7/8 Verses 3/4 and WHY?

[geojam]

I'm back in the market for a great (not grate) sounding DB for Bluegrass/Swing after trying out quite a few basses. I'm looking at a 7/8 and 3/4 plywood and what to know the differences in these two string length/body sizes verses their sound? To me, the 3/4 is punchy and loud while the 7/8 has less projection but very nice deep tone. I'm sure each bass sounds different in it's own way - I'm looking for answers as to why you play one verses the other given roughly the same choice to make??

This is an apples and oranges thing however this is also an articulate crowd...

[Chasarms]

You are probably better served to select the individual bass that sounds the way you want your bass to sound. I think the most common response you'll get here is "because the X/X bass sounded great, played well and was in my budget."

There is really is no good reason to play one or the other for it's own sake, for you could easily find two other basses that match your generalizations with the characteristics you described reversed.

The only other advice that I have gained here that really makes a big difference is, if possible, take someone along that can play, and listen to the bass out front from different distances. Rarely is the sound from the player's position a complete representation of the tone.

Even with playability there is nothing general. For example, a 3/4 with high and wide shoulders may be tougher to get around on that a 7/8 that has steeply sloped top bouts and most of air volume in the bottom half of the body cavity. You just never know.

[geojam]

Hey thanks Charles, the fact that you picked up on I'm a newby on the UB was good. 40 years on the BG really gives me nothing when it comes to this thing except the musical theory. I had heard the 7/8 bass of the same manufactorer (Christopher) would be a bit louder than the 3/4 just by it's deeper, longer body. I play without amplification all I can. Based on these two basses, the 7/8 does that and I'm leaning toward keeping that unit because of the sound. Then it's going through the string thing. Cheers!

[COUNT ZACULA]

Hey Geo, are you getting the bass from Hammond Ashley?

[Jason Sypher]

Bluegrassers like a wide fat bass sound that pushes alot of air. If they can't feel it, they will say they can't hear it. Get a bass that is loud and fat sounding. By what you described, it sounds like the 7/8 may suit your needs. Make sure it feels comfortable to you and fits in your car. Just for the record, the New Standard bass that I played a few days ago was the most powerful plywood bass I have ever played and would be my choice in your situation without question.

[toman]

There are only two things that really matter about a bass, the sound and how well it plays. Size is irrelevant, unless it conflicts with your own body size. I think the majority of people can probably play the majority of basses, so size really doesn't matter much. Just get the bass that sounds and plays the best within your price range. I have a 7/8 bass for those reasons, but I do have to admit that lugging it around gets a bit tiresome.

[Silversorcerer]

I have a 4/4 that is more 7/8 ish by some standards. My experience is that it has a somewhat deeper voice. Mine is 5 stringed as well and IMO, (others will certainly disagree and I can live with that) the bigger body gives better support to the lower notes (BB, etc.). It has 43" strings. I don't think it is much different to play than a 3/4 that I had earlier, but it has no problem keeping up with 3 or 4 guitars, violins, grand pianos, etc., with no amp. It is definitely louder than my old 3/4, but there are so many differences that the size thing is probably not the reason for that or at least not the only reason. I wouldn't give it up for a 3/4. If you go for a 5-string with the BB string, larger size is probably more important than if you prefer 4 strings. Basses are highly individual instuments and there are really no strict size standards. Also, the quality of the make has much more to do with the quality of sound than size.

[geojam]

Hey Count, No not shopping Hammond - I like those guys however my wallet is a bit narrow right now...
The 7/8 is getting the vote - I can get it around easily enough and in the car, so that's all I need. Thanks again!