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Double Bass Is a 1/4 OR 1/8 DB a good replacement for an EUB

A

akmusicfreak

Sep 6, 2008
286
3
Alaska
#1
I have an EUB 3/4 and a DB 3/4. I like my EUB but it just does not have that authentic sound of a DB. I understand that an EUB is never going to exactly sound like a DB.
But I had the idea if I bought a 1/4 or 1/8 DB put a Bassmax on it, I would essentially have a smaller travel friendly upright I could take around and fit in the cab of my truck easily.

The vibrating string length on 1/4 is 35" and 31.5" on an 1/8.
I play fretless BG so the scale I could get use no problem.

Is anybody out there using a small scale DB as travel bass?
Do these smaller scale DBs still sound like a DB, especially if I plan to be using an amp?

These basses seem to be pretty close to the size of a cello, with the exception that the cello vibrating string length is only about 27"

So am I nuts here or does seem like a viable substitute to carrying my 3/4 around when I don't need to.
 
#2
I can't make any comment about the sound quality of the 1/4 bass.

However, the acoustic bass guitar is a new and evolving instrument, and while I personally thing that flat-top acoustic bass guitars are an acoustical failure, there are some other interesting ideas out there....

Are you playing pizz only?

Here are some interesting experimental designs out there - they may all be inappropriate to your needs, just posting them as food for thought.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
http://liutaiomottola.com/instruments/uccello.htm
http://www.liutaiomottola.com/instruments/elastico.htm
http://www.liutaiomottola.com/PrevPubs/Bassola/Bassola.htm
http://www.liutaiomottola.com/instruments/canotto.htm
 
#3
I have a 1/4 size Kay with a Turner UB-1 for pickup. I believe it sounds good when amplified. Although I have a GK MBE I get a much bigger sound with my GK800RB and an Accugroove Tri112. Although I've had this bass for a number of years I wasn't playing it until I had some work done on it recently, making it playable. I've been shedding the last couple of months, playing it every day but haven't begun to play out with it yet, although looking to gig with it in the near future.

Wally
 
#5
I owned a 1/4 Kay for years and enjoyed it a lot but I really don't think it was that great to transport. Easier than my 3/4, yes, but it is still an acoustic instrument meaning delicate and oddly shaped. It still took up lots of space and could be a problem in some vehicles depending on what else I was carrying. Much less likely to fit in the trunk than a stick EUB.

If you get a 1/4, count on some fiddling to get your sound with decent playability. Sometimes compromises have to be made in either string gauge, action or playing style because of the short speaking length and attendant string tension issues.

I also found that my 1/4 amplified had many of the sort of feedback issues that 3/4 DBs have, maybe a bit less pronounced. If you are used to dealing with those, it is not such a big deal. Just something to think about.

Peace,
S
 
#6
I found a solution to my DB fitting in my truck.
I yanked out the passenger seat in my D21PU Nissan, I still have jumps seats so I can carry a passenger when I don't have the DB.
The DB just fits on its side were the passenger seat used to be (with endpin pulled out) and I can I can fit a small amp behind the drivers seat.
Now I don't have to sacrifice my sound in the winter when it's 5 degrees outside and I can't stick the bass in the back of the truck.

As a side note I still like my EUB but it's just not the same as the real thing.I'll still use my EUB but leave that for more of the loud country, rock and blues stuff.

Happy Holidays,
Shawn
 

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