3/4 vs. 7/8 - does size matter?

[chuck3]

Tonight I and another bass player both played at a benefit gig that was all-acoustic (no amps). Given the format we had to lay our basses down together during the breaks. His a 7/8 (don't know the make but it was nice), mine a 3/4, a standard Upton gamba ply. We were commenting on the size difference (not huge but noticeable) and the leader of my group (a bluegrass band) said, in a humorous vein, I guess we'll see tonight if size matters. Well, the other guy was a good player regardless of his playing a 7/8, but what's the answer? Should I be GAS-ing for a 7/8? It's not like I need something larger to carry around.

[Andrew McGregor]

3/4 is a standard size bass. Bigger ones exist, but unless you're really really tall, there's very little point. Sound-wise a decent 3/4 beats a mediocre 7/8, there's really nothing much in it. My observation is that depth in the ribs counts for far more than length or width of the body.

[D McCartney]

My opinion FWIW, stick with your Upton.

[Bassman316]

I've read that the Upton Standards are considered big 3/4 or small 7/8...I guess I'll find out soon, as mine should be just about done!

[Hemispheres85]

Originally Posted by Andrew McGregor

3/4 is a standard size bass. Bigger ones exist, but unless you're really really tall, there's very little point. Sound-wise a decent 3/4 beats a mediocre 7/8, there's really nothing much in it. My observation is that depth in the ribs counts for far more than length or width of the body.

Oh Boy...

I play on a large bass (I don't say 7/8 or 3/4 or full size because it because there is no standard string length or size to basses and often they range anywhere from 40.5'' to 43'' in string length with differing sizes) and I know of many players who play the same make of bass who are not very tall.

Playing a larger instrument is often about the extra sound power. However, I've heard the bass I play on be drowned out by small, thin basses ( very old and extremely expensive ones, though!). You CAN NOT say something like "a decent 3/4 beats a mediocre 7/8", since ANY decent bass beats ANY mediocre one! It just depends on the size.

Long story short; if you can handle a large instrument and find one you like, that's great and you may find that larger instruments are often very powerful. If you can find a smaller bass with just as much power, you will likely find playing easier.

[pigsonthewing]

Size doesn't matter, it's all in the performance...

Guess you could say that for bass too

[clink]

I owned a LARGE bass for a year and a half. Deep ribs, 28-1/4 lower bout and she tipped the scales at 30lbs. The sound was huge and projected well into the room, but it came with a hefty price when it came to both playing it and taking it out.
Because of this, I found an old German bass that is much easier. The shorter string length and lower tension make it easier to play and lighter weight and smaller size are great. The sound is also quite a bit better, but the bass isn't as loud. Most things in life involve trading one thing for another. You have to decide what is most important.
FWIW, I'm 5'9" and 185lbs. I DO think it's very important to choose a bass that fits.

[Dr Piggery]

As the bishop said to the actress "It doesn't matter how big it is... it's what you do with it that counts!"

[bonaventura]

Originally Posted by Andrew McGregor

3/4 is a standard size bass. Bigger ones exist, but unless you're really really tall, there's very little point. Sound-wise a decent 3/4 beats a mediocre 7/8, there's really nothing much in it. My observation is that depth in the ribs counts for far more than length or width of the body.

Originally Posted by Hemispheres85

Oh Boy...

You CAN NOT say something like "a decent 3/4 beats a mediocre 7/8", since ANY decent bass beats ANY mediocre one! It just depends on the size.

As I read it, I think that was Andrew's point too, just his way of saying it. And it is possible to say that, by the way.

I play a 3/4 that has 9.25 inches deep ribs, and 7/8 that has 7.5 inch deep ribs and is substantially bigger in all other parts. The 3/4 has a deeper and darker sound and the 7/8 has a brighter but bigger sound. The 3/4 is not quite as loud as the 7/8. But every bass is different....

[Andrew McGregor]

Yup, that's what I was saying... it's about the quality, not so much about any of the dimensions.

[drurb]

This is one of those cases where a search would yield a ton of information. This topic has probably been re-visited 50-100x since I've been a member. Hemisphere's response above is right on target! +1.

Take a look at Bob Gollihur's discussion on sizing, being mindful of his Rule #1-- which is that there are no rules!

[bonaventura]

Yup, that's what we were saying...