Difference between "rockabilly" and "Jazz" basses?

BigOldHarry · #1 02-11-2009, 04:21 PM

I tried to search for this info, but with confusing results...

Aside from one being usually blonde vs. dark, are there *functional* differences?

thx

fdeck · #2 02-11-2009, 06:32 PM

One idea is to look through the Rockabilly forum... differences are likely to show up in threads about setting up a bass for Rockabilly.

EggyToast · #3 02-11-2009, 06:33 PM

Really depends on the brands or makers. A no-name labeled as a "rockabilly" or "jazz" is mostly cheapo marketing. Can't very well put "Generic" on there, so they say what you could use it for ;D

If it's under $1000, what they basically mean is "this instrument is not meant to be bowed." The closer to $0, the less useful it is. If you're trying to sell a cheap bass, and the only positive qualities are that someone *could* play slap on it, since a string clacking on the fingerboard is the least demanding use for a bass, well you're stuck labeling it "rockabilly." You could probably encourage them to jump on it and do tricks, and you wouldn't feel bad about it ;D

bass_snake · #4 02-11-2009, 07:31 PM

Great thread BigOldHarry. I was wondering the same thing.

I' m interested in slapping too.

Fred

BigOldHarry · #5 02-12-2009, 11:45 AM

The main reason I ask is that basses that I've seen being sold "For Rockabilly" are almost always Blonde in color and cheaper than those sold for jazz. I have no particular interest in playing rockabilly, but I like how a blonde/honey colored bass looks AND I'm cheap...

So the sense here is that a rockabilly bass is just a beater URB that is too nasty to play decent Jazz on?

CindyB · #6 02-12-2009, 12:32 PM

A bass for "Rockabilly" is a bass that sounds good to you and which you can afford.

A bass for "Jazz" is a bass that sounds good to you and which you can afford.

Sorry to be silly. A lot of cheap bass makers try to market their basses with a flashy paint job and name. Paint flames on it and call it "Rockabilly". The electric bass makers do the same thing.

It sounds like you want to play jazz and that usually means that unamplified tone is going to be more important than it would be for Rockabilly which is usually (but not always) amplified. Play lots of basses in your price range and choose the one that sounds best. That bass may or may not be blond. I doubt that jazz players will shun you for a blond bass - but they might if you get one with flames!

Rickett Customs · #7 02-12-2009, 12:35 PM

I was under the impression that some "Rockabilly" strings were actually Nylon material too. But yes, I'd imagine a slappy style would be in there, so maybe lower action (although you could trim the bridge on any UB anyhow)

etoncrow · #8 02-12-2009, 12:39 PM

Not only nylon strings but also 'Weed Eater" nylon string....in the color of your choice!

BigOldHarry · #9 02-12-2009, 12:42 PM

Ah... So part of the whole "Rockabilly" thing is flash, like a heavy-metal electric bass, yes?

Jazz folks are all low-key & stuff...

Okay, I think I get the picture. When I do get an URB, I would prefer a blonde finish rather than the traditional red/brown, but I suppose I should focus on playability and sound...

thx

The Biz · #10 02-12-2009, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EggyToast

If you're trying to sell a cheap bass, and the only positive qualities are that someone *could* play slap on it, since a string clacking on the fingerboard is the least demanding use for a bass, well you're stuck labeling it "rockabilly." You could probably encourage them to jump on it and do tricks, and you wouldn't feel bad about it ;D

There's more to rockabilly than that.

EggyToast · #11 02-13-2009, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Biz

There's more to rockabilly than that.

Of course, but there's not more to "rockabilly basses." ;D

rockabillybob1 · #12 08-25-2011, 02:51 PM

what daft answers you got there is a big difference between rockabilly bass and jazz double bass firstly they are set up differently and it dosnt matter what col bass you get to do either style rockabilly bass players use weedwacker strings whith are crap a decent string are inovation super silvers sound like gut and slap the board fantasticly the set up of strings for rockabilly playing is critical for a lovely bump bass sound and the slap the jazz way strings are higher set and normally thinner dont buy cheap 350 pound basses they are chinese what i do is look on ebay for an old german or chekz one and strip it down with nitromores then get a french polisher to color it and laquer it the way you want it the older the bass normally gives you a better sound rockabilly players prefer ply basses jazz players that i no prefer carved basses or solid tops basses i own a 1937 kay and its the best rockabilly sound ever ive tried primavera blondes and they arnt much better than the cheap chinese crap thats out there hope this helps

Don Higdon · #13 08-25-2011, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockabillybob1

what daft answers you got there is a big difference between rockabilly bass and jazz double bass firstly they are set up differently and it dosnt matter what col bass you get to do either style rockabilly bass players use weedwacker strings whith are crap a decent string are inovation super silvers sound like gut and slap the board fantasticly the set up of strings for rockabilly playing is critical for a lovely bump bass sound and the slap the jazz way strings are higher set and normally thinner dont buy cheap 350 pound basses they are chinese what i do is look on ebay for an old german or chekz one and strip it down with nitromores then get a french polisher to color it and laquer it the way you want it the older the bass normally gives you a better sound rockabilly players prefer ply basses jazz players that i no prefer carved basses or solid tops basses i own a 1937 kay and its the best rockabilly sound ever ive tried primavera blondes and they arnt much better than the cheap chinese crap thats out there hope this helps

Is this post a joke?

bassteban · #14 08-25-2011, 06:01 PM

Someone needs to lend rockabillybob1 a period or 12- my wife could help, perhaps.

5StringBlues · #15 08-25-2011, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Higdon

Is this post a joke?

Not sure,but definitely hard to read.

dhsierra1 · #16 08-25-2011, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Higdon

Is this post a joke?

I think he's trying to describe the best rockabilly URB for metal

FWIW from my experience playing URB it seems the rockabilly basses tend to be set up a bit differently than jazz basses, but ultimately it's more of an approach and technique in playing than anything else. I've seen low and high action for both rockabilly and for jazz players. And I see more nylon and gut strings for rockabilly than steel whereas it's pretty mixed for jazz. Hope this helps

anonymous122511 · #17 08-25-2011, 07:19 PM

Aside from the flames and being overbuilt so you can stand on it there isn't much difference between a rockabilly bass and any other bass as Ray Brown demonstrates at 2:55 of this.

drurb · #18 08-25-2011, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeff arddun

Aside from the flames and being overbuilt so you can stand on it there isn't much difference between a rockabilly bass and any other bass as Ray Brown demonstrates at 2:55 of this.

That's not what I think Ray Brown is demonstrating.

Barongket · #19 08-25-2011, 07:56 PM

I think it's both a prop and a musical instrument.

anonymous122511 · #20 08-25-2011, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drurb

That's not what I think Ray Brown is demonstrating.

Maybe not intentionally but demonstrate it he does. As he says guts make it easier but he clearly shows you can very effectively slap a steel strung "jazz" bass. The real functional differences between a bass set up for jazz and one set up for rockabilly are minimal...guts and a mag p.up.