Rockabilly vs Jazz basses

micahbell · #1 07-05-2009, 04:03 PM

Hey there
Im 19 and have been playing electric bass for about 7 years now, and am thinking about buying my first upright.

I have never played one before, but have been wanting one for a long time. I am mostly interested in playing rockabilly music, so I am just wondering are there some basses that are going to lend themselves more towards that kind of sound, or is it all in the technique?

I have been playing enough bass and guitar that I know what feels right in my hand, but in terms of sound I really have no idea what to look for. Any help you can give me would be really appreciated. I read through the FAQ but didn't find exactly what I was looking for.

Finally when it comes to my budget, as of right now I don't really have one. I don't really have much money laying around, so I am going to be taking out a loan, probably 2-3k.

Thanks in advance guys

simonwilmer · #2 07-05-2009, 07:16 PM

I feel the best thing you can do is research the instrument as much as possible , before you jump in and spend money , this forum has a wealth of info and advice, you have to read read read ,check out Rockabillybass.com theres a lot to get thru on that site that you need to know . best of luck .

drurb · #3 07-05-2009, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by micahbell

I have been playing enough bass and guitar that I know what feels right in my hand...

I beg to differ. The type of DB neck, etc, that "feels right" to you may turn out to be all wrong. For example, at the outset, many newbies and BG players like yourself tend to prefer DBs with thinner neck profiles because they "feel right." Then, many discover that the thinner neck can produce serious left-hand fatigue when trying to maintain the "claw." There are several other factors that figure into "playability" that you would not be prepared to evaluate.

I suggest that you read in depth the newbie links here. Further, I suggest that you get a teacher so that you can learn proper technique and avoid injury. It would be a good idea to take such a teacher or other DB veteran along with you when you shop for an instrument. The DB is a related but very different instrument than you are used to playing.

Broadly speaking, the DBs that usually lend themselves to the type of playing you describe are quality plywood (laminate) basses.

All that said, welcome to the dark side!

Marcus Johnson · #4 07-05-2009, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drurb

The type of DB neck, etc, that "feels right" to you may turn out to be all wrong. For example, at the outset, many newbies and BG players like yourself tend to prefer DBs with thinner neck profiles because they "feel right."

That is the gospel truth. And it is one of the hardest truths to convey to a bass guitarist who's making the transition to double bass. Which is why Engelhardts may be so popular with newbies.

Gearhead43 · #5 07-05-2009, 11:04 PM

Micahbell, I would also recommend Rockabillybass.com as a source of info. There are many pro players and well as newbies there that can help you get started.

There's also a new site - www.theartofslapbass.com - with great info and a new forum getting started.

Gearhead43 · #6 07-05-2009, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus Johnson

That is the gospel truth. And it is one of the hardest truths to convey to a bass guitarist who's making the transition to double bass. Which is why Engelhardts may be so popular with newbies.

Engelhardts are very popular with veteran players also, not just newbies.

TenorClef · #7 07-06-2009, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by micahbell

Hey there
Im 19 and have been playing electric bass for about 7 years now, and am thinking about buying my first upright.

Finally when it comes to my budget, as of right now I don't really have one. I don't really have much money laying around, so I am going to be taking out a loan, probably 2-3k.

Thanks in advance guys

Hi micahbell, i just got back into double bass playing after a few years of not playing, my wife bought me a cheap and cheery Thomann 111 ply bass, the bass plays fine and might be a good introductory bass for you. It cost her just a little over £300 and its a fun bass to have around. I'm going to use it next week at a big band session. Bear in mind whilst bass guitar and double bass are tuned the same, the double bass has a bigger scale and no frets so it does take a bit of getting use to, also nylon string help with the bigger action.

Good luck!

Gary Lynch · #8 07-06-2009, 08:06 AM

Further, I suggest that you get a teacher so that you can learn proper technique and avoid injury. It would be a good idea to take such a teacher or other DB veteran along with you when you shop for an instrument. The DB is a related but very different instrument than you are used to playing.

This is good advise. Take it.

Bass · #9 07-06-2009, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by micahbell

...are there some basses that are going to lend themselves more towards that kind of sound, or is it all in the technique?...

Plywood is the standard bass for rockabilly.

The "click" sound produced by slap technique is characteristic of rockabilly. For a "traditional" rockabilly sound alot of people use gut strings. Some people add a neck pickup to emphasize the click sound.

Kays (and now Englehardts) have been used for many years for rockabilly / bluegrass.

King Doublebass builds basses especially for rockabilly:

Upton Bass offers a "reinforced build" as an upgrade option.

jlilley · #10 07-06-2009, 11:42 AM

Depending on where you live I'd recommend renting a bass and finding a good teacher. It will help you define what you want in a instrument while you are developing good technique.
Best of Luck,
John

GradyBass · #11 07-06-2009, 11:49 AM

king basses are also way popular with rockabilly players. They look rad, too.

Dave Irwin · #12 07-07-2009, 05:51 PM

It's in the technique as you mentioned but a lot in the bass set up as well. (strings, action). It's a broad generalization, but in this case, I'd say the fundemental qualities that are good for jazz would be good for rockabilly. Big pizzicato sound.
I'd try to get with some rockabilly players and sample their basses to get an idea of what to look for in terms of sound and setup. You might even get one of them to help you find a bass.

Good luck,
Dave

TenorClef · #13 07-08-2009, 04:58 AM

Would i be right in thinking Rockabilly basses have a very low string action to facilitate the click thing they do? My bass is set up for jazz which means the action is pretty high.

ksilacci · #14 07-08-2009, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gearhead43

...
There's also a new site - www.theartofslapbass.com - with great info and a new forum getting started.

Did you mean www.artofslapbass.com? I got a bunch of godaddy ads at theartofslapbass.com.

Kenny Allyn · #15 07-08-2009, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by micahbell

I am mostly interested in playing rockabilly music, so I am just wondering are there some basses that are going to lend themselves more towards that kind of sound, or is it all in the technique?

Finally when it comes to my budget, as of right now I don't really have one. I don't really have much money laying around, so I am going to be taking out a loan, probably 2-3k.

Plywood is the bass of choice for rockabilly ...

They take a ton of abuse when played hard, the picture is of my friend Slick Joe Fick doing what he does best! Joe uses an Englehart Swingmaster and plays it about 5 or 6 nights a week live. Joe says they run about 2k and the way he plays, they last him about two years on the road and he retires them (for anyone else they may last a lifetime)

Joe at work ...

... He stands on it a lot also ... Joe plays with "The Dempseys"

TenorClef · #16 07-08-2009, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenny Allyn

Plywood is the bass of choice for rockabilly ...

They take a ton of abuse when played hard, the picture is of my friend Slick Joe Fick doing what he does best! Joe uses an Englehart Swingmaster and plays it about 5 or 6 nights a week live. Joe says they run about 2k and the way he plays, they last him about two years on the road and he retires them (for anyone else they may last a lifetime)

Joe at work ...

... He stands on it a lot also ... Joe plays with "The Dempseys"

OMG, he looks like Damien from the OMEN!

Paul Warburton · #17 07-08-2009, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenny Allyn

[/b]

As you can see from Joe's left hand, he is about to apply a double stop on the lovely Bill Evans arrangement (in the key of A just as Bill did it) of that heart wrenching ballad "My Foolish Heart".

Kenny Allyn · #18 07-08-2009, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TenorClef

OMG, he looks like Damien from the OMEN!

Plays like it too ...

... One of the best in the country!

Kenny Allyn · #19 07-08-2009, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Warburton

As you can see from Joe's left hand, he is about to apply a double stop on the lovely Bill Evans arrangement (in the key of A just as Bill did it) of that heart wrenching ballad "My Foolish Heart".

I know you were kidding

... but trust me he is a badd azzz player and can do many styles well!

... Rockabilly is where he has made his mark and $$$, that's Joe in the movie "Walk The Line"

Bass · #20 07-08-2009, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TenorClef

Would i be right in thinking Rockabilly basses have a very low string action to facilitate the click thing they do? My bass is set up for jazz which means the action is pretty high.

Yes.

String height on my bass is about 8 mm measured at the end of the fingerboard, which is very typical for rockabilly bass, although a range exists. Some people prefer slightly lower or somewhat higher strings.

For me I like the strings all the same height, rather than progressively higher from the G to E (as my luthier who plays bass in an orchestra insists on setting them up despite my instructions. I guess he knows better than me).