Choosing a bass

[Curley Shadow]

Anyone know of any guidelines on choosing a bass based on size specifications that correspond to a person's height, arm length, etc. ? I bought a Martin Sheridan Carcassi model (reworked Culin Wultur) based on its great sound and it may be a bit big for me, I am 5'6", anyone have thoughts on the Wultur Corsini model? Thanks for any insights.

[Meddle771]

Play as many as you can and figure out what works and what you like. As far as i know, there is not a set guideline or even general rule for what your asking i.e. if your ___ tall you need a bass that's ___ big. it's personal preference.

The only "guideline" i really know is that most everybody plays a 3/4 size bass. But even within the "3/4" size there is a huge amount of variance in specifications.

Why do you say it's a bit big for you?

[Steve Swan]

I would think that the same reworking by Martin Sheridan (or someone of his talent level) of the Corsini model would be welcome. The Calin Wulturs are usually very substantially built and can be significantly improved with some top regraduation, bass bar revoicing, and lightening of the braces on flatbacks. The Carcassi model is near and dear to me, having been my gig bass choice 2002-2003. Good luck in the search. Let us know how it turns out.

[fdeck]

I just bought a new Corsini roundback from the Double Bass Workshop in Madison. I'd be happy to take some measurements if it would help. As mentioned above, the 3/4 designation covers a lot of ground. How wide is the bass at the upper bouts? I get just a tad under 20" on the Corsini. The two models also have different shapes of their "shoulders," as represented by the pictures at the importer's website.

http://www.jrmusicsupply.com/basses2.htm

Feel free to ask about anything, though I am far from an virtuoso or a qualified teacher. The Corsini is probably more bass than I deserve, but it really stood out as having a big clear tone, especially for not being a huge bass.

As for your height, I'm 5'10" and find the Corsini pretty easy to get around, but I've seen shorter players handle a 3/4 just fine. And the Carcassi isn't a giant. I think it's worth analyzing closely what's going on between you and the bass, like Meddle suggests.

[SLivinghouse]

I would suggest working with your teacher to dial in the correct end pin height, stool height (if you sit), posture, etc, before you make a big decision to change basses -especially if you have one you really like the sound of!!! It took me a long time to get situated well for bowing and if I play another bass it really throws me off and feels quite clumsy. Also, your 5'6 is 94% as tall as FDeck's 5'10 -not that much difference. (BTW, I can't believe my post contained more mathematical analysis than fdeck's ;<))
Good luck

[Curley Shadow]

Thanks everyone for chiming in, I say its too big as I decided to take lessons after a long hiatus and cannot play comfortably much above the D above octave G as bass shoulders interfere. Of course, since a majority of symphonic repertoire does not require such contortions its is not a big problem but there are some solo pieces where this a distinct disadvantage. I have end pin as low as it can go and have been trying standing after years of sitting on stool, standing I get a much bigger sound but am still exploring the optimum stance. Had two rehearsals yesterday and spent both standing but now my left back is sore, sigh. I will try this bass some more as its sound is exceptional for price. Any suggestion are certainly welcome and greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[Eric Hochberg]

Try not to be too intoxicated by the sound. If the shoulders are to big for you to get around comfortably, I say find a bass with more sloping shoulders and/or a smaller upper bout so you can play what you want to, at least if this has to be your do-all instrument.