Double Bass (not drums)

Has anyone ever played the double bass aka standup bass(not drums)? or does any one know anyone who has?

I'm considering getting one and trying to teach myself but kind of wanted to chat with someone who has some experience with it.

I hate wireless Internet. Now I have to ReWrite this...

Long story short;
I went to a country dinner show with my parents. Stayed after, met the bassist, and he let me play his Upright (Double) bass for a few minutes.
If you have any experience with stringed instruments you should pick up quickly, just practice the plucking and (it's fretless) finger positions.

It's extremely fun and you should get one.
Look for one in a music store and try it, (you can find crazy things in local shops)

Yeah, I have a lot of friends who play it.

It's a brilliant instrument, strong, EXPENSIVE, but worth it.

Overall, check out the average price for strings (and a bow if you want to use it) and from that, I'd decide if you are willing to pay that much every time it breaks or every 8 months when it's due for a change.

It really is a brilliant instrument though, once you know how to use it properly, the things you can express on it are endless!

As for teaching yourself... I'd reconsider that if I were you, like guitar, people who just pick the instrument up with no experience on how to position yourself or your hands tend to make vital mistakes that can damage your hand in the long run.

With double bass there are a lot of things you need to know before you teach yourself, just like violin, the melodic techniques are the most important (Vibrato, staccato, etc.) maybe youtube some lessons if there are some, 'cause paying for lessons for double bass is just mourning worthy. RIP wallet type of thing if you get me.

This is my thoughts.....

First my inspiration to consider this...

Double Bass Diries

I like how this guy kind of goes though all the pains. it's nice to know and awesome of him to do such a thing.

I did find some lower end Double basses on the interwebs guitar center and musicians friend both have some sub-$600 double basses. I'm sure they are the equivalent of a squire strat or something. I thought it would be ok to learn on.

Guitar Center Double Bass

Musicians Friend Double Bass

I doubt i will play much with a bow but being in south texas there really is a big market for double bass players, for country, rockabilly, and punk outfits. I'm playing elec bass with a couple of guys doing rockabilly and think a double bass would really add to that sound over elec.

But i dunno.....

That would be a brilliant idea tele. Those lessons are great and go through enough detail to help you out, what's even better is that they're free.

Yeah I also think it would be a brilliant idea to use in that band, what versatility! Definitely go for it tele :)