How big is too big?

[A Spotless Mind]

So I have a big bass. and I mean BIG. but I can't tell if it's too big for me. There are just some things I can play better on a smaller bass because they're just so much easier to play.

What are some signs that can tell me if I should look to get a smaller bass and that mine is too big?

[crowsmengegus]

Do you have to stand on your toes to play an F on the E string with the endpin all the way in?

Maybe you could give us more information. What is BIG about your bass? Is it your string length that makes it feel big? Are you a small person? Do you feel that you are injuring yourself?

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Originally Posted by A Spotless Mind

........There are just some things I can play better on a smaller bass because they're just so much easier to play.

What are some signs that can tell me if I should look to get a smaller bass and that mine is too big?

Read this again. You already have a very BIG answer.

[MIKMAN]

Usually the string length and the width of the upper bouts determine if a bass is big for a certain bassist. String lengths more than 106 cm tend to create some handling difficulties. Also if the upper bouts are large and not particularly sloped tend to hinder acess in TP. So if your bass belongs to one of the above categories, well, maybe is not the proper one for you.
Mike

[A Spotless Mind]

Originally Posted by crowsmengegus

Do you have to stand on your toes to play an F on the E string with the endpin all the way in?

Maybe you could give us more information. What is BIG about your bass? Is it your string length that makes it feel big? Are you a small person? Do you feel that you are injuring yourself?

Okay, I'm not quite sure of the sting length but it's fairly large. And the upper bouts are definitely big too, it gets pretty hard play in thumb position after awhile.

And yes, I do feel like I'm injuring myself, mainly my back as a whole and left shoulder blade area. I'm about 5'8 so, I'm not that big a person.

[red_on_red]

Most helpful thing for you would probably be some quality non-internets lessons.

[MIKMAN]

+1!!!

[hdiddy]

Yeah, get a teacher!

[Stumbo]

No pics, no big bass.
Dems da rules.

[jmattbassplaya]

Originally Posted by A Spotless Mind

Okay, I'm not quite sure of the sting length but it's fairly large. And the upper bouts are definitely big too, it gets pretty hard play in thumb position after awhile.

And yes, I do feel like I'm injuring myself, mainly my back as a whole and left shoulder blade area. I'm about 5'8 so, I'm not that big a person.

Man I`m only just at 5'10. Don`t tell me a bass is getting to ya

[crowsmengegus]

Originally Posted by jmattbassplaya

Man I`m only just at 5'10. Don`t tell me a bass is getting to ya

Don't worry A Spotless Mind, I think he's referring to one of those things you hang on your neck that doesn't make any sound all by itself.

+1 to what MIKMAN says. You haven't given us any measurements, so it's hard to say if your bass is larger than what I would consider normal. I would say, if you have a 106cm+ string length and big upper bouts, talk to your teacher about it and maybe look around for something smaller. Otherwise, you probably have technique problems (perhaps precipitating your back pain), so again you would need to talk to your teacher about it.

[Don Higdon]

There are factors other than the size of your bass which will make it difficult to play
If your end pin is out to far, you'll distort your back.
The shape of the bass shoulders is important. "Cello" shoulders on a bass make upper register playing difficult.

[salcott]

How about a picture of you and your bass?