Double Bass Bass Size question..

[Weirdo]

Hey all,


So, I know limited about double basses, but this question should be very easy for the right set of eyes.
Double bass players like in The Living End, Stray Cats, Koffin Kats, Tiger Army, Zombie Ghost Train, etc.. All use 3/4 size basses, So i was under the impression 3/4 size is the standard to get when playing in a Rockabilly/Psychobilly band, or whatever it is you might like to do.. However, with some comparisons, Is the bass pictured in this video actually a 2/4 size?
If so, What's the pros and cons of a 2/4 size compared to a 3/4 size? I'd imagine sound, and weight, but i'd like to ask someone who actually knows what theyre talking about rather than just guessing, haha.
I also clicked a few links in the sticky thread, which didn't work, before anyone tells me to go check them.


(Heres the video with the apparent 2/4 size)




Cheers,
Jackson

 

[Jay Corwin]

Genre and bass size don't really have much to do with each other. 3/4 is the most common, and what will likely be most available to you. There are of course always exceptions, but just go for a 3/4.

 

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Yep, 3/4 is the "standard" and has the best availability.

Must be a British standard though, there are lots of 3/4 DB's with very different dimensions .



The bass in the video sure looks like a 1/2.

Nothing IMO wrong (in the genres we're talking about anyway ) with 1/1, 7/8, 1/2, 1/4 OR EVEN 1/8, but the availability of strings, bridges, tuning machines etc. could become a problem.

Regards
Sam

 

[Reiska]

Another quess from up north goes: The one on the video is a 1/2- size bass. I have one that is borrowed from a friend and now tuned in fifths, to go with a 3/4 bass, so far in fourths.

IMO 1/2 -size bass advantages are that it`s very easy on hands and to carry around. Most 3/4 strings work somewhat decently on it, the difference in string lenght ain`t that big ( my 3/4= 104cm and 1/2= 99cm ). Adjustable bridge allows you to adjust the string tension.

The disadvantages are decreased acoustic volume, availability of stuff and the fact that your technique will be calibrated to that shorter string lenght. Plus it will be harder to resell that 1/2 -size instrument cause 3/4 is generally considered to be the " standard ", whatever that means in the double bass circles.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

That's a Slap King (3/4 size) with the endpin all the way in so he can stand on it.

 

[Hector Wolff]

Reiska,

An adjustable bridge will not adjust string tension. If you raise the bridge the string tension will increase and the string will go sharp - but when you retune the string, string tension will go back to where it was designed to be at correct tuning.

What does change with the height of the bridge is the angle the string makes going over the bridge -and that effects the pressure downwards on the top plate of the bass. The higher the bridge - the more downward force, the lower the bridge - the less downward force.

 

[Reiska]

Thanks for the information Hector Wolff!

 

[Jay Corwin]

An adjustable bridge will not adjust string tension. If you raise the bridge the string tension will increase and the string will go sharp - but when you retune the string, string tension will go back to where it was designed to be at correct tuning.

Strongly disagree with that statement.

 

[Reiska]

I still quess that there`s some general agreement on increased string height: More volume, more challenge for both hands

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Sometimes more volume. Other times, too much pressure chokes the whole bass.

 

[gnypp45]

Strongly disagree with that statement.

Do you disagree with the notion that higher string tension would result in higher pitch? I don't understand your comment.

 

[drurb]

I think what sevenyearsdown is saying is that he doesn't believe that when a given string is at pitch, it's tension is the same regardless of the height of the adjusters. Actually, it is the same, given how Invalid Link Removed.

 

[Jay Corwin]

Well I can't argue with the science. My opinion was based solely on "when I lower my bridge, it's easier to play" experience. I'm sure it's many variables at play.

 

[Robert Strickland]

Volume no real issue because of the existence of amplifiers. Buy a 3/4, unless you are a very short person. Then, a 5/8 might be your choice.

 

[Steve Freides]

Well I can't argue with the science. My opinion was based solely on "when I lower my bridge, it's easier to play" experience. I'm sure it's many variables at play.

'Cause you don't have to push the strings as far down. Which string feels harder to play, given the same tension at rest, the one you have to depress 1/2 inch or the one you have to depress twice as far?

NB: I am not a scientist nor do I play one on TV.

-S-

 

[drurb]

'Cause you don't have to push the strings as far down. Which string feels harder to play, given the same tension at rest, the one you have to depress 1/2 inch or the one you have to depress twice as far?

NB: I am not a scientist nor do I play one on TV.

-S-

...but you are quite correct! Also a longer way for the right hand to pull the string into the board when playing pizz.

 

[Jay Corwin]

Also a longer way for the right hand to pull the string into the board when playing pizz.

This is exactly my scenario.