neophyte question...

[nmancusi10]

hey guys, im a fairly experienced bass guitar player, and I'm looking to expand my skills to the upright bass. I'm wondering, what size should I be looking into? Is the sound of the 4/4 of higer volume/quality than the 3/4? I'm a fairly burly 6'5" so handling the 4/4 shouldn't be a problem (or am i mistaken?) Anything else I should keep in mind when looking for a bass to buy? Thanks alot

[Eli_Upright12]

4/4 is harder to play, regardless of size, the average string length of a 4/4 is 43-45 inches, an average 3/4 is 40.5-42 the difference is huge. That said, a 4/4 will sound like a fricking massive Pipe Organ Cannon thing. They are HUGE and sound HUGE.

[Connor]

i don't play upright, but i think the notes may be (MORE) difficult to reach on a 4/4 if your hands aren't flexible. a 3/4 may be better for speed. someone correct me if i'm wrong, the notes may be the same distance, just assumed.

[Andrew McGregor]

There's nothing much to be gained in going to a 4/4. They're bigger, but they don't necessarily sound better. Most of the best basses are 3/4 size. Not to say that you won't find a nice 4/4, but don't restrict yourself to those just because of the size.

3/4 is also a better size for not causing hand problems.

[uprightben]

3/4 is the standard size, you will have a harder time finding a 4/4. Also, be aware that bass sizes are not standardized, sometimes the difference between a big 3/4 and a small 4/4 is what the owner feels like calling it! If you know an upright player who is willing to help you shop, that will help you a lot more than looking at specs.

[KSB - Ken Smith]

3/4 and 4/4 size as well as most sizes are modern Bass sizes from the 20th century, mostly in the last 80 years or so.

Older Basses (before 1900 and earlier) are not subject to these measurements nor to the match any of the charts that I have seen. A regular sized Bass as used in a professional Orchestra to me is a regular full sized Bass. How many 4s you put on it is up to you. Just like a Taxi in a big city, that's a full sized Car, not a Truck or Bus.

Some Basses are marked as 5/4 as well comparably and a few giants are off the scale.

If you are starting to play Bass then get one with a string length (provided it is set up correctly) of 41-42" (nut to bridge) with a body that is comfortable to you. Being that you don't know how to play yet, what feels good now might feel very different within the first year or two as you start learning. It's a lifetime study so don't be in a hurry.

[nmancusi10]

i appreciate everyones responses, thanks