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Double Bass 1/2 or 3/4
- Thread starter Kuk
- Start date
I would definitely go with a 3/4. A 1/2 is more designed for a child because they do not have the reach on their hands yet to deal with the scale length. If you learn on a 1/2 then you will have to relearn all of you positions again when you go to 3/4 which is more the standard sound in the upright world.
Its difficult to say for me as I have both. My smaller bass is more like a 5/8 with just under 40" string length. For my hands, and my height(5'6), I like that bass a lot. Keep in mind that I am primarily a Jazz player and amplify almost always. If you are intending to play mostly conservatory I would definitely look at a 3/4. You generally won't get the amount of low end you need out of a smaller bass.
First of all, welcome to TB! As you might imagine, this question has been asked before. By last count, it had been asked and discussed, 3,786 times. 
At the top of this forum, you'll find this:
BASS FORUM LINKS (Newbie Links): PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING NEW TOPICS
At that link, you'll find the "Beginner's Guide to Buying..." wiki in addition to specific links that answer your question in detail.
Then, there's the good old search function that can bring you to an enormous amount of information that will answer your question with details you likely didn't even realize were relevant.
Doing your homework here will actually lead you more quickly to a comprehensive answer than posting a common question and waiting for folks to chime in-- if they even do.
For many, many reasons, you should be looking for a "3/4." Bass sizes are not standard, so that categorization encompasses basses of different physical sizes and vibrating string lengths.
Pull up a chair and dig in.
Oh, and please fill out your profile. It helps us to help you and to get to know you better.
At the top of this forum, you'll find this:
BASS FORUM LINKS (Newbie Links): PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING NEW TOPICS
At that link, you'll find the "Beginner's Guide to Buying..." wiki in addition to specific links that answer your question in detail.
Then, there's the good old search function that can bring you to an enormous amount of information that will answer your question with details you likely didn't even realize were relevant.
Doing your homework here will actually lead you more quickly to a comprehensive answer than posting a common question and waiting for folks to chime in-- if they even do.
For many, many reasons, you should be looking for a "3/4." Bass sizes are not standard, so that categorization encompasses basses of different physical sizes and vibrating string lengths.
Pull up a chair and dig in.
Oh, and please fill out your profile. It helps us to help you and to get to know you better.
Hey Kuk I am 5 6" also welcome to the club...
I got a huge 3/4 with 43" inches scale length, so I am looking for something smaller something like an 41" or 40" an 5/8... I haven't find anything, however last Friday I went to see a nice Christopher 1/2 only $850... just so u know its like a big cello... its more like a toy than a bass and when you compare the output (The sound), the projection of my 43", the 1/2 is a joke...1/2 is for a small child to learn DB, just my 2cents
Thanks
I got a huge 3/4 with 43" inches scale length, so I am looking for something smaller something like an 41" or 40" an 5/8... I haven't find anything, however last Friday I went to see a nice Christopher 1/2 only $850... just so u know its like a big cello... its more like a toy than a bass and when you compare the output (The sound), the projection of my 43", the 1/2 is a joke...1/2 is for a small child to learn DB, just my 2cents
Thanks
IMHO, you'll be much better off going with a good 3/4 bass.
With the possible exception of 1/2 sized basses, bass sizes aren't standardized, so you could find a bass listed as 3/4 that is on the smaller side (which, if listed by someone knowledgeable would be listed as a "small 3/4"). A larger 3/4 bass, if it's just this large, could be listed as a quasi-small 7/8 bass. If you're concerned about size just shop around for a smaller 3/4 bass (or try out a bunch of different 3/4 basses anyway and you just might find that they're not such monsters after all, at least in terms of size). Like others have said, it's a lot to do with string length, too.
With the possible exception of 1/2 sized basses, bass sizes aren't standardized, so you could find a bass listed as 3/4 that is on the smaller side (which, if listed by someone knowledgeable would be listed as a "small 3/4"). A larger 3/4 bass, if it's just this large, could be listed as a quasi-small 7/8 bass. If you're concerned about size just shop around for a smaller 3/4 bass (or try out a bunch of different 3/4 basses anyway and you just might find that they're not such monsters after all, at least in terms of size). Like others have said, it's a lot to do with string length, too.
