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Double Bass Ibanez UB804 EUB.
- Thread starter Marty Forrer
- Start date
Might an electric cello maybe with fractional DB strings a solution?
You might need to widen the string slots and string selection might be small.
Also look out not to break the bridge or other parts because of possible higher tension than the cello is built for.
If you can adapt to fifth tuning, a low F string for cello does exist.
You might need to widen the string slots and string selection might be small.
Also look out not to break the bridge or other parts because of possible higher tension than the cello is built for.
If you can adapt to fifth tuning, a low F string for cello does exist.
I just purchased an 805
I am primarily an upright player for the past 25 years and double on electric bass often.
The shorter scale does take just a bit of adjustment but otherwise it is a blast to play. It has a character all its own- which is just fine IMO
I am primarily an upright player for the past 25 years and double on electric bass often.
The shorter scale does take just a bit of adjustment but otherwise it is a blast to play. It has a character all its own- which is just fine IMO
How is the low B string? I am mostly upright player but thinking about this for more noise/ambient experimental stuff I do.
Yes, I agree. I've played URB and electric, but I find the Upswing to be right in my wheelhouse as a blend of both. Having the right strings really helps (NS)! I am very interested to see how it works out for pit band gigs. I find it a lot easier to bow than my old URB. Maybe the wide spacing of the strings has something to do with it.
Hi all, I have received my Ibanez UB804 this week. I like it a lot. Lot of bang for the buck and it plays really well.
I have three issues however. Since this is my first electric upright (I play acoustic upright and electric bass for many years) I am not sure if these are 'normal' things or if there is something wrong. So I need your help.
I have made a video to demonstrate the issues:
1) I experience a very annoying rattling sound. I even hear it through my amp when amplified. I think it comes from the stand. I have tightened all screws really well so that's not the issue. I think it's rattling inside the rod (the one where you can move the bass lower or higher) cause if I move that rod in a certain way (after the screw is already tightened) it sometimes disappears. It could also be that there is something rattling inside the cavity. Can that be? or what can it be? Maybe the stand is 'broken' and I need to send it back? (see the beginning of the video)
2) On the high notes (from the high D on the G string) there is hardly any sustain. It's the same for every string but most noticeable on the G string. I know this is also the case with an acoustic upright but I expected it to be better on an electric upright, but there is even less sustain than on my acoustic upright. The sustain of the rest of the bass is really good and the action is set up well. Is it normal that there is so little sustain from the high D on the G string and on? (you can see it in the video from 0:24)
3) When you do vibrato or fast lines the bass is moving/shaking quite a bit. Is that normal? Is that inherent for an electric upright because it's placed on a stand? (see from 0:38 in the video, at 0;58 I play a fast run, it's harder to see there but it also shaking).
Hope you guys can help me cause I am not sure where to ask elsewhere.
I have three issues however. Since this is my first electric upright (I play acoustic upright and electric bass for many years) I am not sure if these are 'normal' things or if there is something wrong. So I need your help.
I have made a video to demonstrate the issues:
1) I experience a very annoying rattling sound. I even hear it through my amp when amplified. I think it comes from the stand. I have tightened all screws really well so that's not the issue. I think it's rattling inside the rod (the one where you can move the bass lower or higher) cause if I move that rod in a certain way (after the screw is already tightened) it sometimes disappears. It could also be that there is something rattling inside the cavity. Can that be? or what can it be? Maybe the stand is 'broken' and I need to send it back? (see the beginning of the video)
2) On the high notes (from the high D on the G string) there is hardly any sustain. It's the same for every string but most noticeable on the G string. I know this is also the case with an acoustic upright but I expected it to be better on an electric upright, but there is even less sustain than on my acoustic upright. The sustain of the rest of the bass is really good and the action is set up well. Is it normal that there is so little sustain from the high D on the G string and on? (you can see it in the video from 0:24)
3) When you do vibrato or fast lines the bass is moving/shaking quite a bit. Is that normal? Is that inherent for an electric upright because it's placed on a stand? (see from 0:38 in the video, at 0;58 I play a fast run, it's harder to see there but it also shaking).
Hope you guys can help me cause I am not sure where to ask elsewhere.
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Get it checked by a luthier. They may be able to fix the rattling issue. Sustain may be a technique issue, but you can get that check out too.
I would rather hear from people who have an UB804 themselves. Somehow I suspect the sustain is inherent to the instrument or electric uprights in general but I want to check with UB804 users to make sure if this is true.
@Les Fret the stand rattle could be dampened by putting a piece of cardboard or heavy paper in the tube to keep the parts separated. I have had to do this to drum stands before.
Even though the UB is on a tripod stand some movement is natural just like on an acoustic upright.
Even though the UB is on a tripod stand some movement is natural just like on an acoustic upright.
Thanks! where exactly do you put the cardboard?
The shaking of the neck is different than on an acoustic upright though. Because on acoustic you have to body against your belly whereas on EUB it’s complete free floating. So nothing besides the stand that holds it. That makes a lot of difference.
I took out the top tube of the stand and cut and rolled up a piece inside the bottom part. I play sitting down in a chair so pushed the cardboard tube all the way to the bottom, if you play standing you might want it higher. I used several Toilet paper tubes, paper towel tubes work as well, if you have those in EU other wise any flexible cardboard or even construction paper will work.
I have also done this with my studio mic stands and speaker stands.
I have also done this with my studio mic stands and speaker stands.
IMO that is inherent in the instrument, probably due to the scale length and guitar-like bridges.
Yep. It doesn't brace against your body, so it isn't as stable as a vertical instrument with that option.
Ok thanks. I will try it out. The rattling is a lot less now all of a sudden, maybe it was just because it’s brand new or something
I have another question: I experience a little bit of noise/hissing at higher volumes or with certain effects (but also straight in the amp or audio interface). Is that normal behavior? Or should it be dead silent? It’s not as silent as my electric basses. Can someone check on their UB804 for me.
But can you check if you run it on full volume straight in your audio interface or amp if there is a little hiss/noise? Is it just as silent as your electric basses? Maybe it’s just general piezo noise. But I just want to make sure if this is normal behavior.
