d necks vs e-flat necks

[abdl]

I'm looking to buy an upright bass for my 15 year old and have heard reference to d neck basses and e-flat neck basses. I tried searching this site to get some information on this topic but couldn't find anything (being new to this, I may not be searching right). Can someone either guide me to existing posts on this topic or provide me with some information on this. What does it mean? Is one neck type better than the other? What are the advantages or disadvantages of each? Appreciate your help. Thanks.

[jazz bass guy]

There is not much real difference between so-called D necks and Eb necks. If you slide up the neck, with your fingers on the fingerboard, your thumb will stop at the point where the neck ends. There is a little curvy bit there, kind of like a little saddle, which makes it an easy place to find. The note directly across from the thumb is usually either an Eb or D, depending on how the neck is made. The difference is crucial to observe, if one wishes to play in tune and so on, but in the long run makes very little difference to playability. Once you figure out which one you are dealing with, you can easily adapt. However, it is one of the first things I check when playing a strange bass. I suppose it could be argued that Eb necks (which are more common, in my experience) are a bit easier to play because fewer of the notes are in thumb position, but really we are only talking about one semitone one way or the other.

The bottom line is that I would not make a decision on whether or not to purchase a bass, based on whether it is an Eb flatter, or a D.

For a 15-year-old, who is probably growing like a weed, you should be OK with any regular 3/4 size bass. 3/4 basses are the most commonly found and played. Most pros play 3/4 size basses, though I, myself play a slightly larger 7/8 bass. In my opinion, the body size and shape is of much greater consequence than the issue of Eb versus D. Look for a 3/4 with slightly slopey shoulders and you should be OK. It would be a good idea to find a decent teacher first, who might be able to guide you with your first purchase.

Good luck.

[Ben Rolston]

I feel like the neck would only be a problem if you were really used to one and tried to switch, or if you were going to have two different basses with the two different necks.

[Eric Hochberg]

Originally Posted by Ben Rolston

I feel like the neck would only be a problem if you were really used to one and tried to switch, or if you were going to have two different basses with the two different necks.

After 35 years of D neck basses, I bought an Eb last year and have had little problem in switching. I did add markers at the G and D harmonics on the Eb neck for thumb position. The markers make it easier to switch back and forth between the two basses.

[Michael Case]

It takes some getting used to. I have an Eb neck and going to a D neck throws me off just a little. I've seen it go the other way as well. My teacher always has a little trouble getting into thumb position and hitting the G. Of course it only happens to him the first time he plays my bass adjusts then he's good to go.

Personally, I don't think it should be an issue with choosing a bass, sound and playability come first. On the other hand I know a guy whose classical teacher nudged him into getting a new bass because his old bass had an Eb neck. Just some food for thought.

[Eli_Upright12]

Very true statements by all, I would mainly just find out what your son is comfortable with, because if you used to one and switch it can be difficult, maybe check what hes playing at school(I assume he's in an orchestra class) Because all the basses at my high school are Eb and I play a D neck and it really messes with me sometimes.

[Michael Case]

D necks seem to be more common, at least that's what I have found. This makes sitting in on a different bass a little dicey for the first chorus of a tune. After that it's me that's a little dicey.