Small Hands

Heather Simmons · #1 05-12-2010, 11:03 AM

I am trying to find a suitable bass for my wife. She is just getting started and will be playing mostly with our family band that consists of me, three daughters and a son. We play mostly traditional bluegrass gospel stuff.

She is 5'-2" with heels and has very small hands. What would you recommend as far as size goes? I've been told 1/2, but maybe a 5/8 or even 3/4 with a false nut.

I have also considered a short scale electric bass guitar like a Fender Mustang, but I don't like to idea of having to be plugged in. I think she would be happier with a traditional upright as well.

I appreciate any advice you may be willing to give.

Eric Hochberg · #2 05-12-2010, 11:17 AM

As has been written many times here, bass sizes are fairly fluid with varying dimensions along all of the measurement parameters. She might shoot for a shorter string length of 38-40", 17-19" upper bouts...

If you can, rent a small bass for a while to give her a chance to learn a few things, then go shopping for her instrument so she has some knowledge with which to compare things. She will also have to juggle the sound vs. playability issue, as smaller basses most likely won't have the larger bass depth of sound. BTW, I've seen some fine lady bassists play on big basses with long string lengths!

TroyK · #3 05-12-2010, 11:20 AM

I think she'd be happier with traditional upright as well.

Nothing wrong with 1/2 size for what you describe. There's been one passed around my family for years. 5/8's generally is a better choice and you'll better instrument choices in that size, I think. I know a local woman who plays professionally with a nice 5/8th bass. However, lately, as much as I hate this fact, I've seen some tiny high school girls who were playing the snot out of 3/4 basses. Technique can help a lot. Even "regular sized dudes" who have been playing bass guitar for years, struggle when they buy an upright because it's just a lot of instrument. Generally few people can be big enough to overcome that with size or strength. She'll need to learn to learn to hold and play whichever instrument she buys without struggling with it too much.

Which is my long way of saying, I wouldn't rule out a good buy on a nice instrument because it was 3/4 and I wouldn't automatically assume that you'd need to modify it or even that that's a good idea. 5/8s is a reasonable decision, but you won't find as many. 1/2 is fine for the family band, but I think it might be limiting to her if it turns out to be something that really enjoys doing.

It will also be said that these sizes are...somewhat generalizations. Mensure (string length) will range on basses called the same size. 1/2 will definitely be smaller. The lines between 5/8, 3/4, 7/8 get a little blurry, especially if you're just talking about mensure.

She may find a 3/4 bass with sloping shoulders and a delicate neck that she instantly bonds with.

Hope that helps and good luck.

Edit - and have her watch this (bass solo starts at around 3:00) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9g0tukoILZI

**Damon Rondeau** · #4 05-12-2010, 11:46 AM

...not to forget also that, playing "traditional gospel bluegrass stuff", probably joining in on the singing, she's not likely to be motoring around all over the fingerboard with gigantic four-finger technique. She'll be playing in the first position, she'll be using open strings as much as possible, she'll likely be keeping it simple. With all that and good fundamental technique, she'll likely be able to handle any size bass.

standupright · #5 05-12-2010, 11:49 AM

edit: didn't pay attention to what forum I was in. My bad.

MonetBass · #6 05-12-2010, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by standupright

schecter diamond series custom 4 has a very narrow and thin neck profile. very easy and wonderful bass to play.

I hope you're joking.

You did read the OP, right?

I agree that trying the 3/4 and 1/2 first is a good idea. I started on a 1/2 when I was 10, but moved to a 3/4 the next year because that's all the school had. As others have said, technique can overcome a lot, depending on the upper bouts and neck. Good luck!

standupright · #7 05-12-2010, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonetBass

I hope you're joking.

You did read the OP, right?

I agree that trying the 3/4 and 1/2 first is a good idea. I started on a 1/2 when I was 10, but moved to a 3/4 the next year because that's all the school had. As others have said, technique can overcome a lot, depending on the upper bouts and neck. Good luck!

crap.......I'm on the DB side. I should be ashamed of myself

ouija · #8 05-12-2010, 12:10 PM

I have pretty small hands, and don't really have many problems with a 3/4 bass. I'm sure your wife could find a 5/8 or even a 3/4 that'd work. Key word being find; look around, see what there is, if you can, the differences between sizes and shapes are all fluid. How the bass is set up could also make a pretty big difference, so whatever you get, take it to someone good

TroyK · #9 05-12-2010, 12:45 PM

Something about "family band" says nice, floppy gut strings too.

Heather Simmons · #10 05-12-2010, 02:55 PM

Thanks for all your advice. I've been put in touch with a dealer in the Bay Area who says he has a 5/8 German flatback made in the 1930s that responds well to light strings. Would it be appropriate to redirect this thread toward pricing? What would one expect to pay for such an instrument? Is there a generally accepted price structure such as Asian laminates, $x - y$, Asian solids, $y - $z, European solids, $z - ?

Eric Hochberg · #11 05-12-2010, 03:01 PM

Here's one *SOLD* 5/8 german bass *PRICE DROP*

Another *SOLD* FS: Juzek 5/8 fully-carved double bass (Seattle area)

Quality, condition, playability and sound are the the things to consider when buying a bass. Some consider pedigree, too. After you get to know the market, you can then figure out relative values (to you) based on these points.

Bass · #12 05-12-2010, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by standupright

crap.......I'm on the DB side. I should be ashamed of myself

Ha! A guy with upright in his name mistakenly posted in the DB section.

No worries man, come back and visit anytime!

standupright · #13 05-12-2010, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass

Ha! A guy with upright in his name mistakenly posted in the DB section.

No worries man, come back and visit anytime!

well to be fair, i don't browse by forum.

agaetis.byrjun · #14 05-17-2010, 06:48 PM

I am 5' 3" barefoot, and I play on a half size. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world (except for a better half size...). I love the size and how well I can maneuver around it. I'd definitely go with a half size.

anniemcu · #15 05-28-2010, 02:29 AM

I've had two half size basses, one a Kay, and the other, my current instrument, a Knilling. I would definitely recommend a 1/2 size, but play them first to find one with good tone and projection, as they are not going to have as much ooomph as the larger ones.

salcott · #16 05-28-2010, 09:54 AM

http://www.aesbass.com/bassgallery4.htm