Double Bass 1/2 size or 3/4?

[`Jas]

I'm moving to a new area in week or so, and I have to rent a double bass from there. I'm worried about the size of the bass I should rent, as I don't have a case with wheels and I'll have to lug the bass from home to my school, school to my bass lessons using the subway and various forms of transport.. I'm also looking to get a preferably lighter student bass so it makes it easier for me, however I have concerns about the sound quality between the different sizes.

Also, I am a fairly short girl at 5'2, and I'm not exactly an extremely strong person who can carry a bass for extended periods of time. I have played a 1/2 and a 3/4, and I've definitely preferred the 3/4. Should I at least try and search for a 1/2, or stick with the 3/4 bass?

(Note: I haven't gone to see the basses in my new area yet, however I will be looking into basses in a few weeks once we get settled in. Thank you!)

 

[Eric Hochberg]

Stick with a 3/4. Consider purchasing a [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] from KC Strings. You'll be able to wheel your bass around with it.

 

[drurb]

Stick with a 3/4. Consider purchasing a [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] from KC Strings. You'll be able to wheel your bass around with it.

+1

 

[MostlyBass]

3/4 is a standard size bass. However there are variations in size with 3/4 instruments. I have a 3/4 Rogeri copy that is a rather small 3/4. So, yep - get a 3/4.

 

[mlz77096]

I bought a bass buggy about a month ago. Great little item and so easy to use.

 

[hairscrambled]

How about one of those wheels that replace the endpin? I've never used one but they seem to work.

 

[drurb]

How about one of those wheels that replace the endpin? I've never used one but they seem to work.

Indeed, they do. It's important that you get one with a pneumatic tire and that you take care to only roll it over relatively smooth surfaces. Not good to go bouncing it off a curb.

 

[MostlyBass]

Those wheels are handy:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I'm selling mine:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f145/fs-bass-wheel-886703/

 

[Eric Hochberg]

I suggested the Bass Buggie over the endpin type single wheel arrangement because I think it would be easier for the OP to deal with. More stability.

 

[Don Higdon]

Isn't it heavier? She'll be using stairs.

 

[tappingtrance]

try a 5/8ths, some of the older ones can sound big and are easy to play esp in the upper register.

 

[groooooove]

3/4 with any kind of wheel/ bass buggy/ ext

 

[Matt Ides]

Just get a wheel. I use mine all the time and carry my bass as short a distance as possible. IME with a wheel it is very easy to ascend/descend stairs.

 

[Lo-E]

If 3/4 is what you've been comfortable with, then that's what you should stick with. Get a pneumatic wheel. Keep the tire pressue fairly low and the bass will have a smooth ride. I've carried my bass around the NYC subway for years that way.

Getting a double bass around is a pain no matter what, but once you get used to lugging it around it's not so bad. I don't think your size would make it that much harder. Double basses are big, awkward and frail - perfect for transporting, right? I would definitely not recommend trading off musical considerations for transport. Go with a 3/4 because it's what you like and figure out the logistics of transport that work best for your situation.
You'll do fine.