I'm about 5'6" and thinking about getting a 7/8 Shen Gemunder for Orchestra music. I'm curious if any other short folks play a 7/8 bass. If so, how tall and what kind of music?
I'm not exactly short, but 5'11" and I played a 7/8 last time I was at Hammond Ashley that has been haunting me. Nothing about it was uncomfortable and it was a great bass. If you have a chance to play it for an hour or so, I think you'll know.
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Don't get wrapped up in size. Play the instrument and see if you can handle it. I'm 5'8" and to me some larger instruments feel comfortable and some feel like wrestling a monster.
I'm 5'6" and I play a 7/8. The string length measures about 42". I can play it sitting or standing (although I prefer to sit). If it feels comfortable to you, it'll be fine. Of course, having someone come along to play it or to watch you play is always a good idea.
I think the shape of the upper bout is far more important than the actual size of the instrument. If your arm is constantly hitting the edge of the bass in thumb position, that's more of a problem than a long string length.
