Double Bass and Cello Same Instrument?

-executor- · #1 04-08-2006, 09:30 PM

This is a really stupid question but I don't know.
Are these two the same physical instrument except the cello uses a bow?
Thanks

nicklloyd · #2 04-09-2006, 12:52 AM

No, the bass is bigger, tuned in fourths, and its origins come from the gamba and violin family. It is played with a bow, and with the fingers.

The cello is smaller, tuned in fifths, and it is considered a violin-family instrument. It is also played with the bow, and with the fingers.

relacey · #3 04-09-2006, 08:08 AM

And a bass burns longer.

-executor- · #4 04-09-2006, 10:58 AM

Is a double bass that is played with a bow the same one that is played without a bow?

WalterBush · #5 04-09-2006, 11:01 AM

yup, same instrument.

SBassman · #6 04-09-2006, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicklloyd

No, the bass is bigger, tuned in fourths, and its origins come from the gamba and violin family. It is played with a bow, and with the fingers.

The cello is smaller, tuned in fifths, and it is considered a violin-family instrument. It is also played with the bow, and with the fingers.

Is the construction the same, except for size?

Is there any reason why a cello can't be tuned like a bass?

Nick Ioannucci · #7 04-09-2006, 11:11 AM

a cello has different string tunings, is tuned in fifths as opposed to fourths, has a completely different sound, obviosly smaller. its pretty much completely different... o yeah and the bass isnt just played pizz, a bow is often used. in addition the cello can also be played both styles. i dont see why you would want to tune a cello to the same tuning as bass(can u really tune a c all the way up to an e?) if you were gonna do that, then why not just play bass.

Bassist4Life · #8 04-09-2006, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KSB - Ken Smith

Can you fill out your profile and tell us who you are? Do you have something you are trying to sell from an Estate or something of that nature. I have never heard such a question before here on TB. The only thing I can come up with in my head is your 'name' has something to do with your profession or position with regards to the question.

It's like asking if a Car and Truck make both left and right turns or are they the same or does one move differently than the other. The average 12 year old knows better about a Cello or Bass or at least in my neck of the woods (maple and walnut country)!

THANK YOU!

Joe

Eoin · #9 04-09-2006, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SBassman4x

Is there any reason why a cello can't be tuned like a bass?

Yes - the scale length isn't long enough. The strings on a cello wouldn't really have enough tension if tuned to double bass pitches. At best, it would sound and play poorly.

mje · #10 04-10-2006, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KSB - Ken Smith

...The average 12 year old knows better about a Cello or Bass or at least in my neck of the woods (maple and walnut country)!

Someone has asked a reasonable question, in a friendly manner, and deserves a friendly answer. I think his questions reflect the knowledge of most people who are not musicians.

Bruce Lindfield · #11 04-10-2006, 07:12 AM

I'd never underestimate the level of ignorance of some of the posters round here....

Chasarms · #12 04-10-2006, 01:36 PM

I have had a least a half dozen seemingly otherwise intelligent people refer to the very large instrument bagged on my back as as "cello" in passing conversation.

While it does seem a little more odd that one of those people would land it TBDB, anything is possible.

mje · #13 04-10-2006, 02:51 PM

When you find yourself chortling oversomeone's relative ignorance of the instrument it is helpful and instructive to remember that you weren't born with that knowledge, either ;-)

gruffpuppy · #14 04-10-2006, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by relacey

And a bass burns longer.

There really are to many factors available to say that is a true statment.

Finish type, wood used, and so on.

If I had a cello I could run some tests.

Bass Boy · #15 04-10-2006, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KSB - Ken Smith

Do you have something you are trying to sell from an Estate or something of that nature. The only thing I can come up with in my head is your 'name' has something to do with your profession or position with regards to the question.

SBassman · #16 04-10-2006, 06:18 PM

The nerd and not-so-nice factor on the responses in this thread was too high.

Marcus Johnson · #17 04-10-2006, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mje

When you find yourself chortling oversomeone's relative ignorance of the instrument it is helpful and instructive to remember that you weren't born with that knowledge, either ;-)

Amen.

WillBuckingham · #18 04-10-2006, 09:12 PM

My girlfreind still calls my bass a cello, though I guess it's kind of a joke at this point. I also get hordes of drunk students yell "CELLO!" at me if I'm ever in the unfortunate situation of having to walk past the campus bar during happy hour with my bass over my shoulder . . . I guess we just have to put up with it, but then I think we probably get a lot more gigs than your average flautist . . .

Kam · #19 04-10-2006, 09:30 PM

I've had people ask if I had a cello...or some actually do ask if it's a bass or a cello. I calmly reply that the cello pales in comparison to this bass.

EJ_Dad · #20 04-10-2006, 11:44 PM

A cello will fit in a Geo Metro,
it takes a Focus Wagon for a Bass.

Bass:
Viol family
Tuned in fourths
Sounds an octave lower than written
Hand covers a whole step, requires shifting to play a major scale with open strings.
Played standing or using a stool.
Is regularly used in Jazz and Bluegrass bands.

Cello:
Violin family
Tuned in fifths
Sounds where written
Hand covers a step and 1/2, doesn't require shifting to play a major scale with open strings.
Played sitting in a regular chair.
Plays in String Quartets.

Both:
Played with a bow and pizzicato (plucked).
Are expected to play Mozart with equal facility.