Update: I have a lot of advice for aspiring music performance majors on the Contrabass Conversations podcast, including interviews with major double bass teachers like Paul Ellison, Kurt Muroki, Alex Hanna, David Allen Moore, Bruce Bransby, and many others. Check it...
All double bass players need a decent gig bag. Unlike the other members of the stringed instrument family, double bass players carry instruments in soft cases about 90% of the time. Having a durable, well-padded soft case is essential for any bass player. As far as...
This post contains thoughts and observations about playing Gary Karr’s former double bass. Read the first part of my “Amati” bass story here. When I first picked up the Amati bass from Aaron Reilly at the Guarneri House, I couldn’t wait to get it...
I recently read a very thoughtfully written article on ActiveBass.com about practicing methods. Written by Joe Solomon, this article approaches practicing from an improviser’s perspective, but it includes valuable advice for any performing musician: ” I...
The very first double bass soloist I ever heard live was the extraordinary double bassist Gary Karr. I was fifteen years old and had only been playing the bass for a year. Gary Karr was playing with my hometown symphony orchestra (the South Dakota Symphony), and my...
