Bass Guitar or Cello/Double Bass?

[Grayum]

Hi,

I've been playing various instruments for years, Saxophone, Violin, Piano, even some Drums/Percussion for a while.

I'm looking at getting into playing more Bass/Baritone music as I love rhythm but dragging a full drum kit around is too much and I'm moving into smaller city digs soon so they will be staying out in the country cottage.

I'm trying to pick between a Bass Guitar or a Cello/Double Bass; I have some thoughts but beyond me guessing I thought I would ask here. Note: for instrument specifics I'm looking at NS Design Electrical Instruments as comparisons due to the electric component and size reduction.

1. (Electric) Cello
The off choice simply because I would require a pitch pedal to drop an octave. But this would allow for me to also bow in addition to strumming and I can fit in a few more niche bands. Likely looking at a 5 string version to get that extra drop in pitch.

2. Bass Guitar
Easiest of the three to learn, simply because it's so common and there is a million YouTube videos and unlike guitars, no chords. Finding a teacher would also be easy.

3. (Electric) Double Bass
I really love the sound and travel of a bass, but it's generally quite big (unless I get a NS Omni Bass) and you can't play as complex rifts without a lot of practise muting which means I suspect this will be the longest to learn as I'd likely have to do most on my own.

I'm interested in eventually joining a band for fun; maybe the occasional gig if we are good enough. I enjoy crossover classical, folk rock, classic rock (Queen/Who/AC/DC) etc. Not big on Heavy Metal.

So the question really comes down to, each instrument has its own unique traits but for learning quickly to get proficient enough to join an amateur band what are people's best guesses. I really enjoy playing with others as a social thing as much as a musical enjoyment.

 

[MalcolmAmos]

..... So the question really comes down to, each instrument has its own unique traits but for learning quickly to get proficient enough to join an amateur band what are people's best guesses. I really enjoy playing with others as a social thing as much as a musical enjoyment.

Cello - treble clef, aka melody. I gave it some thought, but IMO the cello takes me into another area I will not use. Not a lot of cello players in the good ole boy bands we have around here.

Double bass. Expensive and it's a monster. Hauling it around could be a chore. Would love to have one, but, because of the two reasons I've listed I have not gone out and gotten one.

Electric bass. My choice. We joke and say; "If you can count to eight you can play bass guitar". It's a little more than just that, but ...... People are always looking for a good bassist. Good bassists don't sit at home waiting on the call. They are connected and gigging.

 

[Grayum]

Double bass. Expensive and it's a monster. Hauling it around could be a chore. Would love to have one, but, because of the two reasons I've listed I have not gone out and gotten one.

I'd be looking at an ELectric Upright Bass or NS's Omni Bass which are not so unwielding and if I skimp for a month or two I can afford a basic model.

Would that change your mind (not trying to push the Double Bass, but I completely understand your reservations on the acoustic versions... that would make it a no go for me too).

 

[SteveCS]

Cello - treble clef, aka melody.
...

No, Cello is primarily bass clef. The low C is the same as the low C (3rd position A string) on the Electric Bass but written at pitch, 2 ledger lines below the bass stave.

 

[MalcolmAmos]

[QUOTE="Grayum, post: 19879123, member: 306047]......... Would that change your mind (not trying to push the Double Bass, but I completely understand your reservations on the acoustic versions... that would make it a no go for me too).[/QUOTE]

As I have not purchased an upright electric, I guess not. I'm happy with the 4 string P electric. Also understand my hobby budget is also on retirement. Being 17 years on a fixed income is a great cure for GAS.