7/8 sized bassist playing 1/2 size bass

[tangobasso]

Ordinarily I play a 7/8, however I was teaching at a middle school the other day, picked up a 1/2 size and started to wail on it--I could almost use four finger technique like a cello. Sure it was just for fun, but I was wondering if there are any bassists out there that play on smaller bass/bass with a super short string length for the sheer playability.

[anonymous12251111]

Knussen apparently advocated this technique 20 years ago at the Banff Centre, but it never caught on. Mainly because you need a normal sized string length to be able to power a bass properly. If you have a small string length and a small bass most likely it's not going to cut it for orchestral playing where you need that 41" plus to anchor a section. Believe me, I know. I've played on a beautiful 38" solo bass, but it just didn't have the sound or fullness of a 7/8th sized orchestral bass. It really depends on the bass...Dimoff's bass is 39", and one of my teachers is 43"...depends on the bass, but I'd stick with 41"+ if I were you.

[tangobasso]

Oh, I definitely use my 42" 7/8 or orchestra. My interested in the topic is in the context of solo playing and improvisation.

[Phil Rowan]

What about 5/8, or a small 3/4, with real sloping shoulders?

[KSB - Ken Smith]

SILVIO DALLA TORRE plays both a regular Orchestra DB and a small Bass called a Bassetto.

Read thru his website. This is the source I think that will answer your question.

[anonymous12251111]

Ya...I use a sloped shoulder bass with a 42" string length for solo playing. If you have a thin neck and a good set up then you'll be fooled by this whole string length myth...A 42" set up well can feel smaller than a 41" in MANY cases.