Solo Fingerboard

[masterforrest]

I’ve been looking a various sites trying to learn more about the double bass and ran across this link.
http://www.uptonbass.com/catalog/pro...roducts_id=649

What exactly is a solo fingerboard? How is this different than their regular fingerboard? Thanks.

[eerbrev]

A solo fingerboard is a longer fingerboard that is used by those who love to play especially high notes that either don't appear in the harmonic series on that string, or want to finger a note like a harmonic D on the G string (the one after the two octave mark). They usually slope towards the treble side because, honestly, it's a rare person who's going to want to play a High B on the low E string.

It comes in handy for a lot of bass solo rep in classical. I can't personally speak for Jazz, but I'm sure there's the odd person who solos up in the stratosphere.

Regards,


Alex

[drurb]

I have one that came along for the ride. Confession: I don't solo up there but I think it looks cool.

[kmanley_29649]

Originally Posted by drurb

I think it looks cool.

Yep, that's exactly why I want one! I rarely go above the high "B" on the "G" string, but they jsut look so slick.

[moopants]

Why is it that every time I tell myself I'm comfortable with my bass and I don't want a new one, I see pictures like these?

[Square Bear]

strangely enough, my bass does not have this yet the highest stopped note is a high e flat (pretty long board!). It almost seems like the advantage of this shape at the end of the fingerboard is to give you the high notes without sacrificing clearance on your e string for when you're really slamming. my experience tells me that a longer board means you'll bottom out sooner unless you raise your action.

[drurb]

Originally Posted by moopants

Why is it that every time I tell myself I'm comfortable with my bass and I don't want a new one, I see pictures like these?

You know, it's funny how we all go crazy here with visual bass porn, when what we're all about is the sound. Too bad we can't hear standardized, high-quality sound-clips of the same passage played by the same player in the same room on all these basses. Until then, I'll keep looking at 'em.

[drurb]

Originally Posted by Square Bear

strangely enough, my bass does not have this yet the highest stopped note is a high e flat (pretty long board!). It almost seems like the advantage of this shape at the end of the fingerboard is to give you the high notes without sacrificing clearance on your e string for when you're really slamming. my experience tells me that a longer board means you'll bottom out sooner unless you raise your action.

Nah... the advantage is that it looks neat.

As for "bottoming out," I never had an issue at all even after I drastically lowered the string heights right after my injury. I attribute that to a pristine setup. In any case, the heights are back up in my "comfort range" now.

[Square Bear]

right. what i'm saying is that you will not bottom out as easily because your fingerboard is shorter on the E string side.

[drurb]

Originally Posted by Square Bear

right. what i'm saying is that you will not bottom out as easily because your fingerboard is shorter on the E string side.

I thought that was what you meant but thought you also might be warning about the G bottoming out.

[kmanley_29649]

For a really cool look, match one with a graduated tailpiece!

[Bass]

My bass has a solo fingerboard too. Funny thing is I rarely play above 1st position.

[davidAaronCarte]

I have an extended fingerboard but unfortunately without the cool shape to it
I don't solo up there but I do run my scales the full length when I practice
I think it's helped solidify the thumb stuff lower down