standard fingerboard length

kimstevens · #1 06-05-2006, 12:43 PM

Hello,

I haven't been able to find an answer to this question: do double basses have a common standard for fingerboard length, in relation to their size? For example, do 7/8 and 3/4 basses share the same highest fingered (not harmonic) notes on their G strings, and if not, what are the common variations?

Thanks

Kim

uptonbass · #2 06-06-2006, 06:56 PM

As high and as long as possible

I like 36" on a 42" string lenght tons of board, more than some would say is correct.

uptonbass · #3 06-06-2006, 06:57 PM

Addition: This way if you are playing in a section and the conductor instructs to play over the end of the fb you clearly have an advantage over the guy with the shorty.

Alex Scott · #4 06-07-2006, 02:32 PM

I would say a D above the treble staff is a pretty modern standard. I tried a g above that once, and it cut the sound so bad I had it cut back down.

mcnaire2004 · #5 06-07-2006, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Scott

I would say a D above the treble staff is a pretty modern standard. I tried a g above that once, and it cut the sound so bad I had it cut back down.

Was it one long finger board? If so that explains your problem. Most long fingerboards are cut so that just the FB under the G string remains.

Alex Scott · #6 06-07-2006, 07:39 PM

yeah, that's right, McNaire, it's a lot of wood up there, if you think about it. That's the widest point of the board. I also just don't feel good about the extension on the high notes though, it seems like the feedback is different when your bow is over the fingerboard, My G string on different basses always feels like there is some interference when the board is under it. Maybe it's gravity, who knows.

Ken, I like to be able to pay a c# and D on the g string and a g# A on the D string pressing down for a lot of the Rabbath Exercises and so forth, Three octave scales in Db, D etc. I guess you would need an Eb if you wanted a three octave scale in every key. Without those extra notes 6th position (Rabbath) doesn't make a lot of sense.

For orchestra it is a little higher than you would need, but for solo rep and technical practice I like the D.