Small Bodied Basses for Bluegrass

[rbenson]

I'm getting back into bluegrass and want to buy a bass. Many years ago I played bluegrass bass with a 3/4 size Kay. Wish I still had it! However, one of the hassles was always transporting the bass in the car. That got me wondering why bluegrass bass players don't use 1/2 or even 1/4 sized basses with an extra-long end pin. Does it look too silly? Is there insufficient volume? Does the short scale cause fingering problems? Or, is it just tradition? BTW, I'm 6'2" so I have no problem with a 3/4 bass other than transportation. I'd be interested in your thoughts.

[shadygrove]

I'm 6' 4" and know I'd feel silly with a 1/4 size bass although the shorter scale should be easier to play. I only have to really stretch to make a step in half and first position with a 3/4 that's about 41 1/2" scale. You'd have to have a very small car for a 3/4 bass not to fit by laying the passenger seat back and turning the bass upside down.

I wouldn't buy a bass that small because odds are you will give up a lot of volume. Since bluegrass jams are unplugged, often outside, and you never know how many other instruments you will be up against, it's better to have as loud a bass as possible that puts out a lot of a note's fundamental frequency. You can always back off when the volume isn't needed, but don't put yourself in the position of always having to play hard to be heard or you're going to wear out way before the pickin' party is over.

[Jake deVilliers]

Originally Posted by rbenson

I'm getting back into bluegrass and want to buy a bass. Many years ago I played bluegrass bass with a 3/4 size Kay. Wish I still had it! However, one of the hassles was always transporting the bass in the car. That got me wondering why bluegrass bass players don't use 1/2 or even 1/4 sized basses with an extra-long end pin. Does it look too silly? Is there insufficient volume? Does the short scale cause fingering problems? Or, is it just tradition? BTW, I'm 6'2" so I have no problem with a 3/4 bass other than transportation. I'd be interested in your thoughts.

They don't move enough air AND they look silly too!

I remember seeing a band at the Chilliwack Bluegrass Fest about 10 years ago - this big, corn-fed Iowa boy was playing a 1/2 size bass and it looked almost indecent...

[rbenson]

I neither want to look (too) silly nor fail to move enough air. Thanks for the good advice. BTW, nice Kay's on your website Jake. I live not far from your shop -- maybe I'll have a Kay to show you one of these days.

[rbenson]

Yesterday I purchased a second-hand 3/4 Christopher DB103. I love the action and the sound! Glad I didn't buy a smaller bass. However, when I tried to put it across the back seat of my Toyota Prius, it was about a foot too long. No problem, it easily went in through the back hatch with one seat folded down.

[Nohandles]

For a real small intimate jam I've been known to play my Cello but for a good ole outside jam it has to be a 3/4's bass. Don't even try you won'y be heard.

[shadygrove]

Originally Posted by rbenson

Yesterday I purchased a second-hand 3/4 Christopher DB103. I love the action and the sound! Glad I didn't buy a smaller bass. However, when I tried to put it across the back seat of my Toyota Prius, it was about a foot too long. No problem, it easily went in through the back hatch with one seat folded down.

Yeah, that should get the job done. Congratulation's on the new bass !

[Steve Swan]

I've seen old german 5/8 basses used more often than you'd think for Bluegrass and oldtime music. I even used one myself in the summer of 2003. These can often be had for far less than a 3/4 size bass by the same builder.

[Matt Ides]

Steve makes a great point, plus many of these have 40" string lengths as well.

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

I have a 5/8 plywood Juzek that pumps bass, probably because the top and back are really thin.