Is height a consideration in playing URB?

[Basie]

Although I'm mainly a guitarist, I play a lot of electric bass. I love it and think sometimes that I missed my (instrument) calling. As I contemplate getting into playing upright I'm wondering if height is a consideration. I'm 5'7" and change and am trying to figure out if I can play an upright comfortably and what size would make the most sense. Any information/opinions would be most helpful, thanks.

[Matthew Tucker]

a slopey-shouldered 3/4 size gamba with around 41.5" string length, a decent setup and a good teacher would be a good starting point!

[Chris Fitzgerald]

5'7" is plenty tall enough. One of my recent students to graduate from the U. is 5'6", and she plays the living snot out of the bass. Jump right in... the water's fine.

[JtheJazzMan]

Hand size and scale length is probably a larger concern.

3/4 are great in that respect.

[Tomasito]

I'm 5'6" too, and I've been playing big basses since I was much shorter. Don't sweat it! :-)

[mjt0229]

I'm about 5'6" (on a tall day) and I play a bass with a 42" mensure (nut to bridge). It might be a little big for me, but for the most part I do pretty well. You can just try instruments out with a teacher and you'll find something that's likely to work out.

[Rumblin Rick]

Hi I am 5'2 and have no problems
playing a 3/4 bass


Rick

[Nagrom]

Much more of a consideration when carrying a double bass- especially on stairs.

[AMJBASS]

I am 5'6, and I have been playing 7/8ths sized basses for years now(although I do own a 1/2 as well). I haven't had any problems! Go for it!

[CamMcIntyre]

Go for it. My girlfriend is shorter than you and other than the whole she's used to playing violin, was able to manage on my Cleveland [large 3/4 w/42inch string scale] just fine. I think the end pin was either all the way in or on the first notch.