Double Bass Cardboard bass on Youtube

[Bass]

Looks like ya got me again.

And it won't be the last time! Ha.

 

[thehangingmist]

i think this video is so much better!

and i am very interested because here in India neither i can buy a real double bass nor i can afford one so if i can get something like this to mess around with it'll be awesome!! so if i try to build something like this, do i need to buy a DB neck from somewhere? and can anyone help me find the exact specs (scale length, dimensions etc) for this!?

btw, this is my first post here in the DB section i think! so hi from the other side!

 

[Marcus Johnson]

so if i try to build something like this, do i need to buy a DB neck from somewhere?

Welcome to the dark side.

I think that buying a db neck for a project like this would be overkill, and actually defeat the "guerilla bass" appeal that it might have. I've seen homemade basses that use large diameter PVC pipe for the fingerboard (the whole bass, actually). I think that something like that would be more in keeping with the homegrown spirit of the thing.

 

[thehangingmist]

Welcome to the dark side.

I think that buying a db neck for a project like this would be overkill, and actually defeat the "guerilla bass" appeal that it might have. I've seen homemade basses that use large diameter PVC pipe for the fingerboard (the whole bass, actually). I think that something like that would be more in keeping with the homegrown spirit of the thing.

thanks, so what dimensions do i need? standard EB's have 34" scale length, like wise whats a standard DB scale length and do these "guerilly basses" have standard scale lengths?

 

[Bass]

41" instead of 34".

I thought these came as a kit so the neck should be included - but the website isn't entirely clear. I also notice the retail price is $93! Seems to me these were 50 bucks when first introduced.

 

[kmanley_29649]

41" instead of 34".

I thought these came as a kit so the neck should be included - but the website isn't entirely clear. I also notice the retail price is $93! Seems to me these were 50 bucks when first introduced.

I got mine for $70. That was when they only had the two string model. Now they have a three string, which is more expensive. Also, they do sell them pre-built, but as far as I know they are only sold in their store.

 

[Tarrbot]

I don't see what the hullaballoo is here regarding these. Obviously they aren't a real DB but if it gets someone to the point they want to investigate real DB then why does that threaten you?

I've seen these in stores locally and played a 2 string model. They're not bad to play with.

Obviously, they aren't a DB. Anyone that feels the need to state that shows how insecure they are in their playing and their elitism shows. It's a bit pathetic.

It's like me crying over some rinky dink $100 electric because it's not a real Rickenbacker but that doesn't happen because I know that a First Act bass is no Rickenbacker and even a second grader knows this.

I saw a DB for the first time yesterday and come in here to see what's up and find this stupidity.

No thanks. Keep your elitism. I'll go back to electric.

 

[Paul Warburton]

I saw a DB for the first time yesterday and come in here to see what's up and find this stupidity.

You might have just blown your own boat out of the water...(IMO).

 

[Tarrbot]

Why? Because I'm "ignorant" in DB?

That's the problem here.

These box basses are just a great way for people to get into upright and this community is too elitist to even discuss the possibilities of having someone learn the proper way.

Whether I blew my own boat out of the water is up to the person reading it. If they want to ignore the relevance of what I'm saying, that's their prerogative and shows just how great that person truly is </sarcasm>.

The fact remains that these aren't bad, especially for the price.

I guess building your own instrument and playing it is certainly not as fun as buying a premade instrument.

Anyone ever seen a potato/spud gun? Is it a real gun? No. Is it fun to play with? Hell yes! That's the point. Fun to play with.

On the Bogdon website, there's a link to a review of them in Bass Player magazine.

The Bogdon Box Bass is clearly too novel and impractical to be your only bass, but it&#8217;s a terrifically fun instrument to build and play. It also sounds pretty good and draws plenty of attention, so be prepared to answer questions any time you leave the house with it.

Fun instrument to build and play? Wow. Such a horrible thing to have in any instrument? Fun, you say? Why would anyone want something like that?

The horror...

So, the point remains that this is a "fun" instrument to play and a lot of people here seem too insecure to think this might be a good idea.

So, yes. Despite my "expertise" in DB, if this is the kind of welcome people expect to get here (snobbery and derision) then you can definitely count me out.

I'll leave the DB Snob club to the rest of ya.

 

[Tarrbot]

Obviously, Paul. If that shoe doesn't fit you, I mean no disrespect.

After reading this I don't want you to think I am directing that at you specifically.

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Obviously, they aren't a DB. Anyone that feels the need to state that shows how insecure they are in their playing and their elitism shows. It's a bit pathetic.

I saw a DB for the first time yesterday and come in here to see what's up and find this stupidity.

No thanks. Keep your elitism. I'll go back to electric.

So, yes. Despite my "expertise" in DB, if this is the kind of welcome people expect to get here (snobbery and derision) then you can definitely count me out.

I'll leave the DB Snob club to the rest of ya.

That's twice you've promised to stop trolling for drama that really isn't there. For the record *I* was the one who posted the link to the cardboard bass at the maker's request. Everybody else has just been having a little fun. I don't see any "hullaballo" or "horror". Just guys having fun. If you want to troll, please do it elsewhere.

 

[Paul Warburton]

Despite my "expertise" in DB, if this is the kind of welcome people expect to get here (snobbery and derision) then you can definitely count me out.

I'll leave the DB Snob club to the rest of ya.

Hey, what kind of "welcome" do you expect?
You are the one coming in to this thread charging everybody with "stupidity". Charges of "elitism", "The DB Snob club" and being "a bit pathetic" ain't gonna win you a lotta friends either, BTW.

EDIT: Sorry, DURRL. We posted at the same time. Shall I delete?
Tarrbot, I would hope that your sentence about disrespect includes all those involved in the thread.

 

[Marcus Johnson]

Obviously, Paul. If that shoe doesn't fit you, I mean no disrespect.

After reading this I don't want you to think I am directing that at you specifically.

Who are you directing that at, specifically?

Because I feel like you and I are reading two different threads.

 

[Bass]

...I saw a DB for the first time yesterday and come in here to see what's up and find this stupidity.

No thanks. Keep your elitism. I'll go back to electric.

It sounds to me like you are jealous because you play electric bass instead of double bass.

 

[MR PC]

I've got a few vintage cardboard boxes stashed in the warehouse. The real good stuff. Maybe it's time to start a small business. I could build a few, sell all but the best one, and have my time paid for. I'd be known as the one that "built that thing, that's kinda like that other thing". Maybe even help a few people realize that playing DB isn't impossible, that the "elite status" is silly.

I wouldn't mind having one of these around myself, in any case.

 

[Feral Feline]

Maybe we should impose new rules, have a graduated system of introduction to the DB just like some countries regulate motorcycle licenses.

You know, if you're a new rider you can only get a license for a 50cc moped. After a year or so, and a test, you can move up to a 250cc ride, but no highways or freeways -- just secondary roads. With another two years you upgrade to a 500cc motorcycle, provided you haven't racked up too many tickets, or wrecked. Next comes the big-league 750cc vroom vroom, say for another two years. After that, you can get any size motorcycle you want, race around town or even go touring. The first three months of whatever category you've just moved to, you must display a large "P" plate (signifying you have only a probationary license) on your bike.

You know, if you're a new player you can only get a license for playing air bass in front of a mirror. After a year or so, and a test, you can move up to an EBG, but no coliseums or arenas -- just local bars. With another two years you upgrade to a washtub (or tea-chest), provided you haven't racked up too many blisters, or bled. Next comes the big-league cardboard box boom boom, say for another two years. After that, you can get any size upright bass you want, play around town or even go touring. The first three months of whatever category you've just moved to, you must display a large "P" plate (signifying you have only a probationary license) on your bass.

Or would that be too elitist? Hmm, I've played my friends tea-chest and washtub bass -- truly, much fun, but not enough living space! Me thinks I'll make my own (larger) cardboard box bass and save myself Bogdon's shipping charges. Only then will I stand (with my) upright and my head held high.

 

[Paul Warburton]

Maybe we should impose new rules, have a graduated system of introduction to the DB just like some countries regulate motorcycle licenses.

You know, if you're a new rider you can only get a license for a 50cc moped. After a year or so, and a test, you can move up to a 250cc ride, but no highways or freeways -- just secondary roads. With another two years you upgrade to a 500cc motorcycle, provided you haven't racked up too many tickets, or wrecked. Next comes the big-league 750cc vroom vroom, say for another two years. After that, you can get any size motorcycle you want, race around town or even go touring. The first three months of whatever category you've just moved to, you must display a large "P" plate (signifying you have only a probationary license) on your bike.

You know, if you're a new player you can only get a license for playing air bass in front of a mirror. After a year or so, and a test, you can move up to an EBG, but no coliseums or arenas -- just local bars. With another two years you upgrade to a washtub (or tea-chest), provided you haven't racked up too many blisters, or bled. Next comes the big-league cardboard box boom boom, say for another two years. After that, you can get any size upright bass you want, play around town or even go touring. The first three months of whatever category you've just moved to, you must display a large "P" plate (signifying you have only a probationary license) on your bass.

Most excellent.

 

[Roger Davis]

I would recommend finding a teacher first. A cardboard teacher who is fluent in Origami.

 

[Mohawk Freak]

I've got one of these. I actually got it before I took up the upright (and about eleven years after starting slab), just to have something fun to goof around with. The thing sounds good, though, and my wife was so impressed with it, and how quickly I adapted to the bigger spaces between notes, as well as no frets, that within a couple months she agreed to let me get a real DB. Don't get me wrong, it isn't comparable to a real upright, and the note spacing is larger, but it does sound good, and it is fun to play. In a pinch (or to make goof around onstage), it's a decent substitute.

THANK YOU!!! This is the answer to what I was asking and I thoroughly appreciate the time you've taken to reply. It makes it worth taking the brunt of the sarcasm from the other posts!

I always get a kick out of the disclaimers for stuff like this. It's absurd that anyone has to even mention "I know it's not a real DB, but...",

Hmm... given the response I've had I think that, in retrospect, it was fair enough to point out that I'm not a 13 year old N00b MEgaLoLZ RoFL etc. and that in asking the question I might hopefully cut out the replies from people pointing out that (to paraphrase) "it's a cardboard box and planks of wood so OF COURSE it's not a DB".

ON to the BoX...
The main problem with the BBB is that it's too small. I don't care about how many strings it has. What you need is VOLUME, as in interior SPACE!

It has a pickup. After deriding me for the disclaimer you then pick on something I thought I did not NEED to disclaim because it is obvious that it is not going to be as acoustically loud as a DB.

URB player: "Hey gang, I'd like to take up the slab, but I've never played one before. I heard the Ashbury is a great crossover instrument cause it's meant to sound kinda like my upright, but it's a guitar, but without frets. Anyone tried one?"

I have an Ashbory. I accept it for what it is and don't pretend it's an electric or DB. It's a great little instrument.

FF, if all that was completely tongue in cheek and I've taken it the wrong way then my apologies, that'll be the inherent difficulty of communicating tone in writing.

I have a better idea---why not just Zip up a gig bag, fill it with air and blow it like a tuba. It would probably sound as good as a box bass.

Sounds alright to me from the clip I posted, certainly in terms of value for money. I've heard good reports too.

Excuse me if I feel a little under siege. I appreciate the couple of people who've made the effort to be helpful and not utterly and completely patronising. I also appreciate the comedy of the tongue-in-cheek comments as I can take a joke and some of these are genuinely very funny and don't come across as elitism which, I'm sorry, some of the replies do.

 

[Feral Feline]

...FF, if all that was completely tongue in cheek and I've taken it the wrong way then my apologies, that'll be the inherent difficulty of communicating tone in writing...

COMPLETELY ;~& ! No apple-lee-geeze necessary. I have an obtuse sense of humour and it doesn't translate well online.

For the record: I've lusted after Ashbury basses, would like a Bogdon Box bass, various amps, pedals ... man, I want it ALL. However, most of all, I'd like the talent to deserve to have all the toys, which I don't have, the talent that is...nor the toys for that matter.

I wasn't deriding you or anyone else specifically; The only people I like deriding are stuck-up schmucks telling others to not have fun, with a box and strimmer line or whatever. I can't afford a Bogdon (shipping charges would be horrendous, then again, I could make a box bass out of the box the Bogdon comes in and have a back-up bass for a rainy day).

I'm having fun thinking of building one myself out of a Cannondale Bike Box (they're a little bigger than your average bike box, room for at least three small hobos, or one me). Yeah, a box that big would be a real Cannon, Dale.

Or maybe even a freezer box. Then I can rent space out, charge 10 cigarette butts per night to other hobos; no in/out privileges during the day while I'm busking, though.