Can you play uprightbass on bassguitar

Langstrup · #1 01-05-2010, 01:36 PM

Im all new, and danish, so pardon my english and newbie quistions:-)..

If i wish in the future to play jazz, like this :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWx8hZau9xQ

Is that "possible" on the bassguitar (offcourse it is) but is it possible to get a NICE sound, that "fits" the music

Thanks
Stefan, Denmark, Europe

Darkstrike · #2 01-05-2010, 01:40 PM

Sure is possible!

snyderz · #3 01-05-2010, 01:45 PM

If you are new, just keep playing. Then play some more. You will start discerning new tones that you can create, not only with your bass, but with your amp. The more you play, the sooner you will be able to get the tones you hear in your head.

MKoby · #4 01-05-2010, 01:58 PM

That style is almost defined by the bass pizz.

Well, something close should be possible.
I have used a fretless Precison and halfwound strings for that type of music.
Flatwound strings can work OK too.
Most low volume groups prefer bass viol, when possible.

You might consider that playing with Jimmy Cobb would make anyone sound better.

CoffeeJanitor · #5 01-05-2010, 05:03 PM

I too have been looking for this sound.

Fretless is the way to go (although probably is not a good thing to start on). Also, semi-acoustic maybe.

Type of string.

Also, semi-acoustic basses can help.

Your amp.

Where you pluck (try different places, you may be surprised).

**Ukiah Bass** · #6 01-05-2010, 05:34 PM

I get that sound with a fretless 4-string acoustic bass guitar. Amplified, of course. Sounds great!

One Bad Monkey · #7 01-05-2010, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Langstrup

Is that "possible" on the bassguitar (offcourse it is) but is it possible to get a NICE sound, that "fits" the music

Short answer, yes.

Long answer, you can approximate the sound of an upright bass on electric, but if you really want THAT sound, you have to go to the source. When I don't want to haul my URB around, I'll use the technique I read from a Will Lee article years and years ago, using your thumb to pluck the strings, and the palm of your hand to mute the strings. I've done a bunch of jazz gigs with this technique, and while it's not "exact," it is "close enough."