5/8 Size - Pros & Cons

[GregL]

I was playing various instruments at David Gage recently and found, because of my hand size, the 5/8 felt much more comfortable and fell right into the proper intervals.

Would like input on 5/8 versus 3/4 please.

Probably overstating the obvious, but if you have never been to David Gage in NY you are missing an incredible experience and an extremely helpful and interesting staff.

Thanks all

[Eric Hochberg]

You can find 3/4 basses with shorter string lengths. In most cases, I think you will get a more massive sound with the larger body.

[jallenbass]

If you use amplification most of the time then it may not matter much which size you use. I play on a 40.5 inch string length bass and it amplifies wonderfully. Acoustically it has a rather small sound. Works well for me.

[Rod McCaulley]

I have a Hawkes copy Upton hybrid with a large body 5/8. The string length isn't an issue (42). The low notes are very loud and booming but the mid & upper notes don't project as much. They were very weak when the bass was new. They have improved quite a bit from 2 years of heavy playing arco and lots of jazz gigs. I wonder if this is a trait of larger body basses or just this Upton?

[Eric Hochberg]

Originally Posted by doryendor

I have a Hawkes copy Upton hybrid with a large body 5/8. The string length isn't an issue (42). The low notes are very loud and booming but the mid & upper notes don't project as much. They were very weak when the bass was new. They have improved quite a bit from 2 years of heavy playing arco and lots of jazz gigs. I wonder if this is a trait of larger body basses or just this Upton?

Are you sure that is a 5/8 size bass? I think the Hawkes model is a large 3/4 from what I've seen of one. A 42" SL is not a 5/8 size. That bass is also not a Hawkes copy AFAIK.

[Rod McCaulley]

It may be between 3/4 and 5/8. I bought it at the Upton shop in Mystic CT. The tag says Hawkes hybrid 2007. I have several 3/4 basses and this bass fits very tight in the bag.

[Eric Hochberg]

If it fits tight, it's closer to a 7/8 size.

[Rod McCaulley]

Originally Posted by ehochberg

If it fits tight, it's closer to a 7/8 size.

Thanks I'm thinking the wrong direction! Sorry!

[Curley Shadow]

Originally Posted by doryendor

Thanks I'm thinking the wrong direction! Sorry!

I had tried a 5/8 bass a couple of years ago from pictures posted on the internet, but when it was sent to me it was like a a large cello, way too small for a bass, sound wasn't good at all. I sent it back.

[Phil Rowan]

Chicago: fully carved smaller DB *PRICE DROP*

Too bad it's in Chicago. I'm sure something will turn up closer to you that has a string length you can work with.

[Eric Hochberg]

Originally Posted by Curley Shadow

I had tried a 5/8 bass a couple of years ago from pictures posted on the internet, but when it was sent to me it was like a a large cello, way too small for a bass, sound wasn't good at all. I sent it back.

Just like 3/4, 7/8 and 4/4 basses, all 1/2-5/8 basses are not all created equal. There are some very nice sounding smaller instruments out there. Depending on what you're using it for, it may suit you fine. It would probably be hard to find one that could compete with a large orchestra bass volume and depth wise, but maybe not impossible. Could be nice for solo work. Amplified or mic'd in a studio, a good 5/8 can be sweet for jazz, pop, etc. It depends on the individual bass.

[AMJBASS]

Agreed! I have had a couple of smaller basses(5/8, 1/2), and in particular the 5/8 sounded just great. It recorded very well. You really need to play the bass to see if it is right for you. There are 3/4 basses out there that are cannons, and 7/8ths that are quiet. Size can have a big impact, but there are a lot of different things that can have an effect on the sound and volume.