1/4 scale for me?

Barry Clark · #1 02-24-2008, 11:41 AM

Ok....

Noob in need of help. What else is new right?

I love the sound of upright and everyone I know is all about the 3/4 and some even 4/4 bass. Me? I followed that until I played an Englehardt 1/4 for a moment. I have always preferred the 'thump' to the 'boom' and it seems I get more of that from the 1/4 scale bass.

What is the honest difference dimensionally between the 3/4 and the 1/4 as I know it isn't honestly 1/4 the size of a full.

What might the difficulties be in a 6'-1" guy playing one regularly?

mattfong · #2 02-24-2008, 02:54 PM

The thump might just be because its a ply bass. My old ply was pretty thumpy, and it was a 3/4.

Just a guess.

moopants · #3 02-24-2008, 03:45 PM

If you're 6' 1'', I'd say play a 3/4. I'm short (5' 8'') and I play a 3/4 with no problem. I have limited experience, but wouldn't a 1/4 bass be a lot quieter than a 3/4?

ispider6 · #4 02-24-2008, 04:22 PM

Maybe you should take up the cello? Interestingly, Percy Heath used to play the cello (tuned in 4ths) to change things up during a set. He could solo very well on it too!

mattfong · #5 02-24-2008, 06:21 PM

I've seen a picture of Oscar Pettiford playing a cello too. I'd like to hear how it sounds in the jazz context, I'll bet its pretty neat.

Don Higdon · #6 02-24-2008, 07:02 PM

BC: Remember the the sound you hear is not the sound the audience hears. The player of the bass never hears it. The bulk of the sound comes from the bass top, and the sound waves are best heard 15+ feet away. I would recommend that you have a friend play the 1/4 and a 3/4 with you listening out front. Then you play, with the friend out front. Then consider what you want to do.

Mr.Phil · #7 02-24-2008, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattfong

I've seen a picture of Oscar Pettiford playing a cello too. I'd like to hear how it sounds in the jazz context, I'll bet its pretty neat.

Check out Ray Brown's Jazz Cello album.

Jed Kriegel · #8 02-25-2008, 12:39 AM

Recently I heard a "1/16th" size bass. I can't imagine what it was a sixteenth of as it had a 36" string length. That thing sounded UNBELIEVABLE. Like an extra wooly cello. Pizz was less astounding, but arco totally blew me away. I am now a believer, and I encourage experimentation.