Double Bass EUB Opinions/Advice

[SCT1422]

I'm looking to get a 5 string EUB.. I'm working with a wedding/corporate rock gig now and would like to add the EUB for some of the tunes (jazz standards etc.) and in the future possibly pick up more gigs where the EUB would be more appropriate.. Basically now I would use it as much as I can along with my electric.. I've been playing over 30 years, have musical training, use to teach and now do alot of fill-ins along with my regular gig.. I play all styles and I primarily play weekends with an occasional weekday..
The EUB's I've been looking at are the BSX Flip Bass or Mini Allegro or the NS Design Bass Cello strung BEADG.. I 've been told and thought it would be easier to use one of these because of the scale length and not having to change fingering positions etc..... I play 5 string electric with a 35" scale now.. Or should I bite the bullet and go with the more traditional 41" scale double bass...
I am thinking of taking upright lessons..
Thanx for any help... Steve..

 

[Mingus]

Take the lessons! If you don't you might play out of tune quite a bit and on an EUB, this is very pronounced.

 

[BigBeatNut]

If you haven't yet tried an EUB or upright, you may want to review the 5 string idea ... I'm used to 5-string BG but I'm now finding a 4-string EUB quite enough of a challenge without going to the extra string. Your mileage may vary

Andy

 

[damonsmith]

I'd go for the 5 or even 6 and take lessons. Use the right scale, otherwise you may as well get a fretless BG.
I think extended range is one of the pluses about EUBs.

 

[SAlcott]

For my money, the Bill Merchant Vertical Bass is the way to go, mainly because it feels more like an acoustic bass than any other, IMHO. He offers a 5 string model.

 

[SCT1422]

I got to try out a few EUB's that belong to a good friend of mine here in town.. They both were made by BSX and were pre-cursors to what became the Flip Bass and Allegro...
I liked the smaller scale or 3/4 one better.. It felt more comfortable and easier to adapt to.. But a few people
have told me to get the full-size and I think I'm leaning towards the NS-Design CR-5M...