Double Bass I need another bass. Unique situation.

[LouisF]

In my bowl game days (played without a helmet)... I did (seriously) have a laminate New Standard Cleveland. I also had a Jacques Gagnon Maggini - which I think would be comparable to the Kolstein. It was VERY easy to switch between the two (as I remember).

There are also options like the Czech-ease or the Kolstein Busetto travel bass. But in terms of a "matched set" - from memory the Maginni and the Cleveland were a pretty good A/B team.

Louis

 

[PRUNEFACE]

Well am currently looking at an Upton Standard Hybrid with five strings, deluxe top, and flat back. Anyone have experience with Upton on the hybrkd flatback option or the deluxe top?

 

[MK1]

I have an upton hawkes laminate. Upton makes great laminates (they do it right by using high quality wood for the core). While a hybrid is going to give you a more complex tone, that complexity will be lost once the bass is amplified (you're amplifying the bridge and string vibrations rather than the top). I agree that if you have $5,500 to throw down on a bass a hatchback would be a good investment (how do you get to gigs now?) I drive an 03 Civic Si and an 08 VW Rabbit and my bass fits in both perfectly.

 

[Herbie 80's]

I think Prune just wants another bass.

I'm on board with everyone about the hatchback. Think about it - you won't have this marching band gig forever, and afterwards, what use will the new bass be? You won't bring it to do Symphony work, and most likely not jazz, so why not get a car for when you are out of school?

 

[PRUNEFACE]

I already have a means of transportation. That isn't the problem. I just don't like taking my bass to school where the kids have destroyed $12,000 tubas...
And yes, I would have a use for the bass after this coming marching season, as I would have another two and a half semesters of playing with the Symphonic Band post-Marching season. And after I graduate I would plan on using it for jazz primarily and get my Kolstein set up 100% for orchestral.

 

[Herbie 80's]

2.) No, not stupid at all! BUT I don't have a means of transporting my bass to and from the school everyday. I personally don't feel comfortable leaving a bass that is appraised for as much as it is at school overnight where who-knows what happens with regards to temperature, humidity etc.

If you got a hatchback, then you could use your Maggini copy every day, instead of changing to the Shen and back. Also, I don't understand why you'd have one bass for Jazz and one bass for Classical. I play in a Concert band with Jazz, Big band, and marching charts. I also play in several symphonies. What is the reason for having two basses for two genres? My bass has 'orchestral' strings on it (Eudoxa's), but it can still do both genres very well.

It just seems silly and quite a waste of money to me to buy a second bass just for Marching band and Jazz. You'll still have problems of changing over, intonation, and size. I think the obvious, and the best LONG TERM solution would be to save up for a vehicle of your own so you CAN play the Maggini copy everywhere.

 

[PRUNEFACE]

As I said, already have a vehicle. And I would have the neck made exactly the same as the Maggini's

 

[PaulCannon]

I wonder if the scoop on the fingerboard is too much. What does the gap under the string look like when you hold it down at the end of the fingerboard and just below the nut? If the space at the heel of the bass is wider than a credit card, that could be the problem.

Also, do you play standing up? If you do, does the pain go away if you play sitting down? There may be something about the shape and weight distribution of the Shen which could cramp your hand.

I guess I have a hard time believing a smaller neck could cause hand cramps. Cellists seem to do fine with them. If anything, a larger neck would be a more likely culprit.

That said, if you what you really want is an excuse to buy a new bass, you don't need a reason beyond "I don't like this bass very much."

 

[El Thumpo]

I guess I have a hard time believing a smaller neck could cause hand cramps. Cellists seem to do fine with them. If anything, a larger neck would be a more likely culprit.

Cellists also have a lot less tension to impose on a smaller string. Thin necks on a DB can be fatiguing to play because the shorter scope means a larger necessary range of motion, and unsupported pressure that can strain the long tendons.

With a thicker neck, there's more of a "squeeze" than a "press" motion, and that's less tiring. Here's a quick demonstration:

1. Grasp your right wrist with your left hand. Press down like you would on the fingerboard.
2.) Now, make a fist with your right hand and grasp that instead. Make the same pressing motions.​

See how pressing on the smaller "neck" (i.e., the wrist) seems to involve your tendons more? While squeezing the larger one (i.e., the fist) brings the muscles of the palm more into play? A little counterintuitive, I know, but yeah: a thin neck can, in the long run, be more painful to play. And I say this as a Kay owner.

 

[PRUNEFACE]

It isnt that it's small. I played it for over a year and a half without a problem. Then I got my other bass and adjusting between the two hurts. (but only while playing the Shen)

 

[John Sprague]

OK, at the risk of sounding like a salesperson, I have a suggestion. We make the Rogeri SB190 by special order as a 5-string. It's a hybrid, so less risk out doors, though no guarantee it will survive being tackled. It's a flatback, and projects real well. And, being made in a 5, the neck will be larger. I can get you actual neck measurements if you like.

I would bet Kolstein's could make you a Maggini model in a ply or hybrid version that would have a neck identical to your nice bass also. That sounds like a perfect solution.