Help needed - finding double bass player

[The Lukas]

I am currently planning and practicing a Rock n Roll tribute to Buddy Holly and the Crickets. I am playing as the man himself, and a friend on drums.

We are practicing every week but need a stand up bass player to set things off. Problem is I cannot find one anywhere. I live on the Isle of Wight and this in itself is also an issue. But I refuse to believe there is no one near me who is available.

Put ads up? Newpaper? Ect?

I've considered using an electric bass for now in hope this will give the act exposure. Could I get away with this? I'm a bit of a perfectionist, but I'm trying to be realistic.

[davepoth]

The Lukas said:

I am currently planning and practicing a Rock n Roll tribute to Buddy Holly and the Crickets. I am playing as the man himself, and a friend on drums.

We are practicing every week but need a stand up bass player to set things off. Problem is I cannot find one anywhere. I live on the Isle of Wight and this in itself is also an issue. But I refuse to believe there is no one near me who is available.
Put ads up? Newpaper? Ect?

I've considered using an electric bass for now in hope this will give the act exposure. Could I get away with this? I'm a bit of a perfectionist, but I'm trying to be realistic.

Don't be "The Crickets" and it works alright - Waylon Jennings played a Fender Bass with him in later days.

[The Lukas]

That picture is from the last tour isn't it? In fact, during his last tour, his backing band [I]was[I/] billed as the Crickets, though not believed to be Holly's doing.

However, the average guy listening to a tribute would likely expect a double bass. I would.

[Greenwich Ross]

Gumtree is always worth a punt.

[davepoth]

The Lukas said:

That picture is from the last tour isn't it? In fact, during his last tour, his backing band [I]was[I/] billed as the Crickets, though not believed to be Holly's doing.

Yup, last tour. I think probably the last night too.

[timbob]

There's a music degree that runs at Southampton University - might be worth a flyer on the music department's notice board?