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Double Bass Resting bass on side?

Blacksheep

Blacksheep

Destroyobot
Sep 7, 2006
289
0
Manitoba, Canada
#1
Is it safe to have your bass resting on it's side for long periods of time? I am low on room, and putting my bass in and out of it's bag is a pain, so i just want to know if having it on it's side laying down is in any way detrimental to the instrument. Thanks
 
#4
Leaving a double bass lying on its side for extended periods can result in what is referred to as "lambda creep." This is something that affects carved tops only. Because the gravitational forces are perpendicular to the grain when a bass is lying on its side, microscopic compressions of the grain can occur leading to a more "closed" sound when the bass is returned to its normal position and played. The bass can be "re-opened" by bowing extra long notes under room-temperature conditions with normal humidity. Storing the bass upright avoids lambda creep but, again, gravitational forces come into play leading some to suggest that half of the time the bass should be stored upside down in a stand. So far, no manufacturer of which I am aware is supplying a stand that can accommodate that orientation. In the case of laminates having plys of alternating grain orientation, it is best to store the bass upright and on its side for roughly equal periods as this distributes the lambda creep fairly equally among the plys. No doubt, many here are reading this in bewilderment. Rest assured that this is complete nonsense. Given some of the claims made here on TB, I'm betting you just had to wonder. :)
 
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#9
On a more serious note, resting the bass on its side can put stress on the neck, particularly if you have a heavy extension or machine. Or at least, that's what I've been told by a couple repairman. On a practical note, with a really heavy machine, you might also find that there is a lot weight on the upper bout, which can make the bass easier to spin. A clumsy violist will undoubtedly take the opportunity to hit your endpin spinning the bass into stands, chairs and other violists. (I can't abide smacking chairs or stands...:))
 
#10
drurb said:
Leaving a double bass lying on its side for extended periods can result in what is referred to as "lambda creep." This is something that affects carved tops only. Because the gravitational forces are perpendicular to the grain when a bass is lying on its side, microscopic compressions of the grain can occur leading to a more "closed" sound when the bass is returned to its normal position and played. The bass can be "re-opened" by bowing extra long notes under room-temperature conditions with normal humidity. Storing the bass upright avoids lambda creep but, again, gravitational forces come into play leading some to suggest that half of the time the bass should be stored upside down in a stand. So far, no manufacturer of which I am aware is supplying a stand that can accommodate that orientation. In the case of laminates having plys of alternating grain orientation, it is best to store the bass upright and on its side for roughly equal periods as this distributes the lambda creep fairly equally among the plys. No doubt, many here are reading this in bewilderment. Rest assured that this is complete nonsense. Given some of the claims made here on TB, I'm betting you just had to wonder. :)
Click to expand...

Dude, you TOTALLY had me.
 
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#12
Ed Fuqua said:
Dude, you TOTALLY had me.
Click to expand...

Me too -- so much so that I almost didn't read it to the end, in which case I would have a very different idea of Mister Dr. ...and would have missed out on a pretty good joke.

Here's what I was told by a very highly regarded luthier:

Laying the bass on its side is the SAFEST way for it to be. I guess the weight is more evenly distributed, the risks are lowest. Doesn't mean nothing bad can happen, but this position gives you the best odds. You're fine. Just don't leave it that way for months at a time. Next best choice I think would be upright, in a corner, facing the wall.
 
#17
Joshua said:
How about a stand?

I keep mine on the stand, and it takes up a lot less room than it would resting on it's side.
Click to expand...

I've heard FAR too many horror stories about stands falling, getting knocked over by room mates, pets etc.

Dono has one of them corner's hooked up with a safety strap that goes around the scroll and one that goes around the top of the C under the top bout...
 
#19
Ed Fuqua said:
I've heard FAR too many horror stories about stands falling, getting knocked over by room mates, pets etc.

Dono has one of them corner's hooked up with a safety strap that goes around the scroll and one that goes around the top of the C under the top bout...
Click to expand...

I can only solve one problem at a time, and in this case said problem was space.

:D
 

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