Ex-Paul Warburton 5-string Bohmann:
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Double Bass Interesting pic - 5 string upright from 1965:
- Thread starter CereBassum
- Start date
As others have mentioned, 5stringers are common in European orchestras. The extension is the very rare bird here.
And 5 string basses have been around for ages. Some jazz players play them too, like for example the incredible Robert Landfermann. At least he did, don’t know if he still does.
They sometimes have rather incredible fingerboard/bridge radius, I’ve seen some almost U-shaped.
best
Sidecar
And 5 string basses have been around for ages. Some jazz players play them too, like for example the incredible Robert Landfermann. At least he did, don’t know if he still does.
They sometimes have rather incredible fingerboard/bridge radius, I’ve seen some almost U-shaped.
best
Sidecar
Does anyne have any experience bowing the Kay 5-strings with a low B/C? There's one floating around that might be fun to use in a community orchestra setting. Thanks
I really love these basses and I think they sound surprisingly good with the bow but they can’t really support a low b or c. I played one for years with a high c and loved it. I found the beck really comfortable and it really sang arco. Even the a flat to the low e didn’t speak too well. I’m not sure why these basses get a bad rep though cause it was a great bass.
I have my fifth string tuned to low C. The only issue with mine is the E string is a little tough to get started, though I'm taking it to my luthier this weekend to see if he can sort it out. The clearance to get that E is also tight so a new setup might be in order. I've also had the neck set and reinforced, along with bringing the neck out about 3/4", which I think is necessary to really be able to bow on the first string well (without hitting the C bout.) I've played mine with good results in some local classical groups but my carved 4 is still my main instrument (for now.) The Kay really sits in the group mix nicely and it's great having those low notes.
Mine's a 1945 S-51, before they were branded the "Chubby Jackson" model. I feel like the mid-40's models were a sweet spot with regard to quality. Mine has a great tone that has matured over the last 77 years or so of being played consistently.
