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Double Bass Learning to play the Ibanez UB805 5 string EUB for the first time

Oscar Stern

Oscar Stern

Oct 12, 2020
678
257
USA
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#1
So I just received my new Ibanez UB805 which is a 5 string 34 inch Scale EUB (basically a 1/4 Size EUB with 5 strings on it). I also got a CodaBow French Bass Bow (the Infinity model) so I can learn basic Double Bass techniques coming from my Fender 5 string Electric Bass. I noticed right away that the UB805 has dot markers on it that help with learning proper finger placement on the strings so that I can learn songs more easily (my first song I learned was Advanced Australian Fair arranged by the Wiggles where I played the Melody).
 
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#4
4Mal said:
I've been playing an 804 frpor a while. It goes to every gig now. Sometimes it is the only bass I bring. More often I carry a fretted or fretless short scale along with. I really like that 805 a bunch.
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The UB805 is like a Fretless 5 string Bass on a Stand that's played vertically, & as you're fingering you're left hand is moving up & down vertically. It's a very natural action.
 
#5
I really like the 804 a lot. I've had several fretless EB's over the years. The UB804 just feels right. It was a much easier transition to make than anticipated. Currently I also have a fretless Nordstrand Cat whilch I also adore. Love it. I shred on it. It is super fun! The 804 makes me think a little more. Slows me down a bit and as a result, my lines tend to be more composed... that is a good thing.
 
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#6
4Mal said:
I really like the 804 a lot. I've had several fretless EB's over the years. The UB804 just feels right. It was a much easier transition to make than anticipated. Currently I also have a fretless Nordstrand Cat whilch I also adore. Love it. I shred on it. It is super fun! The 804 makes me think a little more. Slows me down a bit and as a result, my lines tend to be more composed... that is a good thing.
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The UB804/UB805 is a Vertical Fretless which is pretty rad.
 
#7
Oscar Stern said:
The UB804/UB805 is a Vertical Fretless which is pretty rad.
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So was my barker brio custom. The UB-804 isn't like a new concept at all. Barker, Ergo, Stagg, Dean, all have had lower end entries though the Barker was a bit different nd he had some upper end models as well. NS of course has been the big dog in the game. The UB-804 / 5 is just very well executed and hits a peice point that makes it more temptimg for an EB player to dip their toe in the water. Glad I did!
 
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#8
When I first got my UB804 I went back to basics and pulled out the old Simandl studies book and used those exercises to gain familiarity as well as develop playing positions and get back my lost arco skills. Once those were in hand I went through the Bille studies books as well. After practicing thru the cycle of scales and arpeggios I then started to attack the jazz standards in my play book, there are some tunes I'll still elect to play electric or fretless but I am getting more confident on the 804.

I had been wanting an EUB for a long time since having to retire from playing acoustic upright and even designed my own as part of the learning process the UB804 is very close to what I had dreamed of.
 
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#9
bassbrad said:
When I first got my UB804 I went back to basics and pulled out the old Simandl studies book and used those exercises to gain familiarity as well as develop playing positions and get back my lost arco skills. Once those were in hand I went through the Bille studies books as well. After practicing thru the cycle of scales and arpeggios I then started to attack the jazz standards in my play book, there are some tunes I'll still elect to play electric or fretless but I am getting more confident on the 804.

I had been wanting an EUB for a long time since having to retire from playing acoustic upright and even designed my own as part of the learning process the UB804 is very close to what I had dreamed of.
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It's good for traveling
 

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