Switching from Bass Guitar to Double Bass with Zoltan Dekany

[@FittyNiner]

As someone who started on a Fender and eventually picked up the DB, I can think of lots of things I needed to know that are not even hinted at here: What about bowing? French vs. German? What qualities are important in a beginner’s instrument? How much is reasonable to spend on a starter instrument? What are the trade-offs in playability vs. tone? Who are some of the players one should try to emulate at first? What repertoire is most useful for developing the required techniques? How do you deal with blisters when getting started? Etc. etc. etc. Obviously, there wasn’t time to do all these topics Justice, but still …

[@user-qt5eh9wb7g]

I bought an Eastman and a kay just cause. Whatever bow you get you learn to. I got a good deal on a French, so that's what I play. Blisters, play thru it and they'll form callouses. You're welcome.

[@dreamingpanthers1847]

I always love hearing Zoltan's point of view. Great player and practical teacher. Bravo

[@zoltansbasslounge]

Thank you! You are very kind!

[@dreamingpanthers1847]

@@zoltansbasslounge You're welcome sir. I watched a lot of your free Zoltan's Bass Lounge videos when I was first thinking about whether I could even attempt Double Bass after playing electric fretless for 30 years or so. Between that and Discover Double Bass's free content on KZbin, I became convinced a year and a half ago that I could do it, and sought out a DB.

[@zoltansbasslounge]

@@dreamingpanthers1847 Thats absolutely great!! I hope you are getting on well with your double bass!

[@Murdo2112]

Been looking forward to this since seeing the taster on Facebook the other day. He has an incredible sound. Edit, after watching: Not disappointed. Great discussion and very informative.

[@zoltansbasslounge]

Thank you!

[@steelman774]

I’ve been playing electric bass for over 30 years in rock and metal bands (as well as even a short lived bluegrass band) and just really got into a fretless about a year and a half ago thanks to Tony Franklin. Upright has always seemed romantic but buying and storing something that won’t get played as much is daunting, but a month ago our local music store bought the stock of another band/orchestral business and with it over 20 upright basses. Most were 1/4 but they even had a 3/4 in the mix. I played a few 1/4 basses and fell in love with a few and narrowed it to one that I purchased. The scale fell into place quickly but the unforeseen bit was that it came with a bow and when I told our orchestra teacher at the middle school I teach at, she sent me a few tutorial videos (a few self shot and a few KZbin videos) about bowing and I found a shortcoming that became a gleeful challenge. The lick he plays at 16:50 was just BUTTER! That connects my electric thoughts with upright perfectly. I’ve got playing time to put in, but the more I get into bowing, the more I learn about the instrument that helps with my finger style and is starting to bleed back over to the electric. Around and around like the bass run outro in this video. It’s a beautiful journey! 🎶😎🔥

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

That's amazing to hear! Congrats on finding the bass and best of luck with your double bass journey :-)

[@bassmanb3]

Interesting for Me. I started on Double Bass when I was 10. Classical training with F. Simandl as My Bible. Got My first electric when I was 12. When You do it in reverse order there is no transition. Just pick up the electric and play. My teacher always said He could teach his Grandmother to play electric bass in 20 minutes, it is so much easier than double bass in his opinion. I somewhat agree. Electric is mostly in the hands.Double Bass is a more a Whole body experience especially when playing arco. Current Gear: Thompson RM200 3/4 Hybrid nicely set up by Steve Lapsina, Evah Pirazzi Weich Strings, Steinberger designed Realist pick up. Hartke LH1000 head with a 28 band White EQ in the effects loop. Speakers vary by room size and type of gig. ( Former ISB Member.)

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Great to hear your story and congrats on the Thompson bass, they are superb!

[@bassmanb3]

@@DiscoverDoubleBass Thanx. I couldn't be more pleased. It will growl it, will roar and upper register arco it sings. But besides that it is a stunningly gorgeous instrument. The bookmatched veneers on the sides and back are highly flamed and figured. the neck has light flames and the scroll has interesting grain maybe the edge of a burl. Plays like butter.

[@Opus766]

who's the performer on the intro? Sounds nice

[@gordongary3903]

Great interview, he’s a humble cat.

[@jazzman1954]

The band stops for a bass solo. Why do they do that? Drives me nuts. I like to have the changes and some rhythm behind me. Would the band stop for a horn solo?

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

It's like they use the bass solo as an opportunity for a rest :-)

[@ZeAlfredo]

When I comp behind a basist. I often use a rythmic phrase or 2-bar riff that I harmonize with diatonic parallel chords or diatonic dyads like 10ths. The key for me, is to play a riff that has a regular predictable start but so mich space that 90% of the bassists notes can be heard over it. To play thr changes, something melodically interesting but has the space to not cloud out an unamped acoustic bass Most bassists I've played with seemed to be pleasantly surprised. Although im always looking for a better way.

[@jazzman1954]

@@donaldothomoson Yes but it’s about the volume dropping and giving some idea of the harmony. Not total silence- unless the bassist actually requests it!

[@jazzman1954]

@@ZeAlfredo Unusual to be so considerate and most bassists would appreciate that.

[@ianmackenzie686]

Amen!

[@samersharawi6166]

Great Video ! thanks

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

You are welcome! :-)

[@simonplatt5421]

Need to get myself one of those blue shirts

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

😂 do it! 😀

[@carloszagal1934]

Great interview and even GREATER performance. Dekany's sense of rhythm, phrasing, feel, and TONE is amazing. Geoff, get this to teach a course. I would pay for Zoltan's insight :D

[@oalejandrocj]

what a sound!

[@zoltansbasslounge]

Thank you!

[@michaelblaney4461]

Well I need to get a upright bass first , most of the string shops I've found have been violin , viola and cello only and supply the Basses at school . I'm too old for school , I'm only finding $2- 3000 plywood basses.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Good luck with your search. It might be worth checking with a local double bass teacher as they may be aware of a good used instrument which you could get started on.

[@johngaither9263]

I had a school bass once that was made of metal. Tacky sound but it was just for practice.

[@latenight5865]

It reminds me of Steve Swallow, the other way around:)

[@hinduismwithpremananddasbhagat]

Went double bass in 2019. Never looked back.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Awesome :-)

[@lukes6578]

HE'S HUNGARIAN!!!! YAAAAAAAAAAA (so am I)

[@zoltansbasslounge]

Hungarians unite!! Goulasch and Palinka all the way! :)

[@lukes6578]

@@zoltansbasslounge Igen barnátom!

[@jamesrichardson3322]

I play electric 🎸 bass, I want to learn the double bass. I have an double bass but the finger board came off, it being held together with duct tape. I can't find a person who can repair it, going continue to find someone.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Good luck getting the bass repaired. I'm sure you will love playing both and be sure to check out our lessons library if you need any help getting started :-) discoverdoublebass.com/lessons-library/

[@jamesrichardson3322]

@@DiscoverDoubleBass I had just found place near me, 15 or 25 minutes away. Now I have find away get there!! I have small car, I will get there.

[@Murdo2112]

@@jamesrichardson3322 The first of the methods in this video work perfectly for me with a 3/4 size bass in a little two door Ford Fiesta. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWSre3Z4f6uHiM0 The only extra step I take is to remove the headrest from the seat and put it under the heel of the neck, to make sure no weight rests on the neck itself.

[@jazzman1954]

The white clicking ring??? What’s that about? I don’t think he mentioned that in the interview.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

It's just a plaster (band aid).

[@jazzman1954]

@@DiscoverDoubleBass Oh! Haha. I thought it was some kind of sophisticated percussion thing !!