On Tue, Sep 24, 2013 at 8:52 AM, DZDub <jdubikins@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> On Tue, Sep 24, 2013 at 12:39 AM, Chris Barker <ftog@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> wrote:
>
> > I have a feeling that we call that a double bass, Over Here . . .
> >
>
> Well-observed, as usual, Chris. We call it double bass, or bass viol, in a
> different context -- namely, as a member of the orchestra. But in contexts
> where electric bass guitars are a staple, the double bass is an "upright"
> bass alternative. Predominant in jazz, but common enough in acoustic sets
> for bluegrass and country music. There are electric versions of the
> upright bass too -- very easy to transport and of course you can make it as
> loud as you want, which is probably the whole point.
>
> I think if you just say "bass" in some contexts, people will assume the
> bass guitar is meant, but in others the double bass is meant.
>
>
You are correct. In bluegrass/country/rockabilly/roots-rock, it's referred
to as an "Upright" bass. They don't play them with a bow - they're plucked
with fingers. They have a very distinctive sound when played that way, as
the action of the plucking hand usually slaps or pops the strings, so
there's a very percussive element to the sound.
--
Paul Braun WD9GCO
Music Junkie
"Music washes from the soul the dust of everyday life." -- Harlan Howard
--
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