Double Bass EUB idea: custom engraved body

[lambarthlm]

Hey guys. My father and I are planning on making a custom EUB, intended to be played by me. He is a good woodworker and has the necessary tools. I have grandiose ideas about the body. I have a friend who has a CNC machine for wood engraving. It struck me that instead of paying a ton of money or doing a bunch of trial and error myself, I could make a 3D model of the body I want and have it engraved that way. Anyone have any ideas as to what software I could use? I also know an artist who may do this kind of thing, she knows digital art, so I wouldn't be surprised if she can do this kind of thing. What software could either of us use to create this model?

I am planning on a rather elaborate design, a side profile of two men, each facing outward from their respective sides. I don't want anyone stealing my idea so I won't elaborate further unless I must, but suffice it to say these are ideas I had for a tattoo(s) that I decided I would make part of the bass instead. They would be quite detailed.

Anyone have any idea as to how tall I can make each figure before it will cause issues? Same deal in terms of width. I want to be able to use a bow. I can make cutouts if I have to. If possible, give me a dimension of maximum width with cutouts and without.

I should specify, I plan on making this bass 4/4. Yes, I know it's abnormal, and no, I'm not just operating on an inflated ego. My father was a cellist and agrees with my assessment. I'm 6'4" and bench over 400. I'm not worried about height or strength. It would truly be the proper size for me.

 

[DoubleMIDI]

Just a hint:
Most DB strings are made for 3/4 scales. If you mount them on a longer vibrating string length, the tension rises.
That means that you would need a light string to get approximately the s as me tension as a medium string on a 3/4 scale.
Use my string tension tools to calculate how much, they are in my Dropbox, link in string sticky.
As long as you use a normal four string you can use solo strings at orchestral pitch if you need a softer string, but often the lower strings have a lower tension as expected.
A 4/4 scale only makes sense with an acoustic upright and mainly with either a C-extension or a low B 5-string.

Your large body size doesn’t matter, you would be equally be able to play a 3/4 scale if not better.

And a smaller instrument would be lighter and easier to transport.

 

[Don Hergert]

Yes, the height of a person playing it doesn't necessarily determine the choice between a 3/4 and 4/4 double bass. Most 4/4 double basses are selected because of their sound (ie: for orchestra), not necessarily because of how tall the player is. When desired the endpin allows a 3/4 double bass to be usable for tall people. It sounds strange, but 3/4 is actually considered the standard size for double basses.

And, the reason most EUBs are less than 3/4 in size is that it makes them more portable and practical for travel, which is mostly why a double bass player would get an EUB.

Lastly, the actual 3/4 or 4/4 (or any other fractional) size of a double bass varies depending on choices that the builder makes. Often it is determined by the desired mensure (the string length from nut to bridge). So perhaps mensure is something you should decide about first, then decide what size EUB will be required to make that work. Mensure becomes especially important if you are going to transition from double bass to EUB. It also helps determine what length of strings you will need to provide.

Since you want to use a bow, keep in mind that the nut, the fingerboard and the bridge all need to be arched sufficiently for bowing, not essentially flat as with many EUBs. And as you've suggested, there needs to be excursion space for the bow on each side of the instrument, where the C between the bouts would be on a standard double bass.

I'm not a CNC or 3D printer expert, but my understanding is that the biggest work related issue is designing the product in the software that runs the device. That might be where your time is better spent, rather than creating a real life 3D model. If you do create a 3D model, you'll still need to get all of the dimensions and details of that model into the CNC or 3D printer device's software, which sounds like it could turn into a big project.

I wish you the best with this project!

 

[lambarthlm]

Thanks guys. Good thoughts. Yeah, it makes sense that 4/4 size wouldn't matter on an EUB vs an acoustic DB, since it's being amplified. Hadn't thought of that. And yes, I'm certain I'll thank myself later if it's nice and light.