
Dan Styffe is a man in constant motion.

“What else do you do?” said the neurologist to Scott Devine.
“Because you’ll never play bass again.”
Scott was making his living as a gigging bassist when he began having problems with his hands. These problems grew progressively worse, prompting Scott to seek medical advice.
The diagnosis was focal dystonia, a neurological condition that affects a muscle or group of muscles in a specific part of the body, causing involuntary muscular contractions and abnormal postures. Doctors told Scott that playing bass would not be an option for him anymore.
Fast-forward many years, and Scott is now making his living teaching electric bass (and yes, playing it!) to thousands of people world-wide.
We dig into this and much more in today’s episode!
I also love this video of Scott interviewing Dave Swift, who was a recent podcast guest of mine!
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This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Zyex strings, which are synthetic core strings that produce an extremely warm, rich sound. Get the sound and feel of gut strings with more evenness, projection and stability than real gut.
Enter the D’Addario strings giveaway for Contrabass Conversations listeners at contrabassconversations.com/strings!
Hosting for Contrabass Conversations is provided by Bass Capos. Bass Capos are an excellent choice for any bass player using or looking to implement a double bass extension. Easy to install and adjust, cheaper and more reliable than hand-built latches, also lighter and quicker in operation.

As the bassist for Jools Holland’s band for over two decades, Dave Swift is likely the U.K.’s best-known bassist.

Florian Pertzborn launched the European Orchestra Experience Award for the BASSEUROPE Orchestral Competition this year in Prague.
Florian and I got a chance to sit down in the beautiful courtyard of the HAMU in Prague to discuss this competition. We talk about why Florian launched this and what benefits he sees it bringing to young double bassists.
We also cover:
It was great to chat with Florian! He’s a great guy and is working hard to provide opportunities for young bassists across Europe.

Florian and Jason in Prague for BASS2016!
Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to your inbox!
Learn how you can support the show at contrabassconversations.com/support
This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Zyex strings, which are synthetic core strings that produce an extremely warm, rich sound. Get the sound and feel of gut strings with more evenness, projection and stability than real gut.
Enter the D’Addario strings giveaway for Contrabass Conversations listeners at contrabassconversations.com/strings!

It was such a pleasure to catch up with Petia Bagovska in Prague for BASS2016! I’ve known her for years. We used to play in some orchestras together when we were both living in Chicago.
When we both realized that we would be in Prague together for the European Bass Congress, we agreed to find a few minutes to catch up and record an interview.
We’re sitting in the courtyard of the HAMU in Prague on a beautiful October afternoon.
It’s the most perfect weather imaginable. Everyone is outside having a coffee or a beer and a snack, chatting, laughing, trying out basses, and enjoying the experience of being united together as bassists in one of the world’s great cities!
Not a bad way to spend an afternoon!
Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to your inbox!
Learn how you can support the show at contrabassconversations.com/support
This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Zyex strings, which are synthetic core strings that produce an extremely warm, rich sound. Get the sound and feel of gut strings with more evenness, projection and stability than real gut.
Enter the D’Addario strings giveaway for Contrabass Conversations listeners at contrabassconversations.com/strings!
