Double Bass Differences between Electric Upright and Electric Bass?

[maxanton]

Hello, everyone.
I didn't really know where to ask this question, so I decided to ask it here. What are the differences (sound-wise) between a fretless electric bass with tapewounds and an electric upright bass? I was thinking of learning upright bass so that I could use a bow and get a different sound for some of my songs (I play in a doom metal band, but we do a lot of experiments with our sound), but would it be worth it getting an electric upright or should I get an acoustic upright for a major difference in sound?
Thanks!

 

[Francois Blais]

If you really want to experiment with sounds, I guess you'd be okay with an EUB, but if you want to learn to play with a bow in a serious way with a teacher, a real DB is the way to go.

 

[rolandm]

For what you're doing, I'd suggest an EUB. The differences that you want to bear in mind is at the scale is 42" and that will not only play differently, it will sound different as well. You can still drop an EUB's action to the deck, but that will impact your bowing. The trade off is a pizz sound that you can generate some "mwah" on, but with a fuller tone due to the mass of the string. Most EUBs have a moderately nice piezo system with at least a minimal preamp, and some have very well-designed preamps. If you're playing doom metal and want bowed sections in your music, an EUB is definitely the way to go.

But also think of getting a standard double bass. Some of the mic/piezo transducer combinations sound pretty amazing. Just understand that, at stage volume, feedback will be a constant concern.

 

[Tom Lane]

Okay, I'll add my two cents. None of the EUBs sound like an upright and few play like one. Some come close when amplified, even more so in very loud bands when you're relying solely on amplification. If I were you, I'd do some more homework, get a list of the EUBs on the market and then locate recordings of them and some great recordings of URBs and decide what you like. The EUBs each have their unique sound. Some of those sounds have become very popular, for instance with Latin Jazz, and Bluegrass players like different EUBs. None of the EUBs, and I own two very popular EUBs so I'm speaking firsthand, sound anything like a URB in a quiet room practicing.

 

[vin*tone]

EUB is the way to go for what you want to do. I imagine you're going to have gigs where you're dealing with serious volume. That pretty much rules out anything acoustic.

 

[maxanton]

Thanks, all, for the help!
I think what I'll do is I'll consult my teacher about it. I'm quite concerned with the feedback issue of the DB. But I think I will compare the sounding of the different models of EUBs and DBs on the market, and decide from there. Right now, though, I think that getting an EUB is the more likely outcome.
Thanks, everyone!

 

[Joshua Pickenpaugh]

Sounds like you would be an ideal candidate for an Ned Steinberger EUB, one that is the same scale as an electric. They even have them with frets, so the changeover would be minimal.

 

[Matt Ides]

All three are really their own instruments, IMO. EUB is sort of its own beast and you have a lot to choose from on the market at different scale lengths. Try and play some if you can, which should help with your decision.

 

[brianrost]

What are the differences (sound-wise) between a fretless electric bass with tapewounds and an electric upright bass?

The difference is just like comparing a P-bass to a Rick to a Gibson EB3 to a Hofner Beatle bass...namely it depends on the instrument.

EUBs use a different type of bridge than a BG, most use piezo pickups (some have magnetic alongside the piezo). You can get them in scale lengths from 30" to 42" or so which affects the tone. Then you have to consider the type of strings you choose. Etc. etc. etc.

I would suggest looking at the NS Omni Bass, 34" scale, bowable, 4 or 5 strings, can be played horizontally like a BG as well as upright.

 

[SmokinJazz]

I have one of the Ned Steinberger NS Design Omni basses, 4 string model. I have a set of La Bella Deep Talkin 1954 Vintage strings (flat wound, heavy gauge, so sounds real strong, good authentic thump - I love these strings, I have them on all my electric basses). I would recommend getting a stand for it - not a fan of the "boomerang" strap, plus then it is more in the realm of an upright vibe. I also have the Zoom A3 acoustic pedal (about $200), which has an Upright model on it - that really makes this bass sound convincing. I have a bit of Room delay and some compression set on the pedal and I'm quite satisfied with the sound. I would love a good, real upright - but the scale will be a big hurdle and I've yet to find one that I really like to tone of (of course I really don't know how to play a real upright - seems that you need the strength of a bear to pull those strings - seems very awkward). And then you have to haul the beast and the cost of an authentic acoustic is really out of my budget - for anything decent, it seems that you would need over $8,000. I have great respect for Upright players that can manage that beast.

The Omni has great benefits - much lower cost, normal bass strings, much easier to haul, sounds convincing enough (with the Zoom A3) - I would probably get laughed at by a jazz bass purist, but my big band loves it and have yet to have any audience throw tomatoes.

 

[Glenn Harris]

Look into both hollow-body and solid-body EUBs. I own and use one of each. The solid-body (a Clevinger) normally doesn't have any feedback issues, but the hollow-body (a BSX Allegro) can be vulnerable to feedback in the right circumstances.