Double Bass 1/4 tuning

[TheSuzie]

Yup. Overall they seem bigger than one would expect until you put them next to a 3/4.

 

[Matt Ides]

Enjoy the bass and keep us posted on your progress.

 

[drurb]

Yes, at least once a 1/4.

 

[ChristopherL]

So is that scale length 1/4 or half? So far I changed the endpin to a longer sturdier one. Anyone else have any ideas or recommendations?

 

[Matt Ides]

35" = 1/4
37" = 1/2
39" = 5/8

Roughly speaking as everything varies.

 

[Bass Barrister]

35" = 1/4
37" = 1/2
39" = 5/8

Roughly speaking as everything varies.

While string length is important, you also have to consider upper bout width, lower bout width, rib depth, and overall body length. These vary. I own a smaller bass, currently on consignment at a shop in Chicago. It was sold as a half size. The string length is 39.25" and the UB, LB, an rib depths are larger than some 5/8ths basses that I've seen posted at varous sites. Ken Smith has had much to say about this issue, both here on TB and on his site.

For my money, if it makes you happy and does what you want it to do, it is the right bass for you.

 

[TheSuzie]

The above is true but it should be noted that the 35" string measure instruments were sold by Kay as !/4 size. The same is true for the current Engelhartdts even though the body of both instruments is a bit larger than some other instruments labeled as 1/4.

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I wish I were still able to have one.

 

[ChristopherL]

Didn't engelhardt just cease production? My local guy said they are all done now.