conguiño Posted June 30, 2003 Share Posted June 30, 2003 I'm quite sure this topic has been covered before. I used the search function...not enough. Bob Gollihur's website...overwhelming since I don't know jack yet. I'm considering URB to expand my playing a bit. I guess some of it is because I might start college next year and I've heard you end up playing URB whether you want to or not.To be honest I'm not thrilled with the sound of it, yet. I grew up listening to loud rock and pop so my ears just aren't used to it. I'm very open minded though, and since I'm a die-hard fan of grooves, I'm sure I can learn to love it. I'm already starting to like big band jazz. So anyways... What are the main differences between electric and URB both physically and in the way they are played (besides the obvious)? Pros and cons? What will I get out of it as a player and how important is it? What URBs do you recommend (I've noticed they are a lot more expensive than electrics)? I'd also appreciate any links that have detailed info on the anatomy of URB. Does it hurt? Only when I'm awake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenLoy Posted June 30, 2003 Share Posted June 30, 2003 Go to the "history" section of Gollihur's site for information on the URB's history (it's very long). A good plywood upright will cost you no less than $1000, and probably between 2,000 and 4,000. A good bow will cost you no less than $300. Pros: They have a sound you simply cannot duplicate. There are certain styles where the electric sounds out of place in comparison. You will always work if you play upright. Your playing, time, and musicality on electric will improve immensely from studying it, especially with the bow (suddenly playing electric fretless ain't so hard!). Cons: It's big. It's not very loud without specialized amplification. It's expensive. It's delicate. It's hard on the hands (my blood blisters were scary for the first six months of serious gigging on it). I love playing it anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattC Posted July 1, 2003 Share Posted July 1, 2003 Think of it this way: how many electric players are there out there? How many URB and electric players? Become proficient at URB and you will join a very exclusive club that I'm working hard to join. Another pro: it will stregnthen your hands and ears in ways that electric just can't. It will allow you have a bridge between electric bass and classical instruments. One important thing, though: I was leaving my lesson and my teacher was right behind me. His next student walked up and politely asked if he could try my URB out (he was an electric player). Right then Ken (my teacher) said something I just can't forget: "careful there, it's a whole other world." That was when I realized just how much a labor of love URB really is- if you don't want to play, it just won't work. ...think funky thoughts... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conguiño Posted July 1, 2003 Author Share Posted July 1, 2003 Believe me, I want to play. I've grown to view music as music, not as an excuse to play electric bass. I'm also contemplating drums. I want to play music well, I guess I'm just groove-oriented. I realized long time ago that I can't do this half-assed. Learning popular songs from tabs or by ear just isn't enough. I want to understand music and create my own. I'm not to fond of simplicity and am very concerned with artistic intention. Not be mistaken with those idiots who listen to Malmsteen just because he's fast and incorporates classical influences so they can feel smart AND bad. If beautiful music can be made/played on URB, I'll definitely be inclined to learn it and learn it well. Does it hurt? Only when I'm awake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tnb Posted July 1, 2003 Share Posted July 1, 2003 No one wanted to play URB less than I, but no one also wanted to work a day gig less than I, so it was the lesser of 2 evils. Benloy and matt c are right, upright changes everything. The gigs are better and it can make you a better electric player. That may be the result of more study. Enjoy the experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattC Posted July 2, 2003 Share Posted July 2, 2003 Take my advice and play drums as well, especially if you are interested. Even a rudimentary performance knowledge of percussion helps you as a bass player. You will start to think like a drummer in terms of where the kick goes in a measure, where the groove is, and everything else a bass player keeds to know to play well. You should have a working knoweldge of every instrument you can, especially guitar, drums, piano and voice. Every instrument you play will help you succeed at the others. ...think funky thoughts... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.