Double Bass Advanced Electric Player Considering Upright

[Jeff Plays Bass]

I've played e-bass for over 30 years semi-professionally, and now I'm considering taking up upright for the beauty of the sound and ability to do nice acoustic gigs. Today I tried an upright. Of course the scale is different, that's not a biggie. What I'm wondering is does this become a physically comfortable act? It felt so awkward leaning over and reaching around the big thing (and I'm 5'10" with long arms). Is this something that feels awkward for all at first and then becomes comfortable or would this be a commitment to crouching and always feeling like wrestling a bear?

I know this is a dumb question perhaps as too many people love the instrument, and watching someone like Dave Holland play makes it look better than sex. But I gotta ax the question anyway.

Thanks!

 

[Tom Lane]

Worse - it's an ill-tempered grizzly. Seriously, uprights are all different so some are impossible for some players to get around on and others are easier. Get an experienced teacher and take your teacher with you when you go bass shopping. Most upright players learn how to get along with that bear eventually.

 

[vin*tone]

Yeah get some pointers on how to wrestle the grizzly and it might feel more comfortable.

But it does get easier. You'll find that after about a year - you'll get more comfortable with the physicality of the instrument and all that EB knowledge will start to make sense on the big violin.

 

[Jeff Plays Bass]

Thanks for the helpful replies guys -- much appreciated!!

 

[Leo Smith]

next time you try one, pull out the end pin so it stands at a height appropriate to you. The nut should be at about forehead level.

Also, as others have mentioned get a teacher. Do you have a friend who is URB - experienced? Take them shopping with you.

Like anything else, it's awkward at first, but it gets better with some guidance.

Good luck!!

 

[Leo Smith]

PS -- tell us where you live and we could guide you to a good shop.

 

[Jeff Bonny]

and now I'm considering taking up upright for the beauty of the sound

That's all the reason you need. Stay in that moment.

 

[sean_on_bass]

It took me a number of months to find a position i liked, but it did eventually happen. Also took some time for certain muscles to develop to support that posture. If i had a teacher this process would had been much shorter i'm sure.

 

[Jay Corwin]

Stance is important to feeling comfortable with it. Find a tutorial, teacher, or grab a copy of the Evolving Bassist for correct stance/posture. The leaning over and reaching described on your post sounds like bad form.

 

[Jeff Bonny]

Early on a teacher recommended I use a mirror to work on posture and bow angle. Coming back to the double bass after a long layoff it's a tool I feel like I need to use again for a while. Mechanically correct doesn't always feel most natural initially but the mirror don't lie.