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Double Bass Buying question from a newbie

P

PaulyWally

Dec 16, 2006
3
0
Beer Capital, USA
#1
Been playing electric for a while now, and I think I might take the leap into the URB. But I've never played one before.

So I've been reading a lot of your newbie links here, and have gotton a lot of great info. The one question I haven't found an answer for yet, relates to size.

I'm 5'6" and have small hands. So I'm leaning toward a 1/2. But I haven't tried any yet, so I'm prepared for anything to change once I get my hands on some.

My question is, what do I need to pay attention to when sizing an URB? I know nothing yet about balancing techniques... so I don't want to end up with a 1/2 size (becuase the neck may feel more comfy) and not be able to balance it properly in 3 or 6 months.

I'm also leaning towards renting (to own), so trading it back in will probably always be an option. But I still want to be well informed when shopping.

Thanks!
 
#2
5'6" isn't that small; you'd probably be able to deal with a standard 3/4 size bass, which is what most people play. More to the point if you have small hands is getting the setup absolutely correct so the stop pressure is as low as you can reasonably get it. I might be 5'10" tall, but there are plenty of 5'2" women who have bigger hands than I do, so I know whereof I speak on that one. Mind you, I don't have trouble reaching over the bass.
 
#4
Thanks guys. That makes me feel better about my 3/4 options.

But still, what do I need to know about balancing them when I try them out?

I know you can't give me years worth of experience here. And maybe there's nothing you CAN tell me. But any quick and dirty info that would make me more knowledgable would help.
 
#6
theshadow2001 said:
What do you mean balancing technique?
Click to expand...

Well... that's the thing... I'm not really sure. I guess that's why I'm asking.

I've heard that if you get a bass that's too big/small, it can be difficult to balance correctly... which makes it harder to play it.

Maybe "technique" was the wrong word to use... but from what I could gather, there are certain things an URBist needs to consider to balance the bass properly. Like the size of the bass to his/her body size... and also using the left hand to keep the bass balanced properly.

Did I hear wrong? Am I off my rocker?
 
#8
In my experience which isn't a whole lot the bass rest on your belly. I rest the edge where the back meets the upper bout on my stomach. Ideally you should be able to keep the bass balanced in this position with no hands at all. Leaving them free to play the instrument rather than support it.

The end pin is adjustable (usually) so it can be adjusted for people of various heights. I'm more or less your height so I don't have it out very far.

If you got a lesson or even if you knew someone who played who could show you one or two things I think that put a lot of what your thinking about to rest.

Also do as much research here a you can first before you jump into anything. Look at the FAQ do searches on questions you might have, there's a lot of information to be found here.

If it all possible try and get someone who knows to check out some basses with you it would help a lot.

I didn't have such a luxury but I still managed okay. The guy I bought from was a decent guy which helped a lot.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0967601509/ref=sib_dp_pt/103-8071007-9352633#reader-link
This link is a bit of rufus reids book. Showing how he holds the bass. He has the bass set a little lower than I do. The nut is closer to my hair line.
 
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#9
Jake deVilliers said:
You heard wrong. There are plenty of 5'2" women playing 3/4 size basses.

All you need is good technique ie a teacher. :)
Click to expand...

My teacher for french bow for almost a year was something
like that tall, not only did she play 3/4 she played it on a
rather long Laborie endpin :)

Get a teacher, do it first, not only will they help you with
these questions, they will help you buy the right first
bass.
 
#10
I saw a bassist at an open mic a few weeks ago (accompanied by a singer) who was very short -- shorter than my 5'6", so much so that I first thought maybe he had a 4/4 bass. He seemed to have NO problems playing that thing!

And my hands are small too -- I've been playing short-scale (30.5") BG my whole life. The 42" scale just takes getting used to.
 

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