Double Bass Got a Ibanez UB804 - few questions

[transcendent]

So I got a Ibanez UB804 to replace my upright wasn’t playing regularly, thinking that the 34 inch scale would mean my bass guitar technique might translate over. Got it today and have spent a couple of hours with it. And I think that the answer is … kind of. Anyway I like it and will take it to my regular jazz gig.

A few questions for those who have had more time on the instrument than I have.

I got the bass as a demo unit and other than some dust it’s in reasonable shape. I’ve noticed two things - the volume pot is a bit loose and the tone control doesn’t seem to do much. I can’t figure out how to get the volume knob off to tighten the bolt. Is it an Allen key ? And should the tone control make much difference ? I’ll swap the battery later and see if that helps.

Secondly what technique are people using ? Bass guitar one finger per note ? I learnt Simandl but this does feel more bass guitar like. Ever use thumb position ?

Thirdly standing or sitting while playing ? Seems like it could go either way.

Thanks

 

[ardgedee]

I can’t figure out how to get the volume knob off to tighten the bolt. Is it an Allen key ?

If the pot has a solid shaft there should be a tiny bolt hole on the side of the knob. You'll need either a tiny (2-3mm) Allen key or screwdriver to remove it, depending. Otherwise if the pot is split-shaft, try gently but firmly pulling the knob straight out.

 

[Lee Armstrong]

So I got a Ibanez UB804 to replace my upright wasn’t playing regularly, thinking that the 34 inch scale would mean my bass guitar technique might translate over. Got it today and have spent a couple of hours with it. And I think that the answer is … kind of. Anyway I like it and will take it to my regular jazz gig.

A few questions for those who have had more time on the instrument than I have.

I got the bass as a demo unit and other than some dust it’s in reasonable shape. I’ve noticed two things - the volume pot is a bit loose and the tone control doesn’t seem to do much. I can’t figure out how to get the volume knob off to tighten the bolt. Is it an Allen key ? And should the tone control make much difference ? I’ll swap the battery later and see if that helps.

Secondly what technique are people using ? Bass guitar one finger per note ? I learnt Simandl but this does feel more bass guitar like. Ever use thumb position ?

Thirdly standing or sitting while playing ? Seems like it could go either way.

Thanks

If the tone control isn't working, remove the back cover and check the volume and tone pot wiring - there should be a wiring hardness from each pot with connectors to plug into the electronics PCB. You should see labels on the PCB for volume and tone. When I got mine neither pot worked, someone had plugged the tone pot into the volume spot on the PCB and vice versa, and there was missing ground connection that killed both pots.

 

[PBandJazzBass]

I mostly use Simandl technique on mine, just to keep things consistent when I play my regular upright. But I think you could comfortably use one finger per half step if you wanted. I also keep the strings cranked up high and use a typical jazz pizzicato. End of the fingerboard with lots of meat on the string.

As far as tone, it doesn’t sound like a real upright. But it doesn’t really sound like a fretless BG either. In my opinion, much like the Kala U Basses, it’s kind of its own thing.

 

[bassically_eli]

I tend to use Simandl even on bass guitar in the lower positions, and i played bass guitar for about 8 years before switching to upright. I have pretty big hands too (I’m 6’ 2”), but my hands can simply stay more relaxed using Simandl like fingerings when stretches/pivots are not needed.

 

[PBandJazzBass]

I tend to use Simandl even on bass guitar in the lower positions

Same here. Sometimes I do one finger per fret, it just depends on what I’m playing.