About The Double Bass - Peter Tyler Click on the image for larger view

Do you think this book will be of interest to me?

If you are considering purchasing an instrument or have just recently started to play the double bass then this welcome and informative addition to the literature of the double bass is truly a rich source of information.

On the front cover - the book is described as a "Player's Guide". I'm a student, I'm a teacher, I'm an amateur, I'm a professional player. Is there anything in this book that I'll find useful and interesting?

Yes indeed. The book provides plenty of useful advice and answers on a whole gamut of topics.

Can you tell me what topics are covered?

There are sections on origins, purchase, repair, safe storage and transportation, stringing, adjustments, bowing, plucking, accessories, amplification, performance, care and construction.

So something for everybody. That's pretty impressive. How many pages are there?

Inclusive of the front and back cover - the book has 128 pages.

Are there any illustrations?

Yes indeed. The information and advice is supported by over 130 illustrations and diagrams.

Are the illustrations in colour?

Most of the illustrations are in colour. Most of the diagrams and sketches are in black and white.

What are Peter Tyler's credentials for writing this book?

Peter has been a keen amateur bass player for over sixty years. Over the past twenty-five plus of these years Peter estimates that he has bought and sold, repaired and restored more than two thousand double basses.

Wow - that's what you call dedication.

Yes indeed. You could also add passion and enthusiasm. Although Peter did not have a formal training or an apprenticeship in instrument making or restoring his selfless efforts, practical approach and oft ingenious solutions to the worst cracks and brakes imaginable have provided an invaluable service to a huge number of bass players of all abilities and playing styles and - more often than not - to those with the most limited of budgets.

It's probably a really difficult question but is there anything that you can pick out of the book that you really, really like?

We particularly like the reproduction of some early photographs. They provide an incredible insight into how earlier generations of bass players had their instruments set-up, the sort of stance or playing style that they adopted and the type of dress for that particular period.

Yes - that sounds fascinating. Is there anything else that stands out for you?

We also like the bass relevant quotes at the start of each chapter. The quotes are from a variety of sources including great literalists, composers and players.

Time for a summary:

All your most frequently asked questions - "About The Double Bass" - are answered here.

How about a final, final summary?

On the outside back cover of the book is a forward from Shoppe Managing Director Tony Houska - "About The Double Bass really is a great introduction to the incredibly variable and most fascinating of all instruments."

Stats:

Title: About The Double Bass
Author: Peter Tyler
Publisher: Peter Tyler
Publication Date: July 2011
ISBN: 978-0-9569681
Binding: Soft
Number of pages: 128
Dimensions: 27 x 21 x 1cm
Weight: 566.0gms (ave)

About The Double Bass by Peter Tyler - Price UK£ 25.00