7 years with "my husband"

My double bass which I affectionately refer to as my husband was a 21st birthday gift for me from my mother. It was delivered to me on 8 April 2000 in the morning, one month before my 21st birthday. So today marks the seventh year with my husband.

My relationship with my husband is getting better. During the first year when I had him, because of the too high set-up of the bridge, playing the higher positions on it proved to be a challenge. In the end, I had to take it back to the shop to request for the bridge to be re-set.

When I first bought it, my husband was strung with Korean-made strings. There is nothing wrong with Korea. However, I can tell you that my double bass sounded not so warm and nice with Korean-made strings strung on him. Korean-made strings aren't conducive to the fingers too. My fingers had often had a pricky feeling after playing on those Korean-made strings.

Looking back, I am glad that I had invested on better strings to string on it, but that came comparatively late, only months before I sat for ABRSM Grade 6 Practical exams about three years ago. Now D'Addario Helicore strings (medium gauge, orchestral tuning) is being strung on my double bass, and it seems to give it a warm yet nicely bright sound.

Perhaps my double bass is now more seasoned with time, it does sound better. Last year, I took it to one of my favourite Luthiers in Singapore to reset the bridge. After that, it was a little more easier to play on my double bass. Of course, while it has its merits, it cannot compare itself to the sounds of my dream double bass.

Then again, for sentimental reasons, I doubt I would be able to bear giving it away even if I am able to have the money to invest on my dream double bass, or at least, a better double bass.

For now, I shall just play as much as I can on my husband until one day that my playing has outgrown it.

Meantime, 7 years with my husband, and I suppose this is worth a celebration?