How often do you guys use the upper fret (or, Should I learn on a violin bass ?)

[Damakun]

Hello !

I would like to know how important it is to access the upper frets (i.e. the ones closest to the neck). The reason I ask, is that I may not be able to fetch the bass I had planned on getting. In the meantime, I found a Rouge violin bass (the "Beatle bass") at Music Go Round for half the price of the other bass. I played it briefly, and it feels very comfortable standing and sitting. However, there are no cutaways on the body, so those uppermost frets are hard to reach.

1) Do you guys use those frets often ?

2) Is the violin bass a good bass to learn on ? This would be my first bass.

I would appreciate any insights. Thank you !

[TheWalrus]

This may not be much help, but it depends on what/how you are going to play. It's entirely possible to never play above, say, the 15th or 17th fret. It's also possible to spend a lot of time there. I don't go there much, but my style doesn't require it.

As far as whether it's a good bass to learn on... any bass that makes you want to pick it up and play is a good bass to learn on. If you feel like you are 'settling' for it, maybe I'd wait.

[UncleBalsamic]

First of all, welcome to TB!

My first bass was a violin bass. I didn't have much trouble readhing the upper frets when I needed to although I agree the design is hardly ideal for upper fret access.

If you generally find it comfortable to play this bass then that is a perfect bass to begin on in my opinion.

Good luck with whichever bass you get anyway.

[Damakun]

Originally Posted by UncleBalsamic

First of all, welcome to TB!

My first bass was a violin bass. I didn't have much trouble readhing the upper frets when I needed to although I agree the design is hardly ideal for upper fret access.

If you generally find it comfortable to play this bass then that is a perfect bass to begin on in my opinion.

Good luck with whichever bass you get anyway.

Ah, cool ! That helps me a great deal knowing that it was not so unusual - will likely go for the violin bass after all. By the way, what was your second bass ?

[Bass Troll]

I spend a fair amount of time on the upper frets, but that's really because of my style. I like to treat it as an instrument like any other, i.e there's no reason why is should hold down the low end most of the time.
It really depends on your style of playing...

[Michael Case]

How long have you been playing? If you're just starting out I'd say don't worry about it, you'll have enough to learn in the first five frets. With that said, you'll find a way to access the upper frets when needed.

[Damakun]

Originally Posted by Michael Case

How long have you been playing? If you're just starting out I'd say don't worry about it, you'll have enough to learn in the first five frets. With that said, you'll find a way to access the upper frets when needed.

Actually I am starting bass from scratch. I already have 2+ years of keyboard though, so on the theory and sightreading side, I am okay. From what others have mentioned, it seems that I won't have much to worry with...

Thanks everyone for your time and replies ! I think I see a violin bass in my future....

[JohnBarr]

In many situations, playing higher on the neck adds dynamic to the line. It gives moving back down more impact. It builds tension.

To my ears most basses sound pretty sweet up around the octive. I like the sound of a bass played up there. Though not to overdo it. "Sweet" may not be what you want in a dirty blues, but in most cases you can add to the interest in most any tune by spending a little time up there.