To 00funk

[RonP 7Below]

Hey man, just thought I would send you the link to this video of a great ERB Fretless bassist, Yves Carbonne. I just saw this posted on you tube yesterday and I really liked it.  It definately shows how an ERB can be used in music. Feel free to copy and paste the link to check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srzOJ8mmFVI

Peace.

[subcontrabassist]

hey, Ron!

great to see you posting and thanks for the Yves vid link!

[RonP 7Below]

Thanks, your welcome, Stew! There are like three of them from the same dude who posted this one on you tube! Check them out! Some good stuff.

[00funk]

That was a cool link. Thanks very much. Yea, Im already tired of my 5 and 6 string fretless basses. Im really into the low F# and the higher strings. Im still trying to figure out what technique to use on the higher strings. They seem difficult to manage sometimes.

Do any of you make adjustments on your bass, as you play on the higher guitar strings ? You have to be so gentle with those strings, it seems like.

[RonP 7Below]

Your welcome 00funk! The smallest string I have ever played was a High F string above Middle C. Its a .022 guage. I never got to feel what a High Bb or higher feels like.

 Like the thicker heavier strings it requires a special touch or attack, but after playing a 6 string for so long prior, the adjustment wasn't to big of a deal.  The biggest challege is not having untouched strings ringing out when you don't want them to! LOL So it takes some extra practice with both your fretting and picking hands. I must say that slap and pop bass is the most challenging technique to pull off on an ERB for the same above reason!

Any other thoughts, tips or advice out there?? Im always up for new tips!

[rickybass]

My partner is lebanees and she introduced me to the oud players I have really started to dig them, they use a downward picking action and so I started to grow the middle figer nail just a bit longer and follow that technique but I also use the three figer and thumb technique like flamenco guitarist.
I think its all about touch

actually Ill drop in some photos to show you what I mean   

[subcontrabassist]

all about the touch indeed.

with a 4, 5 or even a 6 one can have very uniform technique but once you go below the low B or above the high C, one must make adjustments for the strings and how the notes on them open. this is different for every player and what he or she wants from the instrument, but keep working and you'll find your voice.

ulltimately, unless you are after a career as a studio player, I think this is the goal.

[Electrican]

Well it seems like using a pic, is the best for me on that 9 string Bee. Working out well

Does anyone have an idea what theese toggle switches do ? I think the top one is a 3 way toggle for something to do with mids. The bottom toggle is a 3 way coil tap I think. I bought this used, so Im not for sure how to use them properly. Do you you just flip them around untill something sounds good ? 

[subcontrabassist]

Hey Andy,

See if you can find out through anyone peripheral to Curbow about the bass. There have to be records somewhere.

You could also just take to a repair tech or luthier who could probably figure it out. There's a chance the second toggle you're describing is some kind of series/parallel/single coil switch.

It's also possible that someone on one of the bass forums has owned it or knows someone who has.

I remember that one of the guys from the Curbow shop was doing everything he could to (unsuccessfully, unfortunately) keep the company going. I think he mentioned in one of his emails that Greg Curbow's widow was sole owner of everything related to the business. I'd be surprised if the site wasn't still up and there was a link about identifying basses there.

Great looking axe, man!

[Electrican]

I returned the Curbow to Guitar Center and got a refund.  I got this instead. Paddydaddyo on Talkbass sold it to me. He did a great job specing this bass out. Sounds really good.

[subcontrabassist]

DAMN!!

PIMPTACULAR, baby!!