Hi there, I've posted a similar topic before but I'd like to get a few more opinions and answers. I'm a small bassist (5'6") with very small hands and very short arms. I play on a 3/4 size double bass with moderate shoulders and a 41" string length. I've been getting a lot of pain in my back trying to bow near the bridge as I have to bring my entire body forward to do so. Also, the stretch between my fingers is extremely wide so I usually have to sacrifice expression to play with perfect technique.

I recently started playing on a 5/8th size bass and all the pain in my body has dissapeared. The shoulders are very sloped, and the string length is a very very modest 37.5". I feel it's a tad small but it's a heck of a lot better than 41". I can play mostly using four finger technique now or with a very very relaxed and expressive standard technique, especially during fast orchestral passages. My worry is that my teacher feels anything under 40" is too small, regardless of the players size and that it may compromise my career. I'm worried because I play so much better with this small bass; it's like I'm a different player and I have no pain, but I'm scared it may affect the politics of my future as an orchestral bassist.

:(

hey calvin, I see you have got steves bass right now, that is sure a beautiful instrument, I tried it in late december and was thinking of picking it up as a travel bass. he did mention to me about being able to adjust the string length on the bass by adding a new neck, to boost the string length to around 40.5. If you are going to buy the bass you should talk to him about this, it is a great instrument that plays beautifully. good luck.

For the time being, causing yourself pain in your back reaching for the bridge is going to harm your professional career far more than practicing on a smaller bass.

Neals suggestion of a new neck is spot on.

I'd be reluctant to get too comfortable using 4 finger technique, as when/if you had a new neck put on you'd have to adjust to conventional fingering again .

Calvin,

I also had back pain when bowing towards the bridge. I am tall, and I had to lean forward to bow down there. I raised up my bass and found that it took away the problem. You may find it is easier to lift your left arm higher than your right arm lower.

Secondarily, why don't you have a chiropractor look at your back. They might be able to help.

Tom

It's not the size that counts but how you use it :D

Anyway, if your concerned about your size and shape and the bass that you then require to play comofortably so much, then maybe you should look into getting a custom made job. It won't be a 10 thousand year old relic. But there's no reason why it couldn't sound amazing suit your size and satisfy the snobbery of whoever is auditioning you.

Edit: Just as an after thought it might also be worth while to make contact with a few established bassists in various orchestras just to see what they think of the instrument that you find most comfortable and if it will affect your career or your selection at auditions. Your teacher may or may not be correct in his thoughts. But it certainly can't hurt to get a few more opinions from others who are actively involved in the scene. Granted I don't know how hard it will be to contact these players but it couldn't hurt

Thank you all so very much. I can now sleep with ease. :)

Best of wishes! :)