Double Bass Good 'crossover' EUB

[RNJBass]

I've been playing electric bass on and off for 23 years. Currently playing in a traditional/new orleans style jazz band using a fretless electric bass. With the right setup it actually works quite well, but we may start to work on Mardi Gras gigs, and visually it would be nice to see an upright.

I really don't want to get an acoustic upright - as I feel it is a bit different than electric bass. Is there any particular model that is geared toward a potential 'crossover' player like me? It doesn't have to be an upright with an electric neck - I just want to know if there is a particular model that is geared towards electric players.

Thank you.

 

[audiorep2]

There have been a lot of Ampeg baby Basses on eBay recently....

 

[jobo4]

I think the Dean Pace might be worth considering. Lots of info about it here on TB

 

[RNJBass]

Thanks Jobo4 - I just read posts and reviews for about an hour, the Dean Pace is probably what I am going to go for.

Gets a lot of flack from upright players - but from what I can tell the players that were doing what I'm trying to do it works well.

$500 bucks, minus whatever deal musiciansfriend is running makes this a pretty good choice.

Audiorep2 - that Ampeg Baby is hot looking! Just a little too rich for my blood. Would consider it if the EUB starts working for me - thank you.

 

[NickyBass]

I would recommend an NS bass. There are, IMO, a nice hybrid of upright and electric.

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[jobo4]

Thanks Jobo4 - I just read posts and reviews for about an hour, the Dean Pace is probably what I am going to go for.

Gets a lot of flack from upright players - but from what I can tell the players that were doing what I'm trying to do it works well.

Yes it gets flack but it is the same scale you are already used to and strings won't cost a billion dollars.

 

[Anonymatt]

I switched from fretless to DB two years ago.
I tried an NS (the only EUB I've ever tried) for the first time after playing the upright for a year. Playing it was easy after a minute. Honestly, I felt that I was using my experience on the upright to be able to play the NS. The NS of course doesn't feel like an upright, but I definitely felt my knowledgebase on upright was what was fueling my ability to play it. Whatever insight you can glean from that anecdote...

I would suggest getting an upright if there are no severe practical issues with having one (hand health, frequent air travel). You say you "feel as if it is a bit different from electric bass." Well it is a bit different. If you are really staring at some dots/lines on your fretless and your intonation is whack, than maybe it would be terribly frustrating. But from a physical standpoint, you may be able to gig/record with the upright in six months or so because you already have a musical background.

I can't really know what's right for other individuals, I know there are many legitimate niches (artistic ones even) for EUB. But sometimes these posts catch my eye from the DB forums list and I can't help but wonder if a large part of the EUB market is stimulated by a lack of optimism about learning the acoustic bass? Especially when one is a part of a jazz tradition.

You are going to spend a little time in the shed w/ the EUB anyway. So after your transition period is over and you feel comfortable on it, what happens when you start to think about how nice it'd be to have the sound of a DB, or you play your friend's and see what a gas it is and realize that it wouldn't be a stretch to attempt playing it with your newfound EUB skills?

Just sayin' man!

 

[BigWookie]

You may want to look at a BSX Allegro or an Eminence EUB. Both have hollow bodies and have a more upright bass shape than the stick shaped EUBs. Both can be purchased with removable necks (Allegro is standard) which are great if you need to fly with your bass.

 

[matthewbrown]

I made the move using a Big Kydd 5-string. The scale is workable; it's very easily portable (smaller than my electric!) and sounds quite good. They're also available at reasonable prices, if you are patient.

 

[matthewbrown]

I switched from fretless to DB two years ago.


I can't really know what's right for other individuals, I know there are many legitimate niches (artistic ones even) for EUB. But sometimes these posts catch my eye from the DB forums list and I can't help but wonder if a large part of the EUB market is stimulated by a lack of optimism about learning the acoustic bass? Especially when one is a part of a jazz tradition.

You are going to spend a little time in the shed w/ the EUB anyway. So after your transition period is over and you feel comfortable on it, what happens when you start to think about how nice it'd be to have the sound of a DB, or you play your friend's and see what a gas it is and realize that it wouldn't be a stretch to attempt playing it with your newfound EUB skills?

If you want to keep busy in a jazz scene, then a DB is the way to go. If you love the EUB for all the right reasons, and don't care about what others think, then all right then! But I agree with this post. Jazzers are among the most conservative people on the planet, I've found. They like DB's, mainly, I think, because they're used to them. And no EUB is going to change their minds. I have gotten more positive attention for my fretless playing locally than my EUB work, partly because it's my main axe and I'm more comfortable with it, but partly because the EUB occupies a space that is neither here nor there for the mainstream jazz crowd here. That may differ elsewhere; the scene here in Southern MAss. is pretty hidebound in many ways.