A humorous introduction to the double bass | Bret Simner | TEDxBasel

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  • Опубліковано 14 сер 2016
  • Why is a double bass called a double bass? Bret Simner shares his history with the instrument and beautifully plays a piece by Johann Baptist Vanhal on his classical double bass - both music and instrument were created around 1760.
    The intro animation was produced as a collaboration between TEDxBasel and the Hochschule Luzern. This animation was created by Bianca Caderas, Helen Bosand and Zea Schaad.
    Find out more about this event and the other ideas that were shared at www.tedxbasel.com/
    Bret Simner is a native of Queens, New York, and a graduate of the Juilliard School. An early music specialist, he has studied at preeminent music schools across Europe and North America. He currently serves as principal bassist of Barockorchester Cantus Firmus. He has appeared as a guest lecturer and soloist on the Viennese bass, and in ensemble work in the US and across Europe. He lives in Basel with his wife and son.
    Favorite TED talk: Adam Grant, The surprising habits of original thinkers
    This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,1 тис.

  • @giovil
    @giovil 7 років тому +1114

    a 5 string double bass with frets. WOW

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому +50

      You have a keen eye! ;)

    • @gto1607
      @gto1607 6 років тому +40

      I didn't even notice. thanks for pointing that out. I assumed it was a four especially because it looks very old and a 5 string double is a modern thing.

    • @PanglossDr
      @PanglossDr 6 років тому +44

      If I'd had frets on the fiddle I learned as a child I might not have made people cover their ears.

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 6 років тому +4

      It couldn't have been that bad! When I played the villa as a kid, it was pretty bad!

    • @buckshotandthepepperbox3042
      @buckshotandthepepperbox3042 6 років тому +10

      Was it originally a three stringer? She's got quite a neck. Do the frets make her a gamba? Well done.

  • @DaveScottAggie
    @DaveScottAggie 7 років тому +485

    Those fret bands interested me too. I first started in orchestra when I was 11. I knew what a violin and a cello were. The teacher asked what I wanted to play, so I asked for the cello. He was trying to fill out parts and had enough cellos already. He said they had openings for viola and bass. I had never heard of a viola - he said it was kind of like the violin. I wasn't sure. I said what about the bass? He said "what kind of car do your parents have?" I said "a station wagon". He told me that the bass would be great for me :) I did not major in music, but I still play in a community orchestra, and sometimes at church.

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому +16

      Great story David. Thanks for sharing!

    • @adisillusionedidiotandpast7865
      @adisillusionedidiotandpast7865 6 років тому +10

      David Scott I locrian'd in music

    • @ibdavidc
      @ibdavidc 6 років тому +8

      Great story . . . but for the record, the other bass player drove a VW Beetle, and he got his bass in no problems. :-)

    • @squidwardqtentacles6816
      @squidwardqtentacles6816 5 років тому +4

      Sometimes I have to transport my bass in my dad's two door Hyundai Tiburon. It's all about the angle

    • @masonminnicks984
      @masonminnicks984 5 років тому

      The same shot happend to me except I got the viola instead of the double bass

  • @meta5175
    @meta5175 7 років тому +1851

    How other people see: violin, violin, big violin, giant violin

    • @gto1607
      @gto1607 6 років тому +22

      And the friggen big huge mther of all basses.

    • @toxiccat2081
      @toxiccat2081 6 років тому +38

      Natasha Jiang What about the octobasse? MEGA violin?

    • @SauceKingg
      @SauceKingg 6 років тому +18

      Violin, violin .😂😂😂

    • @isabel7428
      @isabel7428 6 років тому +32

      Natasha Jiang baby cello, cello child, cello, grandpa cello

    • @anilkraft1479
      @anilkraft1479 5 років тому +5

      InkedFopdoodle violin viola bass viola and double bass viola

  • @praz.official
    @praz.official 6 років тому +239

    That bow's color difference threw me off completely. I was like, "why's he playing with it upside down...oh wait."

  • @AlexRamirez-bf4fy
    @AlexRamirez-bf4fy 6 років тому +597

    8/4th sized cello

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 6 років тому +11

      That's one way of thinking about it!

    • @gto1607
      @gto1607 6 років тому +5

      Is it a a 3/4 size double. Most likely for portability.

    • @leocomerford
      @leocomerford 6 років тому +9

      Careful, you're wandering into the 'it's a big cello!' 'no, it's an updated gamba!' wars...

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 6 років тому +3

      You're right! Much blood has been shed in this battle!

    • @SpaceCowboy57
      @SpaceCowboy57 6 років тому +10

      1/2 size octobasse.

  • @marcscordato4385
    @marcscordato4385 6 років тому +146

    Never seen a fretted double bass before.
    There is something about the sound of a double bass, it seems so honest and sincere it pleads it longs it Yearns.

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 6 років тому +15

      Indeed, this is a period instrument. Back in the time of Mozart, most basses were fretted. This went out of style in the late 18th and early 19th century. Thanks so much for watching and for your thoughts!

    • @doblofiber992
      @doblofiber992 5 років тому

      The fretts are handmade by old stings, that worn off... and viola da gamba was also fretted this way.

    • @rdavis666
      @rdavis666 4 роки тому +1

      My music teacher used slivers of sellotape to mark finger positions on both cellos & bass which of course had no frets.

  • @nou6990
    @nou6990 5 років тому +62

    The similar applies to saxophone;
    Soprano: golden clarinet
    Alto: sax
    Tenor: sax
    Baritone: what?

    • @jmconnollyus
      @jmconnollyus 5 років тому +3

      to say nothing of bass (not the fish), contrabass (even more not the fish), sopranino, C melody, etc., ... It's interesting to go back and watch the looney tunes cartoons to hear all the bass sax in the music.

  • @ireneahumada5025
    @ireneahumada5025 5 років тому +67

    I was walking by careying my double bass and a bunch of teenagers were sat down chatting, and I heard "look, wtf, it's a giant violin" that was really funny😂😂

    • @hamjazz
      @hamjazz 3 роки тому

      How do you get that under your chin?? --If I had a neck like yours,I'd have no trouble.

    • @JacqueHarper
      @JacqueHarper Рік тому

      @@hamjazz Under the chin isn't nearly as big a problem as stabbing yourself with the endpin.

  • @nickeman132
    @nickeman132 5 років тому +228

    What musicians' see:
    Violin
    Viola
    Cello
    Double Bass
    Octobasse
    What non-musicians see:
    Violin
    Violin
    Big Violin
    Bigger Violin
    Oh what the f

    • @BE-NOT-AFRAID
      @BE-NOT-AFRAID 5 років тому +2

      Octobasse is the one my friends said "I give" to when naming it.

    • @snickydoodle4744
      @snickydoodle4744 5 років тому +24

      What twosetters see:
      Violin
      Firewood
      Cello
      Double Bass

    • @Princess18505
      @Princess18505 4 роки тому +3

      Im a bassist and when i see the octobasse i see a "what the abomination"

    • @chaotixthefox
      @chaotixthefox 3 роки тому +1

      @@Princess18505 The octobasse is quite nice to hear though!

    • @bogdang7726
      @bogdang7726 3 роки тому

      Tenor violin, piccolo violin.

  • @hannahnoel3035
    @hannahnoel3035 5 років тому +71

    I switched from violin to double Bass so I could be in my high school's jazz band and I can tell you almost no one knows what it is.

    • @EvilSean62
      @EvilSean62 2 роки тому +3

      also none of them can tell you how much a set of strings are costing

    • @f5mando
      @f5mando 10 місяців тому

      @@EvilSean62 Nor how often they need to be replaced...

    • @hyperplayability6290
      @hyperplayability6290 8 місяців тому

      @@EvilSean62 😭NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO DON'T

  • @ronforyouruncle4406
    @ronforyouruncle4406 7 років тому +382

    "it's not a cello." that is all you needed to say.

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому +8

      You're so right on!!!

    • @coffeeandwords3483
      @coffeeandwords3483 7 років тому +6

      It's a full-size cello.

    • @daravila
      @daravila 6 років тому +3

      Coffee and Words no , its about a 3/1 sized cello

    • @pellaw8011
      @pellaw8011 4 роки тому +1

      Mine is a 1/8 size (I'm very short). Literally the size of a large cello. My pain is real

  • @bluetannery1527
    @bluetannery1527 5 років тому +35

    As an electric bass player, this instrument endlessly fascinates me. I’ve had exactly one opportunity to play a 3/4 bass and it was so much fun.
    I’m in the process of figuring out how to play more without spending over a thousand dollars on it hahaha

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 5 років тому +3

      Will, why don't you rent for a bit and see if you like it? Thanks for watching!

    • @bluetannery1527
      @bluetannery1527 5 років тому +2

      Bret Simner That’s a really good idea i’ve spent the past half hour researching that

    • @bluetannery1527
      @bluetannery1527 5 років тому +2

      Bret Simner Oh Mr. Simner- What’s the name of the piece you played? I thought it was amazing

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 5 років тому +1

      Vanhall concerto in D!

  • @ethanl.1699
    @ethanl.1699 6 років тому +323

    My friends are like:
    Violin=Violin
    Viola=Bigger Violin
    Cello=Bigger Bigger Violin
    Bass=Bigger Bigger Bigger Violin

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 6 років тому +4

      Yup, that's kinda how it goes! Thanks for watching and for chiming in!

    • @mohammedchatir530
      @mohammedchatir530 6 років тому

      Ethan Lam il

    • @macm.3889
      @macm.3889 5 років тому +4

      (Here’s a joke, please don’t kill me)
      Which is bigger, a violin or a viola?
      *Actually* , they’re the same size. A violin just looks a lot smaller next to a violinist’s head.

    • @timpark02
      @timpark02 5 років тому +2

      More like
      Viola = Irrelevant

    • @mikelewis495
      @mikelewis495 5 років тому +1

      Funny story: the full classical name for "cello" is "violoncello" so..... Not too far off.

  • @violintegral
    @violintegral 5 років тому +702

    No one knows what a viola is, especially ling ling. They're just a myth that's only in nightmares

    • @nickeman132
      @nickeman132 5 років тому +35

      Ling Ling knows the viola. He did not invent it but his greatest rival Long Long

    • @ian_iz_rainbowz6227
      @ian_iz_rainbowz6227 5 років тому +14

      Well, ling ling practices 40 hours a day so he has many nightmares so of course he knows what it is

    • @violintegral
      @violintegral 5 років тому +9

      Ling ling does not have time to sleep. Only to practice. God's don't need sleep and can't experience nightmares

    • @kayakozlowski2757
      @kayakozlowski2757 5 років тому +3

      nobody can match Ling Ling

    • @lance4842
      @lance4842 5 років тому +1

      LingLing doesn't need to sleep.

  • @thetalllucy2983
    @thetalllucy2983 6 років тому +34

    i play double bass, and I shoud be practicing

  • @kristenpressner6795
    @kristenpressner6795 7 років тому +31

    great job Bret, making the double bass funny and accessible, well done

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому +6

      Thanks so much Kristen--such a compliment coming from you! Looking forward to your talk as well!

  • @citrineandmelody2829
    @citrineandmelody2829 2 роки тому +9

    I started playing bass when I was 11, and I just fell in love with it ever since. I’m the only double bass in my orchestra, which just goes to show how practically nobody knows what it is.

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 2 роки тому

      Well, that's something that you can show them! Play on!

  • @zacharycarman3465
    @zacharycarman3465 7 років тому +23

    Thank for bringing light to this instrument. I play the double bass out of Georgia and half of my friends don't even know what the double bass is. It's refreshing to see someone talented like try to show the world this instrument. I was also wondering were you got your Baroque bow from. It's beautifully crafted and were ever you got it I would love to snag one for my self

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому +5

      I made the bow myself some years back. Thanks so much for watching and for your kind words!

    • @richardrea6397
      @richardrea6397 5 років тому

      @@bretsimner754 I really like your bow. And, yes I should go practice too.

  • @IanCallardComp
    @IanCallardComp 6 років тому +17

    I was waiting for him to bust out dragonetti concerto 😂 Ive been playing that piece for a lot of auditions and my mind has subconsciously decided that the concerto is THE double bass piece

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 6 років тому +4

      Ian, with the amount that you are practicing, I just hope that you can comfortably sleep without hearing it! Thanks for watching!

    • @IanCallardComp
      @IanCallardComp 6 років тому +2

      Bret Simner well I really like listening to it when i go to sleep. Especially the second movement. Everytime I listen to it i find some new texture! Truly a masterpiece of the giant violin 😂

    • @dahliaharoon6367
      @dahliaharoon6367 5 років тому +1

      OMG ME TOO! Like I thought the exact same thing and I played it for an audition too! But I think eccles sonata is THE bass piece

  • @HBDeus
    @HBDeus 4 роки тому +31

    Double bass: biggest and lowest
    OCTOBASS: HOLd MY BoW

    • @Mossishere
      @Mossishere 3 роки тому +1

      Triple Contrabass viol- Just gimme a second for someone to try to recreate me so that someone can hold my boy

  • @kristenpressner6795
    @kristenpressner6795 7 років тому +4

    Bret, I love that this TEDx talk is among the most popular double bass videos on all of UA-cam! It really speaks to how well done it was. Mixing education, beautiful music and humor. A truly tough ask. Kudos!

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому

      Thanks for you're continued support Kristen!

  • @mikebaker5088
    @mikebaker5088 6 років тому +5

    I just stumbled upon this. Thank you for such an interesting talk and performance. I'm always humbled by the things that I can learn by watching things like this.

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 6 років тому

      It always humble me that I can offer something to someone I've never met. Thanks for checking in, Mike!

  • @maxliu2587
    @maxliu2587 3 роки тому +25

    After all this time my mom still calls my double bass a “cello”

  • @violacola
    @violacola 7 років тому +116

    Are you implying that more people know what a viola is then a double bass? I can speak from personal experience as a violist that this is not true. I did enjoy the talk and the piece played at the end was wonderful, but I just felt astounded that someone could know about a viola (an instrument really only used in orchestra) and not a bass (an instrument common in jazz and blues).

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому +21

      Great point. My experience is that more people can recognize a bass, but have no idea what it is actually called--hence "that big thing." We'd have to do a survey of about 1000 people to really get a fair sampling on this issue. Where shall we start? Thanks for your thoughts and for watching as well!

    • @sorayaimperial
      @sorayaimperial 5 років тому

      From name, I actually know what a viola is and not a double bass. This because in Portuguese we also call it a Viola but we call it a Contrabaixo, which means roughly Contrabass (like the contrabassoon). Without looking at the instrument, I'd assume it wasn't the same thing!
      Also, when I was a kid, I just assumed it was all cellos (which we call violoncelo or rabecão).

  • @destinyleroy9008
    @destinyleroy9008 6 років тому +4

    I love the double bass honestly, it’s an under appreciated and beautiful instrument. I can’t wait to get back into playing, bassists are always in need.

  • @woutmoerman711
    @woutmoerman711 5 років тому +11

    Nice talk and performance! I play double bass in classical, jazz and church and I think that in the Netherlands the double bass is known to at least half of the population. It's a pity that you've played a piece which doesn't show the beautiful deep low notes of the double bass. What you've played could have sounded better on a cello but the low note is where the beauty is.

  • @robing7517
    @robing7517 6 років тому +2

    I'm forwarding this to my niece. She is eleven and began learning to play bass back in September. She loves it and has named her bass "Felix." Her school orchestra's first concert is this coming Wednesday! Yes, I am very proud if her!!

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 6 років тому +2

      You SHOULD be proud of her!!!! I hope the concert goes well!! Tell her I'm thinking of her!!!

  • @sissihirvitys
    @sissihirvitys 5 років тому +27

    Wow. I have NEVER seen an acoustic guitar that large!!

    • @AB-vn2jc
      @AB-vn2jc 5 років тому +2

      Justin Y. Fake Justin y

    • @nutty422
      @nutty422 5 років тому +1

      Fake

  • @LoganNagol
    @LoganNagol 4 роки тому +4

    The best thing about playing double bass is the people...legit they are always the chilliest most cool people in the orchestra in my 8 years of playing it I only met like 2 out of hundreds that didn’t fit the chill cool stereotype and they didn’t play bass for long

  • @chrisnoran
    @chrisnoran 6 років тому +117

    "How many of you know what a cello is?"
    Lil Yachty keeps his hand down

    • @Shmyrk
      @Shmyrk 5 років тому +5

      Christopher Noran she blow me like a cellooooo

    • @fredson_hu
      @fredson_hu 5 років тому +6

      @@Shmyrk "I thought squidward played the cello"

    • @spudmckenzie4959
      @spudmckenzie4959 4 роки тому

      @@fredson_hu clarinet is what he played

    • @LouisVDon
      @LouisVDon 3 роки тому +3

      spud mckenzie nah mans played an f oboe which is a major third higher than a b-flat clarinet.

  • @stormbreaker1773
    @stormbreaker1773 6 років тому +1

    I remember accompany a double bass player in my high school class with this piece. I really love how the bass was in the spotlight with a very cool solo at the end.

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 6 років тому

      You know, a pianist was the thing missing at the event. Shame that you weren't around! Thanks for watching and for your thoughts!

  • @EmiLia-us4cz
    @EmiLia-us4cz 7 років тому +2

    Wow that was so cool! Great performance, always love to see a fellow string player with a passion for their instrument

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому +1

      Thanks so much. Glad you liked it!

  • @TypewriterJustice
    @TypewriterJustice 6 років тому +29

    Even more impressive than your excellent presentation & performance is how graciously and helpfully you have followed the comments on this video - an ongoing, repetitive, and, i'm sure, sometimes frustrating task. BRAVO!! As a fellow bassist, i applaud your efforts :)

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 6 років тому +6

      I find people to always be interesting. If we don't lifte each other up, then everything else is pointless. With that, thanks for YOUR support!

  • @CesarJoseee
    @CesarJoseee 7 років тому +403

    Woah, that's a big cello.

    • @MonsieurArlequin
      @MonsieurArlequin 6 років тому +21

      I like to joke that I play the very big viola, it irritates the more snobbish players but hilarious to the other bassist

    • @joeval12x23
      @joeval12x23 6 років тому +2

      I thought it was a guitar

    • @morten1
      @morten1 6 років тому +2

      HUGE violin

    • @daravila
      @daravila 6 років тому +1

      To whoever is in school in an orchestra and your teacher talks to the violinists and violists , and they say , hold your instrument with your chin , and you try . Ive played cell for 3 years

    • @toxiccat2081
      @toxiccat2081 6 років тому +2

      The Reptilian Wizard Lizard *Triggered*

  • @tonitovt
    @tonitovt 6 років тому +1

    This video still leaves me immersed to continue playing with a passion.

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 6 років тому

      Alas, there really is no other way to play! Thanks for watching!

  • @missingno3391
    @missingno3391 6 років тому +2

    When he plays the harmonics in his performance at the end it sounds very similar to a harp. Very beautiful!

  • @nivek326
    @nivek326 7 років тому +158

    are those frets?? moveable ones?

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому +120

      Yes, self-tied from gut and 100% moveable! Thanks for watching!

    • @nivek326
      @nivek326 7 років тому +5

      Bret Simer and gut strings?

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому +27

      Yes, the uppers are from Carlo Chiesa, and the lowers from Nicholas Baldock.

    • @holdendaugherty1760
      @holdendaugherty1760 7 років тому +6

      Bret Simer Great performance! looking for an affordable double bass. (Even a cheap cello)

    • @sohappy2468
      @sohappy2468 7 років тому +16

      Holden Daugherty, the best sounds come from better basses. Don't risk getting an extremely cheap instrument.

  • @squidwardqtentacles6816
    @squidwardqtentacles6816 5 років тому +20

    omg so many people have come up to me be and been like:
    "woah that's a big cello"
    😑😑😑😑

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 5 років тому +1

      All I can say is get used to it! In many ways it only gets worse with time! Thanks for watching!

    • @erionlewis8006
      @erionlewis8006 4 роки тому

      I hate that!!

  • @djoy81
    @djoy81 5 років тому +2

    Bret, you make it look so easy. Thanks for sharing! I was lucky enough to learn the double bass in primary and secondary school. Then I moved over to electric bass in uni and NS Stick a few years ago. I finally came back full circle (sort of) with an Ibanez UB804 this year. French holder over here...

  • @genesisf155
    @genesisf155 5 років тому +2

    I love playing double bass. I played for two years but due to moving i had to give it up. After 2 more years my mom on my birthday suprised me and bought me my own! I cried as soon as my bow grazed the bass. I soon named her leviousa. And i absolutely love her!

  • @sfacademyorchestra
    @sfacademyorchestra 7 років тому +17

    Well done Bret!

  • @kyberbricks3781
    @kyberbricks3781 6 років тому +3

    Beautiful playing, and very interesting, I dont see many 5 string double basses often! 😄

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 6 років тому

      Thanks! Come to Europe--you'll see them everywhere!

  • @johngaither9263
    @johngaither9263 7 місяців тому +1

    I played the bass in a high school band with no string program. I transferred from a school that did and was hunted up by the director who was creating a 40's type stage band for competition. I had to join the regular band to do so and VIOLA there I was. Marching season was a problem, but the director only did the minimum and the rest was concert music.

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 місяців тому

      I'm so sorry that your experience wasn't more positive.

  • @lukenjanahavas
    @lukenjanahavas 7 років тому +2

    So great, Bret! Couldn't believe it when I saw this video down the right sidebar. You're damn right I want to see a Ted Talk about the Double Bass. Just wish it were longer. You did a great job!

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому

      Thanks so much Sara. Nice to hear from an Eastman colleague after all these years!

  • @kieratroost4685
    @kieratroost4685 5 років тому +3

    the five strings really caught me off guard. I play the bass and never knew those existed

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 5 років тому

      Kiera Troost they’re quite popular in Europe!

  • @FostersLab
    @FostersLab 7 років тому +15

    Really appreciated this talk, informative, funny, pleasing to the ear. And the fact that you answer most of the comments under this video is very nice :)
    By any chance, do you have an idea of when the term "upright bass" appeared, and why? I always wondered. In France, we call this instrument "contrebasse", which is actually a more specific term than the "contrabass" you use in english to describe lower-ptiched string instruments, I believe.
    Cheers from France!

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому +8

      Thank so much for your kind words. I honestly have no idea when the term "upright bass" originated; great question though. The instrument has had so many names through the years that no one can agree. Thanks for watching!

    • @thehollytree1532
      @thehollytree1532 7 років тому +2

      I don't know much about the name but as a upright bassist who plays jazz i think it might come from the electric bass being played on its side (fret board horizontal) whereas the double is played more 'upright'. I certainly hear the term more from jazz than orchestral players

  • @TheHurricanePrint
    @TheHurricanePrint Рік тому +1

    Thanks Bret. I've played the electric bass (Fender currently) for many years and I've always been fascinated with the double bass. I've never tried to play one, but recently started thinking about taking one up. I was searching for info on UA-cam and came across your video. Excellent presentation and playing. I was also amazed at the fretted aspect of your instrument. I read from the comments that it's a period instrument. Very interesting. Regards and well done from Ireland. 🙂

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 Рік тому

      Thanks for watching, John, and what a lovely story. Let me know if you decide to come over to the double bass. I have a Fender Jazz bass as well! Cheers, Bret

  • @iandickeson3510
    @iandickeson3510 6 років тому +1

    I played Bass and Tuba in school and keep it up today. I think learning the fundamentals on Tuba helped with bass alot.

  • @viviansteele9241
    @viviansteele9241 3 роки тому +27

    “I got payed to play 2 notes!” Life of a bass player

  • @nivek326
    @nivek326 7 років тому +78

    what kind of bow is that?

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому +132

      This is a baroque bow that I made in my workshop out of Canadian Maple. Thanks for asking!

    • @twistedparadoxELITE
      @twistedparadoxELITE 7 років тому +2

      baroque bow

    • @CGreyL3
      @CGreyL3 7 років тому +21

      twistedparadoxELITE If it ain't baroque don't fix it.

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому +10

      Great pun. I suppose we all walked right int that one!

    • @Im0nJupiter
      @Im0nJupiter 7 років тому +3

      Looks dragonetti esque

  • @azzurres1
    @azzurres1 6 років тому +4

    It tell you about that instrument one thing: you will feel its sound when you are in front of it life... tv isnt a good place for it..
    listen to cello and double bass live and it will open your heart.

  • @akgypsy
    @akgypsy 6 років тому +1

    Very interesting and informative. I have enjoyed reading everyone's comments, and your responses to them, as well. I have considered getting a double bass, and I even have a vehicle large enough to transport it, but my musical styles are generally reggae, blues, rock, classic rock, and country, so I stick with electric. It's certainly more easily portable. I play a 5 string fretless, though, and love the tone over a fretted instrument. I was also raised playing classical piano, flute, and oboe, but fell in love with bass at age 16, and have now been playing pretty much exclusively bass since I was in my late 30's. Am now 67 and still rocking, but will always love classical music. Thanks for a lovely talk and demo of Vanhal's piece.

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 6 років тому

      Thanks so much. If you can find a bass, I say go for it! Our time on this earth is to try new things. Why not add to your musical arsenal? Rock on! B

  • @AdrienRako
    @AdrienRako 5 років тому +6

    3:34 Tubist at the center left was sad and his wife tried to make him feel better

  • @finalscore2983
    @finalscore2983 5 років тому +10

    5 string double bass leaves me saying "OH DADDY!"

  • @mcmh9523
    @mcmh9523 5 років тому +2

    Beautiful instrument with beautiful sound. It's interesting to see so much resemblances this instrument has to the ancient violone. Fretted fingerboard with five strings along with some other viol-esque touches...

  • @carolwidder2699
    @carolwidder2699 5 років тому +1

    My all time favorite double bass concerto.

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 5 років тому

      All three movements are great! Thanks for watching!

  • @Andrew-cc9pr
    @Andrew-cc9pr 7 років тому +164

    "The double bass is he lowest in the strings family" what about the octobass😂

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому +16

      Touché, Andrew, you got me there!!!!

    • @seikoocekili_6063
      @seikoocekili_6063 7 років тому +32

      Andrew Pihonak octobass is a double bass on steroids

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому +5

      Interesting way to think of it! I haven't heard that one before!

    • @ratpatooti
      @ratpatooti 6 років тому +14

      The octobass sounds like a broken lawnmower. I really don't feel like it has a purpose in an orchestra but I could be wrong.

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 6 років тому +2

      You know, I must applaud your boldness; the octobass has become so fashionable that no one seems willing to give a country opinion. Have you ever heard one live?

  • @James_Wisniewski
    @James_Wisniewski 3 роки тому +5

    I just noticed he's playing a five-string bass. I didn't even know contrabass came with five strings.

  • @johnalcorn2967
    @johnalcorn2967 Рік тому +1

    In 6th grade I played Violin...in 7th grade I was put into the BAND...(why?)...I could not do many of the things my band instructor asked of me including "could I whistle? No Sir"...ok then you're a sousaphone player...LOL. This carried on through the next 8 years into college (Wabaunsee CC in Sugar Grove Illinois) where in the spring of my second year our Professor came to me and said "I've formed a 5 piece stage band and you're the String Bass player, we have a performance a week from Tuesday. I responded I do not know to play the String Bass. Well John you had better learn because we have a gig a week from Tuesday...and that my friends is how I learned to play the String Bass.

  • @nicklloyd9165
    @nicklloyd9165 7 років тому +1

    Nice job Brett! Takes balls to get up there, keep things interesting, and keep it flowing.

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому

      Thank so much Nick! Nice to hear from you. Keep making great basses!

  • @lancethrustworthy
    @lancethrustworthy 7 років тому +6

    Okay. Cool, now where's the full length version? He's demonstrated that a full length talk would be good. Where is it?

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому +2

      I'd love to do it sometime Dan! Thanks for watching!

  • @Lepewhi
    @Lepewhi 7 років тому +3

    Bravo, If I didn't already play the viola, I would have played the bass.

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому

      Well, we need the great violists as well! Thanks for watching!

    • @daravila
      @daravila 6 років тому

      Bret Simner when i fisrt picked and instrument, there wasnt an option for bass , i chose cello

  • @avidrucker
    @avidrucker 6 років тому +2

    Awesome talk and awesome playing Bret. Much respect and your student as always ~ Avi

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 6 років тому

      Thanks so much! Nice to hear from you!!!

  • @f5mando
    @f5mando 10 місяців тому +1

    This was fascinating to watch and hear, Bret. I see 5 strings, but only four tuning pegs. Lower frets, and it looks 3/4 size on my screen. *I couldn't find a 'stand-up bass' player, so was forced to hire an electric bass player for my band once, but I wouldn't do it again, unless of course, the money was right....!

  • @kennethgibson5728
    @kennethgibson5728 6 років тому +30

    that bass must be worth the price of a house..

  • @williamjc7195
    @williamjc7195 7 років тому +13

    I'm a bit confused. I saw vid that stated the bass as known now, was standardized around 1800.A consensus of musicians,
    composers, and instrument makers(artists). yes/no? Also ,why is cello tuned differently?

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому +21

      Thanks for your question. First, a cello is tuned in 5ths mainly because the notes are closer together, hence more notes can be played in one position. The tuning of the bass was still varied throughout the 1800s depending on the country. Still, 4ths became the norm. Some bassists do play in 5ths though! Many thanks for watching!

    • @JohnDoe-dh8xc
      @JohnDoe-dh8xc 7 років тому +2

      Bret Simer Playing in fifths takes all the tension off 4th and 3rd strings. The first has a bit more tension to is but not much. Overall it is fun to play.

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому +1

      I assume you use a solo string for the high A? Bravo for doing this!

    • @JohnDoe-dh8xc
      @JohnDoe-dh8xc 7 років тому +2

      Bret Simer No but I am considering switching to a slight lighter guage for that A. However it's only a whole step so it's not quite as drastic as a low C. I should add I'm doing this on an electric bass and the scale length reacts far differently.

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому

      Sounds interesting!

  • @beepboopbobop
    @beepboopbobop 4 роки тому +1

    My dreams were crushed when school closed because I just started learning the double bass and I absolutely loved it.

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 4 роки тому

      So sorry--you can still do virtual lessons though!

  • @sincelerynightcore2539
    @sincelerynightcore2539 6 років тому +1

    10/10 Best Tedx intro, would watch again.

  • @qtube9234
    @qtube9234 5 років тому +3

    how do you stop your violin from being stolen?
    you put it in a viola case

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 5 років тому

      Nice one! My wife is actually a violist! 🤣

  • @ellamcginley524
    @ellamcginley524 7 років тому +11

    I used to play viola and actually play double bass

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому +1

      My wife is a violist! There's a bunch of music from the classical period for bass and viola--not that one could play both at the same time! Thanks for watching!

  • @carmelogaa521
    @carmelogaa521 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you TEDx!

  • @teratism143
    @teratism143 6 років тому +1

    Cool - a five string double bass with "frets". I've been around instruments all my life but I don't think I've seen this configuration. The different string tensions/tuning, choice of piece, and of course the performance make this like traveling back in time. Thanks for your work.

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 6 років тому

      Indeed, tunings and the number of strings have constantly evolved throughout the years THANK YOU for your support! B

    • @Bass742
      @Bass742 4 місяці тому +1

      I might be wrong but the double bass he's using is a vineese bass and they are vey historical double basses

  • @Atlas65
    @Atlas65 5 років тому +3

    5:11 "Bass solo, take one"

  • @Pepper-cd9yr
    @Pepper-cd9yr 5 років тому +3

    1:21 i can't stop laughing at his huge breath

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 5 років тому +1

      The mike was reeeallllly sensitive....... LOL...you're so right!

  • @empereurjustinien2082
    @empereurjustinien2082 6 років тому +1

    you are a killer bass player my friend i'm a guitar playe/electric bassists who just picked up an upright thanks a lot for the video

  • @becgedge7609
    @becgedge7609 2 місяці тому +1

    Man those two notes for Jaws are soooo intense!!!

  • @michael_obama_dress_snake
    @michael_obama_dress_snake 6 років тому +3

    Does that bass have frets????

  • @generalloof5659
    @generalloof5659 5 років тому +8

    Ling ling called.
    They don't approve of the 5 string bass.

  • @agustinabazan8327
    @agustinabazan8327 6 років тому

    I really love thia video, i'm so proud to play this beautiful instrument♡

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 5 років тому +1

      That's so nice to hear! Thanks for watching!

  • @coreydavidson3501
    @coreydavidson3501 Рік тому +2

    Thank you! I never knew why it was called double bass. My son started out with cello and quickly moved to the bass. I didn't realize quite how much bigger it was and a new car to fit 4 people. the bass, and the stool was in order. He then wanted to be an orchestra teacher and now says he wants to be a luthier. We will see.

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 Рік тому

      Sounds like such an interesting path! You must be a truly nurturing and supporting parent. Well done!😍

  • @cranklabexplosion-labcentr8245
    @cranklabexplosion-labcentr8245 5 років тому +5

    "Double bass is the lowest in the bass family." What about Sunn O)))?

  • @tmbs1139
    @tmbs1139 7 років тому +8

    is that...a fretted bass?

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому +2

      Yes, a period Viennese bass. Thanks for your question!

    • @zoroxtreme867
      @zoroxtreme867 4 роки тому

      Also 5 strings

  • @shunkela
    @shunkela 5 років тому +1

    What he said about playing tuba reminds me of one of my favorite poems, Instrument of Choice by Robert Phillips

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 5 років тому

      Thanks for letting us all know about this!
      Instrument of Choice - Robert Phillips
      She was a girl
      no one ever chose
      for teams of clubs,
      dances or dates,
      so she chose the instrument
      no one else wanted:
      the tuba. Big as herself,
      heavy as her heart,
      its golden tubes
      and coils encircled her
      like a lover's embrace.
      Its body pressed on hers.
      Into its mouthpiece she blew
      life, its deep-throated
      oompahs, oompahs sounding,
      almost, like mating cries.

  • @hoanghuynh4034
    @hoanghuynh4034 Рік тому +1

    Viola De Gamba .... Convertible Double bass to Beautiful Viola de gamba 5 to 7 strings . So versatile instrument

  • @shawhennessey3178
    @shawhennessey3178 7 років тому +4

    Geeze, and I thought my electric bass was big.

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому +2

      Well, don't forget, you need to carry an amp as well! Thanks for watching!

    • @jonnypayne598
      @jonnypayne598 4 роки тому

      Me too😁

  • @kirk4522
    @kirk4522 7 років тому +10

    why does he have 5 strings I only have 4

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому +9

      This is because the bass is in Viennese tuning. This tuning was used with five strings. In "normal" tuning, however, the choice of 4 or 5 strings is up to the individual. Let's not forget that the 3-string bass was the norm in Italy in the time of Verdi!

  • @PabloCardonaMusic
    @PabloCardonaMusic 7 років тому +2

    Omg I never thought there could be a talk like this, thank you :D you've answered some questions but I still have a lot..
    -Why can it be called "Contrabass" as well? This the way I met with it, what does "Contra" mean?
    -Why did they change the strings family in the baroque age?
    there were beautiful instruments such as The Viola d'gamba, Viola d'amore, Violone (which until I know it used to have even more range in with notes) and more that I don't remember right now...what was wrong with them?
    -Why some of them havr 3 or even 5 - like yours - strings? Depends on what genre are theu gonna be played for?
    - I've heard there are a lot a differents tunning but why?
    Thank you for the talking again! It's hard to find someone to talk about this with, specially a my age and the society I live in. :D

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому +3

      Ok, here goes:
      "-Why can it be called "Contrabass" as well? This the way I met with it, what does "Contra" mean?": Because we still use the terms from a lot of otter languages. intra means just an octave below what is read; ergo contrabassoon, etc.
      "Why did they change the strings family in the baroque age?
      there were beautiful instruments such as The Viola d'gamba, Viola d'amore, Violone (which until I know it used to have even more range in with notes) and more that I don't remember right now...what was wrong with them?". This is more complicated. I would just say it was evolution and changes in taste....
      -"Why some of them havr 3 or even 5 - like yours - strings? Depends on what genre are theu gonna be played for?" It depends more on country where you're playing than anything else. 3-strings have been out of use since the early 1900s except in some period orchestras.
      -"I've heard there are a lot a differents tunning but why?" Again, evolution and taste. Do you read german? I've got a great book for you!
      Does this help? You can email me with the address from my webpage if you'd like!
      Thanks sooo much for your interest and passion!

    • @PabloCardonaMusic
      @PabloCardonaMusic 7 років тому +4

      Thanks to you for your quick answers!
      Haha I don't speak German but in the future I surely will!

  • @TheTimeBeing
    @TheTimeBeing 7 років тому +1

    Who doesn't love the Vanhal double bass concerto :-) best one there is in my opinion

  • @zxinsWorld
    @zxinsWorld 6 років тому +19

    "Lowest of the orchestral string instrument[s family]"
    Uh no, that title goes to octobasses.

  • @rayjones3212
    @rayjones3212 7 років тому +4

    Now that I know why it is called a double bass, why is it also called a "doghouse bass?"

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому +1

      That is a great question. I have no idea!

  • @ChinekeFoundation
    @ChinekeFoundation 7 років тому +1

    Awesome! Bravo Bret... this was educational as well as entertaining! x

  • @samvelasco1279
    @samvelasco1279 7 років тому +1

    Damn that was so freaking good! I never heard someone play double bass so in tune.

  • @jacktowers7533
    @jacktowers7533 5 років тому +4

    A 5 string double bass with frets, all you gotta do is add a cutaway and it will complete the trifecta of blasphemy XD

  • @ShootAUT
    @ShootAUT 5 років тому +5

    I wonder what his teacher got paid for playing *those* two notes.

  • @oliversolar3504
    @oliversolar3504 6 років тому +1

    A 5 STRING DOUBLE BASS! EXCUSE ME, I NEED IT. MY SCHOOL ORCHESTRA WOULD SO EVEN BETTER! I really wish the bass was more appreciated, but I guess that's how life is. Also, I have never seen a bass player play that beautiful, I have only heard my classmates that either don't practice or play, or that play the same thing over and over again. But I really need to get that 5string bass!

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 6 років тому

      Well, Cassandra, you never know what instrument might come your way! Thanks for your support, and keep up the great work!

  • @RockStarOscarStern634
    @RockStarOscarStern634 3 роки тому +2

    TEDx Talks I have a Bass Guitar, it's much easier to carry than a Double Bass & it was invented in the 1930s. It origianlly started as a Fretless Bass in 1935 invented by Tutmarc (Being a Scaled Down Upright Bass makes it a cool invention) but 5 years later they've added frets to it so that it looks & plays more like a Guitar. However Bassists Jaco & Bill Wyman bought the Fretless Bass back home.

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 3 роки тому +1

      Thanks for your insight!

    • @RockStarOscarStern634
      @RockStarOscarStern634 3 роки тому +1

      @@bretsimner754 Ibanez makes the UB804 which takes Standard Bass Guitar Strings.

  • @literallyh3093
    @literallyh3093 7 років тому +125

    why not play some skrillex on that thing

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому +9

      What is that? Enlighten me!

    • @literallyh3093
      @literallyh3093 7 років тому +10

      Sonny John Moore, known professionally as Skrillex, is an American electronic music producer. I feel playing modern songs on the Double Bass would attract some much needed attention to it. Asking if you could play some skrillex was an exaggeration of the idea although if possible it would prove to be most amusing.

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому +4

      Just checked it out. Would be cool though--maybe with reverb. ;)

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 7 років тому +3

      Cool. Thanks so much for your research!

    • @Towel1e
      @Towel1e 7 років тому +26

      Because that instrument was made for music.

  • @zayzaya.8820
    @zayzaya.8820 6 років тому +7

    I started playing the double bass at the age of 9. Then discovered the bass guitar at 11. Needless to say, I dropped the double bass real fast. No offense but it's just more my style considering I'm a 14 year old In his metal and rock fazes 😂

    • @bretsimner754
      @bretsimner754 6 років тому +3

      Everyone should play the music they love. There is certainly no shame in that!

    • @arthurtucker2833
      @arthurtucker2833 6 років тому

      Zayzay Abayomi I play bass guitar because it's easy af while double bass is hard

    • @zayzaya.8820
      @zayzaya.8820 6 років тому

      Arthur Tucker That’s not true at a all

    • @arthurtucker2833
      @arthurtucker2833 6 років тому

      Zayzay Abayomi yeah it is, it's like guitar but it's easy. That's why loads of bassists start with guitar then change because they give up.

    • @daravila
      @daravila 6 років тому +1

      Nothing gets easier before it gets harder, just try your best

  • @fenjazz4
    @fenjazz4 6 років тому +1

    Wow fret lines on the board and around the neck! Cool

  • @4saken404
    @4saken404 Рік тому +1

    I can't get over how chonking HUGE those tuning pegs are!