ive got a question for you guys.

jonathan_matos5 · #1 06-30-2006, 07:47 PM

i play bass guitar ,well sort of im a newbie, in the long run i want to be able to play double bass but for buying one i am limited in my area (ie: one place has a new one and a pawn shop has a used one) what should i do i dont think it would be a good idea to buy a db online because i cant try it first and it could get dammaged in shipping

what should i do

oh forgot to mention i drive a nissan sentra and it has a subwoofer in the trunk so travel to the bass and bring it back is not really an option

drums_n_bass · #2 06-30-2006, 07:50 PM

Since space is limited to you and if you have a relatively lighter rig...

Consider an electric upright. It would probably save you more on the bank and would be a good start. Steinberger has it pretty good on electric uprights.

Unless you want to jump into Classical... then invest in a real bass.

jonathan_matos5 · #3 06-30-2006, 07:55 PM

i dont know about classical music more likely to play jazz and swing and i like the sound of the real thing dont know too much about the electric upright basses either

flint · #4 06-30-2006, 08:27 PM

I drove around with my bass in a 2 door honda accord before I bought the subaru wagon. Put it in the front seat with the seat let back all the way.

As far as buying online, there are a few people that hang around here that have good reputations. Among them are Brent Norton, URB Bob, Nick Lloyd, and Upton bass. Each of them have websites, and have been really good to deal with for me. (if I'm not mentioning anyone it's not b/c I don't think your trustworthy, these are just the names that are at the top of my head at the moment).

mchildree · #5 07-01-2006, 05:03 AM

Do your neighbors a favor....take the subwoofer out....burn it. Put in the DB....now...isn't that MUCH better?

jonathan_matos5 · #6 07-01-2006, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mchildree

Do your neighbors a favor....take the subwoofer out....burn it. Put in the DB....now...isn't that MUCH better?

id do that if it were not part of the factory stereo and bolted to the trunk

Jazzin' · #7 07-01-2006, 12:37 PM

Will a DB even fit in the trunk of a sedan?

gottawalk · #8 07-01-2006, 12:49 PM

How much is the one in the pawn shop compared to on-line prices? (Probably higher, but at least you can try it out beforehand.) Once you get one, you'll need to find someone that can do a setup on it. I'm sure the bridge will be too high, and you'll wear your left hand out trying to play the thing. That happened to me in college trying to play in the jazz band and it turned me off to upright ever since. I'd really like to learn sometime, but I'd have to have just the right setup to make it a comfortable fit.

Depending on what you're planning on spending, maybe an Electric Upright really would be a good way to go. Easier to transport, sounds pretty good, and probably easier setup, or already close depending on the brand.

Good luck!

jonathan_matos5 · #9 07-01-2006, 01:25 PM

what eubs have a similar feel to a real double bass as far as playing/sound and what kind of money will i need to get together for a decent one

MixedMsgr · #10 07-01-2006, 02:42 PM

The only way I can get my DB in my nissan maxima is to fold the rear seats down and the big end of the bass on the seats with the neck extended to my windshield. The front passenger seat needs to be folded down too. These freakin things are big!!

jonathan_matos5 · #11 07-01-2006, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MixedMsgr

The only way I can get my DB in my nissan maxima is to fold the rear seats down and the big end of the bass on the seats with the neck extended to my windshield. The front passenger seat needs to be folded down too. These freakin things are big!!

well the maxima is about twice the interior space as my sentra so ill have to look into a wagon or suv to haul it when i get a doublebass

theshadow2001 · #12 07-03-2006, 12:01 PM

Well if you want to travel you could always drive your car to where ever it is someone from your area would go to get a double bass find one you like. Then go back home and rent out something bigger like one of those car/vans to bring it home. Or ask a friend with a bigger car for an even bigger favour.....

gomez hacienda · #13 07-04-2006, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonathan_matos5

what eubs have a similar feel to a real double bass as far as playing/sound and what kind of money will i need to get together for a decent one

You will need to look at EUBs that have a DB string length - 41" to 42" and that have a FB with the proper radius, then at least if you close your eyes, it'll feel the most like an UB. As far as sound goes, well if you use real DB strings you can get a sound which will be fairly good compared to amplified UBs. Some much better than others...just stay away from mag p/u. Of course it'll never sound like an UB acoustically. Some really great players use EUBs...as the saying goes, 'the right tool for the right job'.

You'll soon get a feel for the $$ you'll need once you start your search. You can spend less than 1K, but your options will be limited. After 2K there's alot more to choose from.

gomez

uptonbass · #14 07-04-2006, 05:46 AM

You should have NO issue with the sentra even with the sub in the trunk, trust me on this. Fold back the passenger seat, slide it to the rear of the car, remove the headrest (if you can), put the bass is end first and have the scroll at the feet of the passerger side. I have yet to have a customer at the shop that has a car that will not fit the bass. Unless you have a hatch back (which is the best) no one really uses the trunk.

Cars similar that I have personally put basses into many times: Civic, Accord, Altima (2 basses), Jetta, BMW 325, Escort, Focus, volvo I think its a S something, Erics AUDI A6, KIA(hard but it fits). Pontiac grand am (2 basses) The list goes one but you get the point. I'll have to get you a shot of a bass in a civic thats very close right.

drurb · #15 07-04-2006, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uptonbass

...
Cars similar that I have personally put basses into many times: Civic, Accord, Altima (2 basses), Jetta, BMW 325, Escort, Focus, volvo I think its a S something...

There's a good chance that I'm the Volvo S something guy. It's an S80. Large as that sedan is, you gotta put the scroll end toward the back unless you're willing to also fold down the driver's seat to get the bass in there. The "problem" is those giant Volvo headrests. Anyway, once it's in there, I raise the passenger seat back so that it's headrest supports the bass right in the area of the neck block. I suppose this will work for other cars as well.

jonathan_matos5 · #16 07-04-2006, 12:34 PM

thank you
that link was verry helpful and i would like to see some pictures of how to fit a bass in my car.

uptonbass · #17 07-06-2006, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRURB

There's a good chance that I'm the Volvo S something guy. It's an S80.

One of them!

jonathan_matos5: I'll get you that shot tomorrow, I think once you see the pic it will be a big help. To you and hopefully others!

Boardndave · #18 07-06-2006, 07:04 PM

Just wanted to add that I have seen an Upright Bass fit into a New Beetle.

Jake · #19 07-07-2006, 03:59 AM

Hey Jonathan,
if you are serious about learning the bass fiddle, then please get a real bass. Even if you have no interest in performing classical music, you will need to work with a bow in order to learn good technique. Most good jazz bass players know how to use the bow at least in the practice room.

drurb · #20 07-07-2006, 07:41 AM

[quote=uptonbass]One of them! /QUOTE]

Well, then I guess you meant "Volvo S somethings." Get a bass in an S40 and then you'll really show your talent! I'm sure you can do it.