Double Bass DB PLAYED LIVE?!?

[ManicBass5]

Loved to watch the retro-style rocknroll bands on utube esp to see the db being played.....
I watched the stray cats But I didn't realise they could jump up on their instruments and carry them about/throw them around on stage too!!!
But they look very large But are they heavy too?!? For them to do that showy stuff....

 

[Don Hergert]

The Stray Cats are primarily a rockabilly band...

Double basses are typically hollow. Most standard 3/4 wooden double basses weigh between 20 and 25 pounds. A good carved classical (or orchestral) bass is probably going to be on the lighter end of the scale, a rockabilly plywood bass -- which is more likely to be stood on and tossed around -- will be heavier. Costs also vary similarly, a very nice classical bass could cost ~$200K or more, a good rockabilly bass probably under ~$10K. My 1930s aluminum bass, which is setup for a variety of music including rockabilly, weighs 28 pounds fully setup; I don't stand on it or toss it around though.

The showmanship factor is high and obvious with rockabilly and those basses can get abused, so dedicated rockabilly basses can be built for rough treatment and they are typically optimized for amplified tone and volume. On the opposite end of the spectrum, showmanship is present but much more subtle with classical basses, they are built for acoustic tone and volume, and other than in some school environments, these basses are typically treated in a way that is respectful of their value.

I'm no expert at either of these musical environments, so hopefully we'll also hear from some people who do specialize in them.

 

[ManicBass5]

The Stray Cats are primarily a rockabilly band...

Double basses are typically hollow. Most standard 3/4 wooden double basses weigh between 20 and 25 pounds. A good carved classical (or orchestral) bass is probably going to be on the lighter end of the scale, a rockabilly plywood bass -- which is more likely to be stood on and tossed around -- will be heavier. Costs also vary similarly, a very nice classical bass could cost ~$200K or more, a good rockabilly bass probably under ~$10K. My 1930s aluminum bass, which is setup for a variety of music including rockabilly, weighs 28 pounds fully setup; I don't stand on it or toss it around though.....
The showmanship factor is high and obvious with rockabilly and those basses can get abused, so dedicated rockabilly basses can be built for rough treatment and they are typically optimized for amplified tone and volume. On the opposite end of the spectrum, showmanship is present but much more subtle with classical basses, they are built for acoustic tone and volume, and other than in some school environments, these basses are typically treated in a way that is respectful of their value.

I'm no expert at either of these musical environments, so hopefully we'll also hear from some people who do specialize in them.

That is some weight even hollow inside.....Don't know what an electric bass weighs to compare?!?
There must be a customised option too cause one guy had his bass painted all over with lurid green flames which looked awesome!!)
Do peeps get bank loans out?!? I knew it wasn't a cheap instrument.....think Gear4.Music sell entry level Db at about £550 ive seen ads for online same company who sell my entry level #5 string bass at £102 I'd add)
Thanks for all the very clear info)

 

[Don Hergert]

That is some weight even hollow inside.....Don't know what an electric bass weighs to compare?!?

Around 10 pounds.

There must be a customised option too cause one guy had his bass painted all over with lurid green flames which looked awesome!!)

Yes, not uncommon for rockabilly dedicated double bases. Very uncommon for double basses for most other musical environments. (Admittedly, my silver painted aluminum bass would fit in rockabilly comfortably, although I use it for general roots music.)

Do peeps get bank loans out?!? I knew it wasn't a cheap instrument.....think Gear4.Music sell entry level Db at about £550 ive seen ads for online same company who sell my entry level #5 string bass at £102 I'd add)

Yes, but rentals and rent-to-buy situations also are available from some sources.

Thanks for all the very clear info)

You're welcome!

 

[ManicBass5]

Around 10 pounds.



Yes, not uncommon for rockabilly dedicated double bases. Very uncommon for double basses for most other musical environments. (Admittedly, my silver painted aluminum bass would fit in rockabilly comfortably, although I use it for general roots music.)



Yes, but rentals and rent-to-buy situations also are available from some sources.



You're welcome!

Presume the rockabilly's like the db cause of the retroness and the flashy aspect commitment to style and tone) But I'm also presuming that electric bass was in use back when the original music was made?!? Cause they had electric guitars so I'm just assuming that......

 

[ManicBass5]

If you play db do you get dirty looks from impatient peeps in queues and stuff?!? Like at airports and places like that.....most peeps don't even like waiting for my travelsized rucksack to be moved ive had abuse from that and that's just on a bus I'd add)
Ive got disabled a bus pass too I'd add But peeps still try to rush me sometimes.....
Not the drivers thou I'd add)
Never mind a giant viola thingy....

 

[DukeCC]

People tend to leave the DB at home and use a local rental option. Shipping cost is high, a sturdy case is costly as well. But I'm sure they are occasionally seen at airports and bus stops. . .
I don't tour with mine--if I did I would lean towards setting up a safe way to transport it without a case. Cases add weight and volume and cost. We use a pull trailer for our local gigs now. I put my stuff in it for longer hauls. I'm planning on making a sort of box in the trailer where I can place my bass inside in its gig bag.

 

[The Biz]

The showmanship factor is high and obvious with rockabilly .

Rockabilly long ago reached that meta-state where everything it produces is self-referential. Part of it's charm and repulsiveness.