Double Bass Bass Wheels

#41
I’ve always been a wheel guy. I’m also a side-driver, turning the bass bridge pointing left so that the bass plus me are in line and as narrow as possible. I steer it like a rudder. This gives me maximum control for navigating through crowds or narrow spaces. I never understood those players that wheeled their bass facing forward as if in a playing position. That creates the need for a wide swath of space to move forward and adds potential for damages. A wheel also adds a minimum of weight when I have to carry it up or down stairs. For me I’d never leave my bass standing unless secured face-in towards a corner. The bass has the greatest distance to fall when it’s standing. If I can’t find a corner I’ll rest it tucked away on its side.

I have friends who swear by the bass buggy but it just seems big, obtrusive, heavy and less maneuverable…
 
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#44
Jason Sypher said:
Seen it more often than not. So unwieldy, undignified, unsightly even…
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Who knew?
Ni5qcGVn.jpeg
 
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#48
Ryan in PDX said:
@Jason Sypher @Don Kasper My wheel has a flat spot on the rod, and by default, the wheel faces forward. It has simply never occurred to me to use it any other way... Until now. I don't have subways to worry about, but I'll be adjusting it "wagons east" tomorrow.

Thanks, gents.
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Absolutely! I bought a big fat file and made my flat spot on the side:)
 
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#49
Ryan in PDX said:
@Jason Sypher @Don Kasper My wheel has a flat spot on the rod, and by default, the wheel faces forward. It has simply never occurred to me to use it any other way... Until now. I don't have subways to worry about, but I'll be adjusting it "wagons east" tomorrow.

Thanks, gents.
Click to expand...
The Gaines has a small set screw that allows you to position the post with the flat side where one wills.
 
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#51
I don’t like either the single bass wheel or the Bass Buggy , so I made a compromise of both.

I installed a single wheel on the frame of the Bass Buggy and used Velcro straps for quick install and removal. I retained the Bass Buggy rubber cushion
The endpin stays in place. No endpin stress on the bass block. No storage of the endpin
Easier to install than the two-wheeled Bass Buggy with its strapping arrangement.
The single wheel makes it easy to steer, as I don’t have to steer from behind as with the Bass Buggy.

Just my personal preference.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PkWxJFparvw
 
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#53
DMcNutt said:
I don’t like either the single bass wheel or the Bass Buggy , so I made a compromise of both.

I installed a single wheel on the frame of the Bass Buggy and used Velcro straps for quick install and removal. I retained the Bass Buggy rubber cushion
The endpin stays in place. No endpin stress on the bass block. No storage of the endpin
Easier to install than the two-wheeled Bass Buggy with its strapping arrangement.
The single wheel makes it easy to steer, as I don’t have to steer from behind as with the Bass Buggy.

Just my personal preference.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PkWxJFparvw
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Nice idea!

I still think if having two smaller wheels at the sides (or four in the corners) might help to a void scraping twitch the frame on the ground (in rather extreme steering cases only or by accident).

If I ever make one this way I might try the single big wheel on a buggy-like frame but keep the strapping as it is more universal to mount on a lot of basses and bags. I know it might be less stable than the Velcro.
Maybe I want a brake too.
 
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#54
Update: side-drive or get off the road!

Those with a Xeros wheel, run - don't walk - to your nearest wrench and/or pliers, and rotate that flat spot. Took me about one minute, including going to the garage to get tools. One trip through the door, and I don't know how I ever lived the other way.

Thank you again, @Jason Sypher and @Don Kasper for making me feel like a Compleat Idiot. Now I can feel superior for the rest of my life.

(or until I get a buggy, I suppose...)
 
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#55
Ryan in PDX said:
Update: side-drive or get off the road!

Those with a Xeros wheel, run - don't walk - to your nearest wrench and/or pliers, and rotate that flat spot. Took me about one minute, including going to the garage to get tools. One trip through the door, and I don't know how I ever lived the other way.

Thank you again, @Jason Sypher and @Don Kasper for making me feel like a Compleat Idiot. Now I can feel superior
Click to expand...
Ryan in PDX said:
Update: side-drive or get off the road!

Those with a Xeros wheel, run - don't walk - to your nearest wrench and/or pliers, and rotate that flat spot. Took me about one minute, including going to the garage to get tools. One trip through the door, and I don't know how I ever lived the other way.

Thank you again, @Jason Sypher and @Don Kasper for making me feel like a Compleat Idiot. Now I can feel superior for the rest of my life.

(or until I get a buggy, I suppose...)
Click to expand...

I’m a left side drive, bridge facing left, neck on the right shoulder. Lefties might be more comfortable on the left shoulder. I drape my arm over the bass and grab the most convenient handle. I really wish there was on at the top of the bow pouch, I often just grab near the zipper there. When I climb a stair I use my body as a fulcrum, lean forward a little and only use the same arm position to balance the bass over my back, my left arm forward in the air for balance or grabbing a railing etc. Downstairs I use both hands using the strongest handles, but still in side profile. I think I would like to have a buggy for other types of transport. I’m sure it’s handy for certain situations.
 
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#57
Don Kasper said:
My definition of "left side drive", is ; Bridge to the LEFT, not facing forward...Bass Neck on my Right Shoulder, etc.Tomayto/Tomahto!
I will not be posting a photo.
You're Welcome.
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Ok let’s call the bridge direction the defining factor. Left side drive, right side shoulder. No photos necessary.
 
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#58
Side-drivers: you all just inspired me try this again after 15+ years of walking with the bass facing forwards. What a lifestyle improvement! The big difference is a new case with more handles and d rings. I added an extra handle to the new case as well with webbing and carabiners, allowing for greater control and easier lifting of the instrument. The extra handle also allows for the bass to be carried on either side of the body with the bridge facing inwards towards the opposite knee. With the bass oriented sideways, I am able to walk with a much straighter back. Most of the weight is carried by a fully extended arm instead of supporting the neck with the shoulder. Walking the bass is now more like rolling a wheelbarrow than portaging a canoe. It's also much better for navigating narrow streets and canals clogged with stoned tourists and abandoned bicycles. Many thanks.
 
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#59
Jason Sypher said:
I’m a left side drive, bridge facing left, neck on the right shoulder. Lefties might be more comfortable on the left shoulder. I drape my arm over the bass and grab the most convenient handle. I really wish there was on at the top of the bow pouch, I often just grab near the zipper there. When I climb a stair I use my body as a fulcrum, lean forward a little and only use the same arm position to balance the bass over my back, my left arm forward in the air for balance or grabbing a railing etc. Downstairs I use both hands using the strongest handles, but still in side profile. I think I would like to have a buggy for other types of transport. I’m sure it’s handy for certain situations.
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The stairs in my house are too steep for this technique (they're unusually steep), so I'm still using the "bass on my hip, behind me" method. However, I've had many chances to use your method on more average stairs this week, and I'm a believer. Great stuff here. Thanks again!
 
#60
Ryan in PDX said:
The stairs in my house are too steep for this technique (they're unusually steep), so I'm still using the "bass on my hip, behind me" method. However, I've had many chances to use your method on more average stairs this week, and I'm a believer. Great stuff here. Thanks again!
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I think we are doing the same thing, hip is a better term than back. I lived in Amsterdam and those stairs are pretty much a ladder and I could still get the bass up. I’m incidentally that puts the scroll against the back of my head which I use for leverage.
 
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