Double Bass Left handed double bass

[myleftbass]

New to the forum, reaching out to anyone who has converted a double bass to left handed, I am currently on my third bass conversion, just looking to find people who maybe doing the same thing. I appreciate a bit niche. Cheers
Dominic (uk based)

 

[ctrlzjones]

Transplanting the bass bar? Is this a good ideah

The common wisdom seems to be that lefties can learn “right hand” instruments with little problems (the argument used to be that there are no “left handed” keyboards either).

 

[myleftbass]

Transplanting the bass bar? Is this a good ideah

The common wisdom seems to be that lefties can learn “right hand” instruments with little problems (the argument used to be that there are no “left handed” keyboards either).

I appreciate what you are saying, as I used to play the tuba (right handed). I guess where I went wrong was I played the electric bass left handed. Years ago I did have a right handed double bass, but it just didn’t feel “right”.
Yes, there is a great deal to do for a new bass bar to be crafted, however it is doable. See attached image, old bass bar off, under the masking tape is the new one. On the three double basses I have converted ( entry level basses) the top / soundboard is the same thickness on both sides off the top, so it maybe the case there is no reason tonally it can't be swapped over if done well.
It is annoying as when giging as I am unable to use a bass if provided or jump on some else’s bass at a gig.
All the best Dominic

 

[ctrlzjones]

(…) It is annoying as when giging as I am unable to use a bass if provided or jump on some else’s bass at a gig.

Yes, avoiding such is part of the motivation to learn the common “righties” bass.

 

[T_Bone_TL]

If anything, as a righty I'm asking my left hand to do the more complicated thing because I followed convention when I started. The common in the guitar world "Play a righty upside down" approach doesn't even offer the complications that asymmetry in guitar bodies does, if you really want to finger with the right and bow with the left, given symmetry in upright bodies.

And you're definitely ending up with a niche instrument of greatly reduced value to anyone but whatever tiny fraction of left-hand players chose this particular path.

 

[Jeff Kissell]

I’m a leftie who plays a standard bass.
As someone who travels to play and relies on back lines and rentals, the idea of sourcing a left handed bass sounds terrifying.

 

[myleftbass]

Thank you Jeff and t bone for your responses, there is truth in what you both are saying. What is interesting some of the mass produced bass making companies do offer left handed bass (entry level models). I come from a luthier background and love the bass and enjoy the deconstruction and reconstruction and then go out playing them. Not yet travelling world playing them, on occasions I do miss out on using some else’s bass. But my aim overtime is to end up with a really bass for myself. But maybe there is someone else out there who wants to do the same, who I would enjoy sharing what I learnt so far in how to covert to left handed.

 

[Steven Ayres]

I would enjoy sharing what I learnt so far in how to covert to left handed.

Move the bass bar and sound post, cut a new bridge and nut, and what else?

 

[Wasnex]

There's a small market for it. I think in the vast majority of the situations, it would be better for an aspiring lefty to simply play righty.

If you have any expectation to play orchestral work, don't even think about it. (see exception below)

AFAIK, all of the lefty uprights I have seen offered were entry-level instruments. Keep in mind that an entry level upright is not exactly inexpensive. Makes a bit more sense for someone who wants to play lefty bass guitar, as lefty instruments are available at whatever price you want. Playing lefty bass guitar does still limit your options, but not as significantly.

I would be concerned with the ability to progress and move on to a fine quality upright. A serious player is likely to become dissatisfied with an entry level upright very quickly. When the time comes, IMHO it's usually best to play a bunch of basses to find the characteristics and personality that fits you. If you need a lefty upright, chances are you will need to commission a new build. Not sure how receptive a master builder will be.

I concede that some people could be better off with a lefty. However, IMHO those who go on to be accomplished musicians may be put at a serious disadvantage from starting lefty. No one knows the future.

Exception: Niagra Symphony [Filip Stasiak (lefty upright]

 

[Steven Ayres]

Exception: Niagra Symphony [Filip Stasiak (lefty upright]

Worthy point: it simplifies sharing a music stand!

 

[Don Kasper]

Thread Derail incoming...
Fun Fact:
In the early/mid 70's there was a Left-Handed 1st Violinist in the Buffalo Philharmonic.
She was strategically seated in the section to minimize any Arco Collisions.
( I believe she started out learning Right-Handed, suffered an injury to her LeftHand, and continued studying, relearning "Left-Handed".)
FYI.

 

[Wasnex]

Worthy point: it simplifies sharing a music stand!

Not sure I agree. In the image above the bows of both players are on the inside. So they are more likely to bump into each other, which will force the players further apart. Also neither has their free hand close to the stand for page turns.

 

[myleftbass]

Move the bass bar and sound post, cut a new bridge and nut, and what else?

Spot on Steven. Some work to the finger board is required especially if it has a flat relief for the E & A strings. But in principle on the few basses (3 so far) I have worked on it’s pretty straight forward. Thanks for sharing. Dominic

 

[myleftbass]

Thread Derail incoming...
Fun Fact:
In the early/mid 70's there was a Left-Handed 1st Violinist in the Buffalo Philharmonic.
She was strategically seated in the section to minimize any Arco Collisions.
( I believe she started out learning Right-Handed, suffered an injury to her LeftHand, and continued studying, relearning "Left-Handed".)
FYI.

Wow you guys are giving me some inspiration, but I do agree in an Orchestra I would not be popular!

 

[myleftbass]

There's a small market for it. I think in the vast majority of the situations, it would be better for an aspiring lefty to simply play righty.

If you have any expectation to play orchestral work, don't even think about it. (see exception below)

AFAIK, all of the lefty uprights I have seen offered were entry-level instruments. Keep in mind that an entry level upright is not exactly inexpensive. Makes a bit more sense for someone who wants to play lefty bass guitar, as lefty instruments are available at whatever price you want. Playing lefty bass guitar does still limit your options, but not as significantly.

I would be concerned with the ability to progress and move on to a fine quality upright. A serious player is likely to become dissatisfied with an entry level upright very quickly. When the time comes, IMHO it's usually best to play a bunch of basses to find the characteristics and personality that fits you. If you need a lefty upright, chances are you will need to commission a new build. Not sure how receptive a master builder will be.

I concede that some people could be better off with a lefty. However, IMHO those who go on to be accomplished musicians may be put at a serious disadvantage from starting lefty. No one knows the future.

Exception: Niagra Symphony [Filip Stasiak (lefty upright]
View attachment 7340005
View attachment 7340002

Thank-you Wasnex, you have given me a new role model. I shall look up this guy. You are correct about potential issues in how to move onto a finer quality instrument. My aim is to become confident, accurate and successful in converting a right bass to left, as there are many important techniques/knowledge to learn and get right first. Then I may have the confidence to move onto a better bass.
At this early stage of my mission, I am simply using much higher quality materials for the bass bar/ sound post and bridges than what the basses came with originally. Also learning a great deal about the position of the post, shape/thickness design and execution of the bridge, string height and action as I believe there is as great deal you can achieve with these crucial components even on a cheaper/ entry level basses.
I also agree, not sure what a master luthier would say if you asked them to make a lefty bass. However, I don’t have the funds for that, but I do have the skills, motivation and fascination to do it myself and as you say know one knows their future! Although the feeling when you get it good is amazing for me.
Thank-you for sharing your post, really appreciate it.
Dominic

 

[Don Hergert]

I know of two excellent lefty double bassists who play right handed double basses left-handed... Meaning their right hands work the fingerboard and their left hands do pizz, arco, whatever. These people are playing professionally in traveling bands. I've seen both of them in person and if you were just listening and not watching you wouldn't have a hint that anything was different.

I have to say as a righty it boggles my mind, but these guys do just fine. One of them also plays mandolin the same way.

This is the solution for a strong lefty who wants to be able to play borrowed or rented standard double basses, such is often necessary on the road.

 

[james condino]

I had to switch the driving side of the road in different countries I lived in a couple of times; equally confusing.

It looks like you are well on your way with the top off and bassbar removed.

Do your best to get a good fit for the bassbar and everything else should work fine. Once the box is closed up, I almost always dress the fingerboard and fine tune the bridge several times, dialing a little bit more with each effort. You may not get it perfect on the first try, but you'll learn a few things and it may be the start of something fun. Given the population of Canada and the already slim pickings for bass shops, you might find a new niche and become the No. 1 lefty bass shop in Canada...

 

[Bander]

I’m a leftie who plays a standard bass.
As someone who travels to play and relies on back lines and rentals, the idea of sourcing a left handed bass sounds terrifying.

Me too. It was a simple decision, I need to be able to play at least one instrument that isn't restrung. I can play an upright or BG well now. Cello as well.

 

[myleftbass]

I had to switch the driving side of the road in different countries I lived in a couple of times; equally confusing.

It looks like you are well on your way with the top off and bassbar removed.

Do your best to get a good fit for the bassbar and everything else should work fine. Once the box is closed up, I almost always dress the fingerboard and fine tune the bridge several times, dialing a little bit more with each effort. You may not get it perfect on the first try, but you'll learn a few things and it may be the start of something fun. Given the population of Canada and the already slim pickings for bass shops, you might find a new niche and become the No. 1 lefty bass shop in Canada...

Hi James, thanks for the encouraging comments. Well fitting bass bar is an art I am discovering. I have only fitted three so far. I have read a fair bit about doing it and on the one I have just done, I first practised with a cheap bit of spruce first before I used the AAA bass bar I bought, two days later it fitted well, needing only light clamping to hold it in place when I glued it on. Few!

Just been on your website for Kay basses. Wow! Are Kay basses in the US sought after? This has got me very excited as I have a 1950’s Kay bass. Which I want to convert as I play music from that time ( jazz/ blues). I am in the uk so most of the basses I see of any age are European, the Kay stood out, and after reading a great deal about after the 2nd world war American manufactures really took off and how some of my favourite Jazz players used them.

I appreciate that this your trade and for that reason you may not want to share too much about your art, however I am keen to seek advice about safely removing a bass bar from an old laminate top? Only removed bass bars from solid spruce tops so far. Any thoughts or tips would be very much appreciated. Interesting that my Kay bass has a rosewood finger board and tail piece , I think Brazilian? , she is a beauty, bought it from a retired jazz player in London, it’s played all the clubs and venues in its time in London/uk and has a great deal of patina. But needs some tender loving care, to ensure she can do another 70yrs.
All the very best
Dominic

 

[Ed S]

Kinda off topic: I have one friend who play upright lefty. (He plays a righty Kay just strung backwards.). I periodicaly play with him in jams. We have pretty different styles which somehow complement each other.

I often have difficulty really understanding what another bassist is doing when I watch/listen to them. But with a lefty, it seems to make sense. It is like I'm looking in a mirror.

Just thought I'd toss that in...