1/2 vs 3/4

[Lombax]

I have the opportunity to buy a 1/2 size plywood bass. Its made from a local luthier and I can get it for $200. Yes $200 . The kid want to get rid of it in the worst way and I am the lucky recipient. My question is. How much of a difference is it to play 1/2 vs 3/4? I would use it to travel with and practice since it is smaller. I currently have a 3/4. Any thoughts? is it worth buying?

[Stev187]

Others will chime in with better ideas, but my thought is that the 1/2 size won't be much easier for travel. The 1/2 size basses I've seen are still fairly large (only about 6 inches shorter and not much thinner) so they pose the same kind of issues with transport, etc. That's my thought, anyway.

For $200, I think it would be great if you ever wanted to take on a young student, or perhaps you may have kids who want to learn some day. And it might be fun to practice on.

[iiipopes]

I'm not sure it would be a good practice bass, because the primary reason to practice is to get everything together for performance, so all the ergonomics of a different body size and scale length might actually be detrimental rather than beneficial.

But for $200, go for it! You can decide later what to do with it: keep it for a student, keep it for offspring or other relative, donate it to a school, sell it for a profit, etc.

[DrewWalden]

I recently purchased a 1/2 size on eBay on accident' the guy said it was 3/4. Anyway, the main difference between it and my 3/4 was the neck. It was much thinner IMO it would be difficult to switch back and forth.

[Matt Ides]

You are talking about 5-6 inch difference in scale length. DB's aren't standard now even among one size so why complicate your life further. If you want a smaller bass a traditional 5/8 might do the trick since they have a scale length of 40" usually, but smaller upper and lower bouts.

You could buy it but I wouldn't plan on using it as a practice bass, rather sell or rent it out to younger students.