Musing about Single Valve Bass

[walldaja]

Normally I play third book in a four bone section in a swing orchestra but had an opportunity to sit in at a rehearsal in place of the bass player who was covering for the double bass. I've had a bass for several years and had only played in one other group setting with two friends who played basses. I played my Yamaha 421G with them for no other reason than to cover all three parts with basses.

I had used the horn more in the past as a solo instrument with organ / piano in a church setting. I just love the sound of the horn. I guess it was the sound that first attracted me to the horn--played one in a store and it just screamed buy me. But not at the price they were asking.

I had thought about buying a two-valve bass originally but settled on the 421 because my initial notion was a "back up" horn for my tenor. Bit of overkill but useful. I only had three notes I couldn't play (B's) at the rehearsal so I just lifted them.

One thing I learned, you bass players have some fun parts.

Looking forward to the next time the chair is open to have more fun.

[Posaunus]

I've been happily playing a single-valve bass for several years, mostly as 4th trombone in a 16-piece swing band (where I have only very infrequent need for a second valve). I may not be a great bass trombonist, but I love playing the instrument and the sound that it makes, and covering the (sometimes interesting - and even fun) charts in front of me.

At my age (advanced) I have little interest in
(a) learning to use a second valve or
(b) hefting the extra weight of a double-valve bass trombone.

[Bach5G]

Love the one you’re with.

[2bobone]

"One thing I learned, you bass players have some fun parts."

Shhhhh ! We're trying to keep that a secret !

[ghmerrill]

At my age (well, I think at any age), I prefer to avoid 6th and 7th position as much as possible. I just love the independent bass. But if you'd be getting it only for low B's ... don't bother with it. I use my Gb valve (and the two valves together) quite liberally. If I didn't, a single valve would be the way for me to go.

[Pezza]

Due to some injuries I now play a single trigger bass. Most of the time I don't miss the 2nd. But when I go for it I miss spectacularly!