Double Bass cars for double bass?

[anahata]

Something like my Toyota Surf? 3L turbodiesel, gets about 9.5L/100km round town. I believe it's called a 4Runner in the US, but you can't get the diesel engine.

Actually, on the continent you can get a CRV, a Rav 4, or a Hundai Tucson as diesels, not to mention all the stuff they make over there. These really do get around 40 US highway per gallon (of diesel, that is). In a couple of years VW will probably bring over the "Tiguan TDI" which is Rav 4 class and should do 40 - 45 highway.
(This is with really nice performance folks!)

 

[lloccmttocs]

Anyone tried a Nissan Versa?

 

[MaxZolt]

I drove my DB home from college last year in my Prius...along with all my baggage. I couldn't see out the back, but it fit!

I have also fit an entire drum set in there. It was a bit like playing Tetris.

 

[bass dan]

i tote mine in a buick century. i lay the front passenger seat back and sit in there like a human. i also have space for my contra combo and wizzy m extention in the back seat. it can get lonley going to gigs by yourself, but thats the best i can do.

 

[LouisF]

Has anyone tried one of the "new" VW Beetles for bass hauling?

Louis

 

[mlz77096]

I drive a Mazda Tribute. I got the idea for buying a DB because everytime my friend got into the car, he commented that it would carry a bass. I fold down the larger of the split rear seat. The neck comes up into the divide between the front seats. On my model the gear shift is on the steering wheel, but I think you could do it with a console shift, too. There is room for a passenger in the other rear seat (as well as the front) and the side of the seat back helps steady the bass which is usually on its side. There's still room for more instruments.

 

[CT DB]

I fit my bass in a VW beetle convertible. I put the front seat all the way back, and the end pin touches the glove box, while the scroll touches the rear window. It is not too much of a pain, but I would like a wagon or a hatchback when the lease is up.

 

[wineaux]

So much for keeping the oil companies happy. I just donated the X-Terra to my sister-in-law who wrecked her car. So all bass hauling will be done in one of our two Priuses. And if I have to haul more gear, we'll take 'em both and probably still come out with better mpg than the SUV!

 

[Jazzdogg]

The reason I don't play Doublebass is I could only afford VW beetles back 40 years ago. I have a Previa now, maybe I should try again?

40 years ago, my dad routinely gigged with a VW bug, and I managed to stuff my DB in an even smaller '67 Fiat 850 fastback.

Nowadays, I have to have a vehicle that'll handle multiple functions - hauling 4' X 8' sheets of plywood and woodworking tools among them - so I've been driving a Suburban for several years. However, I've been considering replacing it with a Dodge Sprinter diesel, unless something better becomes available when the time comes.

 

[Jazzdogg]

I drive a Mazda Tribute. I got the idea for buying a DB because everytime my friend got into the car, he commented that it would carry a bass. I fold down the larger of the split rear seat. The neck comes up into the divide between the front seats. On my model the gear shift is on the steering wheel, but I think you could do it with a console shift, too. There is room for a passenger in the other rear seat (as well as the front) and the side of the seat back helps steady the bass which is usually on its side. There's still room for more instruments.

Ford's version of the Tribute is available in a hybrid, but I don't know how good its fuel economy is. I think there's also a small Toyota hybrid SUV.

Anyone have experience with either of these, or a Sprinter?

 

[Audiophage]

I've had my eye on the Subaru Outback for some time now because of it's Upright Bass transporting issues. I've seen them fit very easily in just about any small hatchback with a pretty comfortable amount of driver space.

 

[NUTT]

I borrowed my brother's 4-door '07 VW Rabbit (Golf) the other day and it was great.

I folded down the rear seats & the passenger seat folds flat as well. There are bungie hooks in the rear cargo area. I just slid the bass in and tossed a bungie cord over it; a very stable solution.

I drove my instructor home after my lesson and folded the passenger seat up to do so. I had to move the neck so that the scroll was coming between the two front seats. I still had room to shift & the bass was still stable. I only had one bass in the car as he has a locker at the university where I take lessons.

I might be able to fit 2 DB's in the Rabbit, but no passenger.

 

[Teijo]

I have got Ford Focus Wagon, 1999 model. If I fold down the smaller part of the backseat, I can fit my db fine, and the remaining backseat holds it firmly on its place. There is allso room for driver and 3 passengers and a viola and a guitar both in their case. We do call it Tetris, putting all that gear in.

 

[downneck]

i've got a 2000 accord 4door, fits the bass nicely if i lay down the passenger seat and let the bass sorta sit on its side in the seat with the neck supported by the headrest of the passenger seat

 

[Fleo]

• One guitar player (driver)
• One guitar plus amp
• One bassplayer
• One double bass plus amp

I hereby end the discussion by stating: "A Suzuki Alto is what drove us safely home that night. "

Houdini

 

[Andrew McGregor]

I've had my eye on the Subaru Outback for some time now because of it's Upright Bass transporting issues. I've seen them fit very easily in just about any small hatchback with a pretty comfortable amount of driver space.

One word:

THIRSTY!

 

[RED5]

I've been considering replacing it with a Dodge Sprinter diesel, unless something better becomes available when the time comes.[/QUOTE]

Man I could LIVE in a Sprinter! I have to add that back then I was sharing my car with an Irish Wolfhound,He had no respect for wood at all.

 

[anahata]

Has anyone tried one of the "new" VW Beetles for bass hauling?
Louis

Loaner....fits great, back works like a hatch, scroll between front seats with back seats folded.

 

[aqsw]

Thinking of a Saturn Astra!! Taking a test drive on Saturday, and the DB is coming with me too. Will report!!!

 

[Cody Sisk]

I have a Pontiac Vibe that I regularly haul two basses, two stools, luggage and two people comfortably.

I've been looking at the Subaru WRX STI because it's a street legal rally car and holds a bass comfortably. Speed and utility, win-win. It was a bit short in headroom to get two basses in, the lower bouts were too tall.