Resting bass on side?

[Blacksheep]

Is it safe to have your bass resting on it's side for long periods of time? I am low on room, and putting my bass in and out of it's bag is a pain, so i just want to know if having it on it's side laying down is in any way detrimental to the instrument. Thanks

[Jake deVilliers]

Nope.

[Jason Sypher]

You could get some side bumpers put on so it doesn't wear the side too much.

[drurb]

Leaving a double bass lying on its side for extended periods can result in what is referred to as "lambda creep." This is something that affects carved tops only. Because the gravitational forces are perpendicular to the grain when a bass is lying on its side, microscopic compressions of the grain can occur leading to a more "closed" sound when the bass is returned to its normal position and played. The bass can be "re-opened" by bowing extra long notes under room-temperature conditions with normal humidity. Storing the bass upright avoids lambda creep but, again, gravitational forces come into play leading some to suggest that half of the time the bass should be stored upside down in a stand. So far, no manufacturer of which I am aware is supplying a stand that can accommodate that orientation. In the case of laminates having plys of alternating grain orientation, it is best to store the bass upright and on its side for roughly equal periods as this distributes the lambda creep fairly equally among the plys. No doubt, many here are reading this in bewilderment. Rest assured that this is complete nonsense. Given some of the claims made here on TB, I'm betting you just had to wonder.

[D McCartney]

LOL

[Dave Martin]

He'll be here all week, folks! Try the veal!

[bpclark]

I think the good Dr. needs to get his medication adjusted.

[drurb]

Originally Posted by bpclark

I think the good Dr. needs to get his medication adjusted.

Aw gee, and they just did that yesterday! Hmm, maybe I gotta go back to the old dose.

[mheintz]

On a more serious note, resting the bass on its side can put stress on the neck, particularly if you have a heavy extension or machine. Or at least, that's what I've been told by a couple repairman. On a practical note, with a really heavy machine, you might also find that there is a lot weight on the upper bout, which can make the bass easier to spin. A clumsy violist will undoubtedly take the opportunity to hit your endpin spinning the bass into stands, chairs and other violists. (I can't abide smacking chairs or stands...)

[Ed Fuqua]

Originally Posted by drurb

Leaving a double bass lying on its side for extended periods can result in what is referred to as "lambda creep." This is something that affects carved tops only. Because the gravitational forces are perpendicular to the grain when a bass is lying on its side, microscopic compressions of the grain can occur leading to a more "closed" sound when the bass is returned to its normal position and played. The bass can be "re-opened" by bowing extra long notes under room-temperature conditions with normal humidity. Storing the bass upright avoids lambda creep but, again, gravitational forces come into play leading some to suggest that half of the time the bass should be stored upside down in a stand. So far, no manufacturer of which I am aware is supplying a stand that can accommodate that orientation. In the case of laminates having plys of alternating grain orientation, it is best to store the bass upright and on its side for roughly equal periods as this distributes the lambda creep fairly equally among the plys. No doubt, many here are reading this in bewilderment. Rest assured that this is complete nonsense. Given some of the claims made here on TB, I'm betting you just had to wonder.

Dude, you TOTALLY had me.

[Blacksheep]

I'm hoping I'll soon be able to clear some space out so I can rest it facing a corner, but until then it'll stay on it's side, thanks!

[MingusAmongUs]

Originally Posted by Ed Fuqua

Dude, you TOTALLY had me.

Me too -- so much so that I almost didn't read it to the end, in which case I would have a very different idea of Mister Dr. ...and would have missed out on a pretty good joke.

Here's what I was told by a very highly regarded luthier:

Laying the bass on its side is the SAFEST way for it to be. I guess the weight is more evenly distributed, the risks are lowest. Doesn't mean nothing bad can happen, but this position gives you the best odds. You're fine. Just don't leave it that way for months at a time. Next best choice I think would be upright, in a corner, facing the wall.

[Joshua]

How about a stand?

I keep mine on the stand, and it takes up a lot less room than it would resting on it's side.

[MingusAmongUs]

Originally Posted by Joshua

How about a stand?

I keep mine on the stand, and it takes up a lot less room than it would resting on it's side.

There's always that!

[Jake deVilliers]

Drubb, that was beautiful!

[wineaux]

Lambda creep? I remember him from college.

[Ed Fuqua]

Originally Posted by Joshua

How about a stand?

I keep mine on the stand, and it takes up a lot less room than it would resting on it's side.

I've heard FAR too many horror stories about stands falling, getting knocked over by room mates, pets etc.

Dono has one of them corner's hooked up with a safety strap that goes around the scroll and one that goes around the top of the C under the top bout...

[Rob Hunter]

Originally Posted by Ed Fuqua

Dono has one of them corner's hooked up with a safety strap that goes around the scroll and one that goes around the top of the C under the top bout...

This is the sort of setup I was thinking about constructing, once my baby boy gets mobile.

And drurb, you got me as well. What an excellent gag....

[Joshua]

Originally Posted by Ed Fuqua

I've heard FAR too many horror stories about stands falling, getting knocked over by room mates, pets etc.

Dono has one of them corner's hooked up with a safety strap that goes around the scroll and one that goes around the top of the C under the top bout...

I can only solve one problem at a time, and in this case said problem was space.

[Gufenov]

I agree that laying it on its side is more "stable" than a stand, but I'm always afraid someone - prolly ME - would trip over the neck or scroll. I prefer a stand.