[Dixielandjazz] Playing double bass acoustically

[Steve barbone]

Once again, let me repeat a source of information for those double bassists
who want to play acoustically. For those who want to get the "optimium"
sound from their axe.

The book is entitled:

"The Setup and Repair of the Double Bass For Optimum Sound".

The author is Chuck Traeger, legendary OKOM bassist in NYC during the 40s,
50s, and 60s, (played with everybody who was there including Bechet and Bunk
and the 40 or so members of the Condon gang) and extraordinary bass repair
specialist from 1969 on.

His jazz customers include Ron Carter and Steve Gilmore. His classical
customers include Homer Mensch and Marvin Topolsky. Among other things, they
asked him for more sound from their instruments. He delivered it.

Ron Carter is quoted in the "Fiveword" as saying: "When it comes to sound,
he (Traeger) is the Mercedes Benz of repairmen. . . "if you want your bass
to sound and play as you dreamed it always could, read Section II - it's for
you."

While technical and for repair specialists, it is also for Bass players who
want to understand what they can do, or advise their repairmen to do, to
increase sound output. Chapter 6 has a wealth of information about this.

Cost is $85. And from what I can tell (I am not a bass player, but if I was,
I would buy it) it is well worth it. Actually, I did buy one as a 75th
Birthday gift for our bassist Ace Tesone and he loves it.

Chuck Traeger   ( Pronounced Tray-ger)
P.O. Box 187
Yulan, NY 12792

Phone 845-557-6352 (if you call, call after noon, Eastern Daylight Time USA.
He is a still a night person even at 80)

No, I don't get a percentage, just that he was my best musical buddy when we
were kids during those halcyon days in the Big Apple. :-) VBG

Mention my name or not as the case may be, but if you are a serious bassist,
you should have this book.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone