both and use tuba when I felt it appropriate. I recall "Music Man" had some obvious tuba spots as did "Hello Dolly" and "Sound of Music" I did bass in HS "dance band" (as it was called in the 60s) so by college days it was not such an ordeal. I never did become that accomplished classically, but did just fine on those shows. Rarely did anything demand much beyond half and 1st position. Many decades ago I gave up my old wooden friend and now double on euphonium and bass trombone and even drag the cimbasso to some of the pops orchestra gigs where many of the tuba parts are more like a 4th bone. These days, I think I would pass on dragging a tuba and string bass to a gig, but I would not mind just doing a show on bass, if I still had one and kept up the technique. The one thing I do not miss is the blisters on the pizzicato fingers. I have never been able to build up calluses. My thoughts though: If you already have the skill sets for reading, a good ear and basic musicality, then I would think with some guided practice (a few basic lessons) and you would probably be up and running in about 5 or 6 months. If you plan to be playing Brahm's symphonies in a rather good orchestra, well that might be optimistic. If you have the room in your home, I would go for it.

[Three Valves]

Who needs a bow ?

Just play electric bass. Make sure it's a six string.

Killing me...

[Donn]

The one thing I do not miss is the blisters on the pizzicato fingers. I have never been able to build up calluses.

The old guy who sold me my string bass, back in the '70s (with Red-O-Ray A, D and G strings and a curtain cord for a high string) claimed that you could pickle your fingertips in a stiff brine for this purpose.

I got a regular set of strings and a serviceable bow before I began my brief orchestral career - nothing all that special, the kind of ensemble that ends up playing for audiences of mostly relatives. Since then it has been more of an occasional thing.

I couple years ago, I went out and looked around to see if I could score a more legit bass, and it turns out, though I don't know how common this is, people will spend some money on a bass and apparently play it in high school ensembles or whatever, but when you go to look at it, it's very poorly set up. String height, stuff like that, such that I can't imagine how they made it work. Go ahead and buy something like that if the price is right, but don't try to play it like that. And if playing with a bow, plan to go try bows in person and be prepared to spend more than the minimum - a suitable bow will make a surprisingly big difference, and if one comes with the Chinese junk bass, it won't be a decent one.

[iiipopes]

What do you want to do with it? If you want to play jazz, bluegrass, etc., where bowing, or arco is not in the picture, then there are several boutiques that can set you up for about $2000 to $2500 for a decent plywood bass and accessories.

Many are tempted to get a CCBSO (cheap Chinese bass-shaped object) off of ebay for peanuts. It will not be playable. By the time you would spend the money having it set up properly by a specialist bass luthier, you will spend as much as just getting one from a reputable luthier or boutique shop in the first place.

If you want to join the community orchestra, you may want to spend a little more than that. And then there is German versus French bowing and other issues that really need a teacher to sort out.

Double bass strings are tough, both in their tension and in the longer mensure requiring significant hand strength and the breadth of the positions. At the very least, a short course in private lessons learning the basic Simandl positions and making sure you have proper posture and technique are absolutely necessary to avoid injury.

The upside - I am actually booked to play more weekend warrior jazz band gigs (corporate holiday parties and such) for more money this season on double bass than I am on tuba. Excuse me while I change into my double-breasted suit and fedora.

[michael_glenn]

I actually started on bass, and just got a heck of a lot better at tuba than bass. It's not too hard to play basics. Advanced stuff is quite tricky however(just like any instrument).

[hduong]

I frequently play musicals for small theater companies in my area on electric/upright bass. I'd say do it, bass is awesome, tuba is awesome.

[Three Valves]

I actually started on bass, and just got a heck of a lot better at tuba than bass.

Me too.

The lure of the marching band party life is strong...

Stronger than Orchestra.

We didn't have a Jazz band.

[tubanonymous]

Been doubling bass and tuba since I was about 13

Both electric and upright bass are really fun. Learning bass will expand your concept of the tuba. Just dont learn it for the sake of "doubling"

[Tom Mason]

I double on tuba and electric/upright.

Work opportunities increase when you can do both.

[ArnoldGottlieb]

I double on electric and string bass. I'm doing it on the national tour of 'Annie' right now.
My two cents on it is this; playing both bass and tuba will open you to playing many styles of music authentically, instead of just loudly as some tuba players seem to do. It may get you some more work that pays money, but you might have to actually play the bass pretty well for this to happen. As stated above, don't do it for the money, there are a lot easier ways to make a lot more money, than to learn musical instruments. And, lastly, if you are looking for a double to broaden your horizons/work options, I would recommend bass trombone as it is certainly a more common double in the last 25 years than tuba/string bass.
Just my opinion.
Peace
ASG

[hduong]

I got to do Tuba and string bass for Singing in the Rain, it was a ton of fun