1/4 Size upright, any fullsize people playing them?

paddydukes · #1 08-19-2009, 02:47 PM

So i was wondering if there are any full size people playing 1/4 size basses? Seems to me like it would make a decent enough travel bass with the right pickup on it, and it would put out quite a bit more sound than something like the Eminence EUB when not plugged in... Just curious if anyone out there had a similar thought!

**Matthew Tucker** · #2 08-19-2009, 06:35 PM

if you're happy switching to a much shorter scale length, then fine. But it throws me right out, even playing a 1/2 size. I suppose if you play it all the time it would be OK.

paddydukes · #3 08-20-2009, 06:36 AM

It would be a funny switch i guess, isn't standard 1/4 string length almost the same as a BG at right around 35"? it would be a cute little bass to play onstage though, can't deny that

AMJBASS · #4 08-20-2009, 06:48 AM

If you are used to playing a Fretless, it might not be a huge switch as you could use BG fingering on it(3rd finger). It would still be totally reliant on a pickup for enough sound though. I play a half size primarily now, and it took a while to get my intonation back...

Wally Malone · #5 08-23-2009, 12:05 PM

I have a 1/4 size Kay and it is just a hair over 35". I have Turner UB-1 pickup system placed on the bridge for each string. To me it sounds more like a URB than the EUB's have I have heard. To be honest I have yet to play it out but play it on a daily basis at home and am looking at playing out with others soon. It really can't be played without amplication but I get a pretty big sound which I think is partially due to the age of the Spirocores and turning up the amp a little more. I'm 5'6" and weigh 165 lbs.

Wally

paddydukes · #6 08-23-2009, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wally Malone

I have a 1/4 size Kay and it is just a hair over 35". I have Turner UB-1 pickup system placed on the bridge for each string. To me it sounds more like a URB than the EUB's have I have heard. To be honest I have yet to play it out but play it on a daily basis at home and am looking at playing out with others soon. It really can't be played without amplication but I get a pretty big sound which I think is partially due to the age of the Spirocores and turning up the amp a little more. I'm 5'6" and weigh 165 lbs.

Wally

Mine is also an old Kay (S-10), refurbishing it now and just wondering what I am going to do with it! My plan was to use it as my EUB, working on some contraptions to put in the F holes to close them up in loud settings and open them up for more quite rehersal/in home playing. I am thinking the Realist pickup might be alright for this (I have an eminence EUB and the Realist on there sounds pretty huge in the right settings through a Sansamp) Really its just a fun little project. Just wondering if i am going to be the only big guy out there playing a tiny little bass (in comparison to a 3/4). If this offers any middle ground in the way of EUB (eminence) and Upton 3/4 it could be a cool little hybrid. We shall see how it works out!

Pat

Wally Malone · #7 08-23-2009, 12:42 PM

Mine is a M-3.

Wally

scuoco · #8 08-24-2009, 06:16 PM

i have a mid sixties kay m3 which i really like. it's 35" scale. i had to put a real fingerboard on it with a shim to make it feel like a real upright neck in my hand. that really did wonders. the only problem is that you have to crank the volume on your amp to get any sound out of it. with my 3/4, i don't need my amp very loud at all. it's good for quiet cocktail gigs, but i think you'll miss the natural big sound of a 3/4 scale.

p.s. it's way better than any EUB!

paddydukes · #9 08-25-2009, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scuoco

i have a mid sixties kay m3 which i really like. it's 35" scale. i had to put a real fingerboard on it with a shim to make it feel like a real upright neck in my hand. that really did wonders. the only problem is that you have to crank the volume on your amp to get any sound out of it. with my 3/4, i don't need my amp very loud at all. it's good for quiet cocktail gigs, but i think you'll miss the natural big sound of a 3/4 scale.

p.s. it's way better than any EUB!

What kind of pickup and amp/cab combination are you using with the M3?

Fine Cut · #10 08-27-2009, 12:38 AM

ha, i've been toying with the idea of getting one of these; partly because i'm an Electric bass player looking to crossover

and partly to noodle on when i'm sittin round the house

Pentabass · #11 08-27-2009, 10:41 PM

Which strings do you prefer for the 1/4 (36 inch speaking lenght) plys?

On my 1/4 Wilfer lami came with a chrome wound steel string of uncertain origin. They bow surpisingly well, but seem a little thuddy with pizzicato.

I wonder how Corelli's would do on the little beauty?

scuoco · #12 08-28-2009, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paddydukes

What kind of pickup and amp/cab combination are you using with the M3?

I have the basic fishman pickup and use a few different amps. ?(i aslo use the fishman preamp )
my favorite for that bass is an Ampeg b50 combo which is the 12" speaker 50 watts. i also have a walter woods and my new amp is a mesa boogie walkabout which i love SO MUCH!

AMJBASS · #13 08-28-2009, 08:41 AM

I use a Fishman Full Circle on my Eastman, and it really helps fill out the low end. In fact it sounds fantastic on this bass! The fractional size Spirocores are great strings. Very expensive though. I think they are around $170. I believe you can get Helicore Hybrids in fractional sizes now. Since you need to rely so much on the pickup/amp when the bass is so small I would suggest buying the best strings and pickup that you can.

Wally Malone · #14 08-28-2009, 01:31 PM

I haven't tried them but was told the Corellis should work well on the 1/4 size and know that they can be had for about $100. The Spiros I have on there have probably been on for nine or ten years.

Wally

jpruettrector · #15 01-03-2010, 11:30 AM

I have a 1967 Kay M3 Bass (1/4 size). I use a ROUNDS Double pickup ($75) thru a Behringer EQ Pedal. Great sound. I play it in a Bluegrass Gospel group. Sounds and transports great. Wouldn't think about using a full doghouse.

SimpleIsBest · #16 01-25-2010, 06:48 AM

Cool. I was just thinking to do this and glad to see others have tried. Has anyone tried using electric bass strings on a 1/4 size double bass?

AMJBASS · #17 01-25-2010, 07:31 AM

It is HIGHLY unlikely BG strings would fit. You have to take into considerationt he afterlength of the strings on the tailpiece side. Cello strings might work however...

SimpleIsBest · #18 01-26-2010, 12:37 AM

Actually Electric bass strings are longer than cello stings. Especially super long scale. I think they would fit fine but I want to see how they would sound. Roundwounds on an upright? Great!

dbqluthier · #19 01-27-2010, 01:10 PM

Has anyone put a bow to a 1/4 bass. It seem this would more playing a cello with bass tuning. I'm thinking about using one for a church praise group gig ... small group amplified ... maybe a bass solo line, bowed, one in a while. Nearly all the 1/2 and 1/4 basses are plywood, but I'm thinking the smaller size would have a better arco string response.

davidAaronCarte · #20 01-27-2010, 02:36 PM

What's the feasibility of extending the string length by moving the bridge lower? Might not get the full 42" but any extra length would help
Luthier input?