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Double Bass Is a 5/8 Too Small for Me

#21
tradition, (louder)tradition(louder)tradition

imagine a soloist or chamber bassist starting a thread that he is going to check out a 4/4 because it might be a good deal and hopefully quiet...









if i were a rich man- i would bail myself out-
 
#23
Hi. I've just bought a1980's Czech boosey & hawkes composite 1/2size bass. It is actually nearly 5/8 as the string length is about 39 inches, and the upper and lower bouts, as well as the body length are around the size of a small 3/4. It has deep ribs and a round back. It's pretty punchy played pizz ESP if closer to the bridge. I know this is an absolute beginners bass and I've only had it a week. I normally play electric bass, and most of my theory has come from studying violin. I'm 5'10 and find I need to have the end pin pretty much most of the way out. I think I would struggle to be comfortable in thumb position because I'd have to bend my back a bit to get my shoulder under the scroll. I'm not too bothered about higher register yet- there's plenty to do in the lower register for a few years. I'm buying this as its all I can afford right now. It's proving to be a bit heavier than I thought. I'm going to bow in the French style, due to my violin experience. Personally with my limited knowledge I think the German bow hold is not right for a smaller bass. Anything larger than 5/8 seems enormous to me at the moment.
 
#24
my dear Martin,

may i just ask- what is your point? Not trying to be a SA , just would like to know- is it that if money wasn't an issue, you'd get something else. Say if you won the British lottery(which i did once according to an email i receive)what bass would you purchase?
 
#25
I think I will at least talk to the seller out of courtesy to my friend. Being the only bassist in one orchestra, and principal (section of 3-4) in another, loud is a major consideration, and good tone would be nice also. I know that is is asking a lot for a fairly low budget. Being 66 and soon retired, every $ counts.
Thanks again for the replies, you guys are great to bounce thought off of,

John
 
#26
RJohn- you are a nice man, patient, and a good sport to always reply with such grace- the kind of principal that we orchestra players like to be stoolmates with. I hope that you find the bass that will make your golden years glow as you have in this thread.
 
#27
Jnel, my point is I'm not quite sure if a 5/8 isn't a bit too small. I've chosen mine as it came up at my local shop and I've got a good deal on it. Only £375, and I'm having it set up to my requirements, fingerboard planed, bridge sorted, esp the feet. I thought smaller would be more practice. I'm not in an orchestra, but jam with a small acoustic outfit, playing skiffle and standards, mainly in kitchens of our own houses. I've had a lot of back surgery, so I thought smaller would be lighter and more practice. I think I'm wrong there as my bass seems pretty heavy. So I'll still need some wheels or a case with wheels as well as a stand. Also I notice I might be stooping due to the smaller size, which isn't good for me. Also my car would just accommodate a 3/4, but I can't afford at the moment. If money wasn't an issue I'd go 3/4, with a stand and wheeled case. Maybe a turn of the century JTL, as I've a decent JTL violin, definitely gamba shape, with flat back and shallow ribs if it was lighter. Not sure if I'd go full carved or hybrid, due to maintainable issues. Would probably string up with Dominants or Zyex straight away. But I'm using the boosey & hawkes until I know what I want. I'll probably trade in on of my violins and bows when the right one comes along. I saw a lovely French bass, 3/4, lovely gold brown, deep aged flamed ribs and back. Narrow flame on the ribs, that you could feel the texture of. £8000. Now, if money wasn't an issue.........
 
#29
jayscheuerle said:
One shouldn't make assumptions, but one can make generalizations... It's all physics in the end!
Click to expand...

Totally right, specially about five-eights:
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Sorry couldn't resist :D
 
#31
Had a jam yesterday with 2 guitarists and a singer- one guitar was played acoustically and the singer was also not through an amp. I found the volume to be a bit on the low side from my 5/8 bass, though that may be due to very thick old and mellow strings. Lots of depth, the A string had the purest depth and tone, harder to hear the E. maybe it's because of where I am in relation to the sound holes, as the others could hear it fine. I must admit, DB is a bit of a workout, ESP when playing faster bass line. I think I need to get back to the gym!
 
#32
I visited a local luthier, who had quite a shop full of stringed instruments of all kinds. Has his own machine shop, can custom build instruments and hardware. He has a fully carved Asian manufactured bass, he is setting it up for trial. Fit and finish are excellent, and it is a handsome instrument. I am rather smitten with the bass's looks, and if it plays and sound good I may commit to buy. I will attempt to post pictures when I receive it.

John
 
#36
Just for the sake of conversation, when I bought my ex-Gary Karr bass from Volker Nahrmann (a small 3/4 bass) I tried out these two 5/8ths basses - both of which would hold their own just about anywhere.

Louis

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