1/2 vs. 3/4 from a noob!

PorkPieGuy · #1 08-09-2011, 11:05 AM

Hey folks!

I'm new here, and I'm exploring the option of getting an upright bass for home recording predominately. I play hammered dulcimer music, and I would love to add some nice bottom end to the mix. I've made due with what I've had, but I'd like to have a fuller sound. To hear what I'm talking about, go here:

Music

I've been looking at 3/4 size basses, but I'm worried about storage (I have a small house, a wife and 3 kids, and a dog that's not worth a dime but I wouldn't take a million for her). I've been looking around at 1/2 size basses because I'm afraid that the 1/4 would just be too darn small. Any advice you have would be great!

drurb · #2 08-09-2011, 11:10 AM

Get a 3/4 (although sizes are hardly standard). It won't take up that much more room in your house. It will likely be more enjoyable to play and sure will be easier to sell/trade.

brianrost · #3 08-09-2011, 11:18 AM

I own two 3/4s and my daughter owns a 1/4. The diff in size is not as much as you might think based on the dimensions. I'd just get the 3/4.

P.S. my wife owns a hammer dulcimer though she hasn't played it for years. I keep thinking about getting it out of the case and having a go at it myself.

bassics1975 · #4 08-09-2011, 11:46 AM

The difference between a 1/2 and a 3/4 is a mere few inches. A 3/4 would give you better results in the long run. Besides, if you decided to trade-up or sell the instrument in the future, you would have more of a market with the 3/4.

Phil Rowan · #5 08-09-2011, 05:49 PM

You could also find a smaller 3/4 that still gives you the sound you want (like drurb says, 3/4 basses come in a variety of sizes).

PorkPieGuy · #6 08-10-2011, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil Rowan

You could also find a smaller 3/4 that still gives you the sound you want (like drurb says, 3/4 basses come in a variety of sizes).

What are some names/models I need to look at with a budget of $1000-$1500?

drurb · #7 08-10-2011, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PorkPieGuy

What are some names/models I need to look at with a budget of $1000-$1500?

I'd start with Shen.

spoonido · #8 08-10-2011, 04:26 PM

To save space I got an electric upright. To save my sanity I'm getting a 3/4 acoustic. EUB for sale!

nachodaddy · #9 08-14-2011, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PorkPieGuy

Hey folks!

I'm new here, and I'm exploring the option of getting an upright bass for home recording predominately. I play hammered dulcimer music, and I would love to add some nice bottom end to the mix. I've made due with what I've had, but I'd like to have a fuller sound. To hear what I'm talking about, go here:

Music

I've been looking at 3/4 size basses, but I'm worried about storage (I have a small house, a wife and 3 kids, and a dog that's not worth a dime but I wouldn't take a million for her). I've been looking around at 1/2 size basses because I'm afraid that the 1/4 would just be too darn small. Any advice you have would be great!

Well, I'm not thrilled with hammered dulcimer music, but, I'll give you some good advice, anyway. Just get an ABG. You say the bass use will essentially be for recording, so, I think you'd just be puttin' up a lotta dough & takin' up your limited space with a DB. AND, an ABG will come with a hardshell case, which should take care of possible problems with the pooch. A Boulder Creek or Breedlove will cost you around 6 to 7 hundred new. They're both available fretted or fretless, too. And you can get decent ABG's for less than half of that. On the other hand, a Palatino DB will cost the same 6 to 7 hundred & will be a piece of junk always & forever.
If you do decide on a DB, I got an old Framus 1/2 size a few months ago & it suits my purposes just fine. Much easier to haul around in my particular vehicle. But, yes, a 1/2 size will be a hard resell.