[Dixielandjazz] Optimum sound from Double Basses - was Luckyhorse

[Stephen G Barbone]

On Jan 30, 2010, at 11:23 AM, Allan Brown wrote:

> Every time I follow a link to the music being produced by members of  
> the DJML I'm blown away. I, however, have little to show or impress  
> with. In fact the only record I have is a poor video from the one  
> gig I've played in about 15 years. I'm playing my homemade/ hybrid  
> left hand double bass and you can see me staring intently at the  
> silver markers I painted onto the side of the neck, in an attempt to  
> play vaguely in tune. It's not Dixieland, but I hope you enjoy it.  
> The band is called Luckyhorse and Simon the singer wrote the song.
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSDLe7DO32E
>
> I've since had a pal set my bass up properly, and given how much  
> easier it plays now I'm amazed I got anything out of it at all.  
> (Should anyone be interested he makes fantastic electric double  
> basses http://www.bespokebasses.co.uk/ )
>
> Allan Brown
>
> (Thanks again for all the banjo feedback.)

Hey Allan:

Sounds good.

For the ultimate information about how to set up the Double Bass for  
optimum sound, see Chuck Traeger's Book written a couple of years ago.

"Setup and Repair of the Double Bass For Optimum Sound: A Manual for  
Players, Makers And Repairers."

Also see his "Coda to the Setup and Repair of the Double Bass for  
Optimum Sound" which was just published. Valuable tips on setting up  
the sound post as well as the peg Two simple adjustments which will  
improve the volume as well as the quality of the sound even allowing  
you to customize the sound for the type of band.

Both are available from Amazon and highly recommended by Bass players  
such as Ron Carter, whose basses Chuck has repaired and set up over  
the years. Traeger has also taken care of Basses for members of the  
New York Philharmonic and restored antique Basses for the Metropolitan  
Museum of Art in New York City,

He is retired (at 84) now, but was the house bassist at Nick's in  
Greenwich Village NYC during the 1950s, playing with Pee Wee Erwin,  
Phil Napoleon, Billy Maxted, Tony Sbarbaro and others there. He also  
played at Condon's and all the other jazz joints in NYC.. He is one of  
the few musicians still alive, (along with Bob Wilber) who played with  
Bunk Johnson, Sidney Bechet and Hot Lips Page.

He opened up a bass repair shop in NYC in the 60s or 70s which was  
widely acclaimed by Luthiers as well as musicians. More info: see:

http://www.amazon.com/Setup-Repair-Double-Optimum-Sound/dp/1892210061

Amazon sells the book for $68.07 USD, and the Coda for $24.50 USD.

BTW, I don't get money for recommending his books, however I will  
admit to being a friend of his for about 58 years or so, and playing  
in bands with him during the 1950s and early 1960s. Great player,  
super intelligent person, very knowledgeable about Basses.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone
www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband