I'm one of many looking into getting an upright bass, any suggestions?

[salFPS]

Hello Talk Bassers,

I'm a fairly new bassist, I've just reached the two and a half year mark since I first picked up my only instrument, but I already know that I will stick with it for the rest of my life as my primary instrument (should I learn any others). That being said, I don't think it'd be a bad idea jumping into the upright pool even though I'm still learning. I know not to expect an easy transition to the upright, but that wont deter me either.
Before spending the money I've yet to even earn on a bass, I knew to come to the experts here. I know next to nothing about the upright so any and all opinions will be taken into account. Here's what I need to know:

-What brands should I look at? Take into account that although I don't plan on getting a top of the line bass, I do want a quality instrument.

-If I should find a store carrying models I could actually play, what should I look for in respects to woods, string-types (if they even vary on this instrument), pretty much all the little-to-big stuff that needs to be known.

-If possible, I would like one with quality electronics, but I wouldn't mind having just an acoustic one, I could always find a way to mic it should I decide to play shows (TBH I've got my electric for that, but you never know)

-Finally, what should I be paying?

Thanks for taking the time to read this, I hope to have somewhat of an idea soon, feel free to ask me an relevant questions, talk to ya later!



-Salvador

[Rockman]

Originally Posted by salFPS

-What brands should I look at? Take into account that although I don't plan on getting a top of the line bass, I do want a quality instrument.

Check out http://www.lemur-music.com/ , its in California, id suggest going to check out the shop and asking questions. If theyre anything like Upton here in CT they'll be able to hook you up no problem.

Originally Posted by salFPS

-If possible, I would like one with quality electronics, but I wouldn't mind having just an acoustic one, I could always find a way to mic it should I decide to play shows (TBH I've got my electric for that, but you never know)

No upright will come with electronics unless you buy a EUB which is a totally different ballpark. You can equip basses with a pickup that attaches to the bridge, but its not neccessary even a little bit unless your playing in a band with the instrument.

Originally Posted by salFPS

-Finally, what should I be paying?
A decent laminate should start around 2,000 and the price only goes up from there.

Finally why do you think you should learn upright? It truely is as different an instrument as a tuba and a trumpet are and they serve very different purposes in different styles.

[salFPS]

Thanks for the quick reply rockman, I'll be looking into it ASAP!

As for why I feel I should learn upright. I just really enjoy how the instrument is played, how it sounds, the feel of each and every note sounds like nothing else to me. I've probably had an accumilated total of 10 minutes on stand-up, but let me tell you, I'll never forget them.

I see the instrument as a challenge for me both physically and mentally. Physically for the obvious reasons, but I say mentally because it will force me to adjust to play to different dynamics. The instrument seems to have a noticebly different feel than an electric or an acoustic, yet it's familiar at the same time, because of this I know I'll quickly grow acustomed to it. I also think it will give me a new perspective on how music can be played and that I'll be able to transpose what I learn back to the electric when it comes to writing for my band (who plans on reuniting soon).

Thanks again for the quick reply, and if you don't mind, could you explain to me what are the advantages to a 3/4 versus a 4/4 scale? I don't know which is the standard or the preffered scale, I just forgot to mention it earlier.



-Sal

[Andrew McGregor]

3/4 is standard, larger sizes exist but don't really offer any advantage. So with sizes 3/4 and over it really comes down to 1) can you get around the bass and play it properly and 2) how does this particular bass sound and do you like it. Also this whole 3/4, 7/8 whatever scheme is a fairly recent invention and basses are not that standardised even now, so there is a LOT of variation between instruments that are nominally the same size.

And the top bit of advice: find a teacher who knows at least some of the styles you intend to play. The upright is big enough that you WILL hurt your hands if you don't do it exactly right, and it's better to learn that from the very beginning.

BTW: strings vary, a lot. The biggest factor is, are they intended for mostly-arco or mostly-pizz playing, or a mixture. But there are dozens of different types, and it's a matter of matching strings to your bass for sound and playing style.

[KSB - Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by salFPS

Thanks again for the quick reply, and if you don't mind, could you explain to me what are the advantages to a 3/4 versus a 4/4 scale? I don't know which is the standard or the preffered scale, I just forgot to mention it earlier.-Sal

Most HUMANS can handle a 3/4 (as we know it) sized Bass. Very few people can handle the extra length on bother the body size and string length of a 'true' 4/4.

I own and have owned some large basses. Large in various ways and dimensions or just overall HUGE. For playing in a Symphony Orchestra and being 6ft tall with long arms with over 40 years playing experience I can handle a 4/4 Bass for a short period of time on certain things. Overall, the 3/4-7/8 Bass is the biggest I wish on anyone. For starters, the commercial 3/4 size is the average that is used. You see a lot of 7/8ths and some cut down 4/4s in Orchestras but they don't use an Amp and they are not playing solos.

If you show people experienced in the DB a modern 4/4 Bass they will more often than not tell you it's a 7/8ths at best.

[JayR]

Originally Posted by Rockman

Check out http://www.lemur-music.com/ , its in California, id suggest going to check out the shop and asking questions. If theyre anything like Upton here in CT they'll be able to hook you up no problem.

Seconding this, especially since you're in the area anyway. Lemur is a GREAT place to go to find a bass. The owners and staff are seriously the nicest people ever, and they do great setup work on all the basses they sell.

They have a range of lower-priced chinese made instruments that are really quite good, especially for the price.

1-800-246-BASS, call them up, tell them that you're a new player looking at buying an instrument and then they'll know you're coming so they'll have someone handy to help you out.

[salFPS]

wow, fantastic, thanks for all the advice. I was just reading an article about a 24 year-old San Diegan prodigy, got me pumped!

I'll look into finding a good upright teacher, thanks again!

-Sal