I’ve always wanted a double bass! Always had visions of playing rockabilly slap triplets. They look and sound amazing. But in reality, I’m sure they’re quite a beast to learn. But… hang on they are at the end of the day a four-string bass instrument. It can’t be that hard, can it? This project is nothing to do with the band or its function. Purely a side hobby to keep me from roaming the streets and pubs. A new skill to acquire, another string to my….!

 

 

After literally weeks of searching for a decent second-hand bass, I bit the bullet and ordered a dirt-cheap plywood newbie. First let me say, I have a reasonable idea of what to look for in a starter bass and had plenty of advice from some really useful forums. However, when you live in rural Snowdonia you can have all the advice in the world but when the nearest results for a suitable bass are coming up in Cornwall or Scotland you’re pissing in the wind. I know I’m better off with a decent second-hand instrument for £1k, I know it needs slap strings and the bridge adjusting. Do you know where to find a bass luthier in Snowdonia? Exactly!

 

So, with all that advice, I’m better offer going it alone. Sure, it could come back to bite me but I’ve nothing to lose and could sell it on. Plus, I look at the 100yr old Kay guitar that Jack White plays. It’s falling to pieces, the ply coming away in layers and would have cost pennies at the time it was made. He gets a tune from it and it’s made him millions. I’ve ordered a £400 ply bass and a set of Superior Bassworks synthetic gut strings in preparation to learn a bit of slap. It’s due to arrive in 5 weeks. 

 

On arrival I’ve some work to do to make it playable. Check the sound post is in place and position. Drill holes to enlarge the string posts to take the extra gauge synthetic gut strings. File slightly deeper and wider slots in the bridge and nut. Adjust the bridge height and possibly sand the bridge feet down. So much to do before even starting to learn the instrument. Fortunately, I already know the fretboard albeit different spacing so hopefully that’ll be the easier part!

 

 

To get this far I’ve had some brilliant inspiration and advice. Particularly from the Rockabilly Double Bass Players Facebook page and some genuinely good people. Garry Lynch, superb advice and patience. Thank you. Hopefully over the next few weeks I can share my experiences and results with you all via this blog or offer a second-hand bass for sale at a reasonable price. Pick up only, North Wales! More to follow.