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Double Bass Reversing string order...

InQuiet

InQuiet

Jan 29, 2012
30
1
#1
Greetings,

First post and I have an unusual question regarding setup.
I've always wanted to give UB a try, but never really followed thru. After playing keys for than 30 years, a few years ago I decided to focus on the Chapman Stick and have loved the journey of learning a new string instrument.
So here's the question: Because I've learned to play bass parts on the Stick, I'd like to try my hand at the same setup i.e., ascending 5ths on a NS nxt-5 string made for leftys -which I will play as a right hander. Would approaching the strings with the right hand on a left handed bass cause any technical issues I'm unaware of?
So, to be clear; consider or imagine if will, you were to reverse the order of your strings on your UB, what issues might be a result of this setup.
Thanks for any constructive responses.
 
#2
Interesting question. The tension across a set is relatively consistant from string to string- so tension shouldn't be an issue...but there is a thing under the top called a bass bar that runs the length of the body "top to bottom" under the bass side bridge foot.

It's not unprecedented for left handed players to have right handed basses "flipped"- so it is essentially the same thing as you are talking about doing. You might want to do a search of that topic and see what it yields.

If it is, or would be a problem, either structurally or tonally- all you would need to do is get a bass meant to be played by a lefty and do the conversion on the nut and bridge...at least that's the way it seems to me- add disclaimer- ymmv- "I'm not a luthier" and all that. :)

Playing with your strings in reverse order would make it difficult to play in the bass section of an orchestra- so keep that in mind- other wise, while unconventional- I don't see any reason it couldn't/shouldn't be done...

All that said- I would still advocate learning upright on a standard bass strung in the traditional way- I know it would be difficult at first- but come on man! You play STICK! I tried to make a go of playing stick on two separate occasions, but it made my tiny little brain hurt! :)
IMHO if you can work a Stick- you can figure out how to play "regular" bass! :cool:
Sorry, end of editorial rant! :ninja:

Good luck, and keep us posted! I'm curious to see what other kinds of responses you get from this post!

BTW- Stick is neat! :)

Respectfully,

Joe
 
#4
Thanks for the reply Joe,

"all you would need to do is get a bass meant to be played by a lefty and do the conversion on the nut and bridge"

The stick bass side is played with the left hand in ascending 5ths, so thus; the left hand instrument played as a right hander. I could go the traditional route with 4ths etc...but I really like playing in 5ths and the wide open voicings it lends itself to - 10ths particularly.

No special talents here, regarding playing Stick , just determination and my background playing keys helping with the hand independence.
You should give it a go!
 
#5
If you were talking about a Double Bass, there's a very good reason why you shouldn't do this. A DB has a "sound post" and a "bass bar", which compensate for the massive tension of the cable-like strings. Switching the tension, by switching the string order, can lead to sudden conversions from instrument into pile o' splinters.

But you seem to be referring to an EUB, or Electric Upright Bass. That's another topic (and another forum) altogether.
 
#7
simply reversing the strings (and adjusting the nut and bridge accoringly) won't, in my opinion, result in a pile of splinters. You are talking about a NS fiver, I don't think it will make the slightest difference.

IF you were talking about an acoustic double bass, which you're not, because of the way the bass is designed - mostly for best bow response, non-symmetrical inside - you would likely get an imbalance across the strings; much less bass response for starters. But still no splinters. However if you were using the bass amplified and with a sick low string height for tapping and suchlike, it would probably be just fine. Just don't expect a roaring and growling low E.

But - you're talking about converting an electric upright. I can't think of a problem, really.
 
#8
Jsn said:
If you were talking about a Double Bass, there's a very good reason why you shouldn't do this. A DB has a "sound post" and a "bass bar", which compensate for the massive tension of the cable-like strings. Switching the tension, by switching the string order, can lead to sudden conversions from instrument into pile o' splinters.

But you seem to be referring to an EUB, or Electric Upright Bass. That's another topic (and another forum) altogether.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the replies,
To be clear, I'm talking about a Lefty EUB ascending 5ths plucked with the right hand, I'm not changing anything aside from the tuning on this instrument.
The essence of the question is ergonomics as a previous poster noted. Really has nothing to do with acoustic or not.
However, I plan to approach this instrument as a right hander.
 
#9
Interesting to read this - I cannot offer direct experience but I would be concerned about the considerable increase in tension when stringing a 5-stringer in 5ths across the entire range - this will be very different to fourths and you may need to think about the increased pull on the neck (forward bowing of fingerboard - possibly correctable by truss rod adjustment), ability of the tuners to hold tune at higher tension (cheap tuners on the wav/nxt models), and whether a normal set of 5 strings will cope (may need to mix and match).

The transposition from L to R handedness on an EUB should be no issue other than recut the nut and bridge slots to suit the different order/size of string gauges.
 
#10
A five string bass tuned in 5ths. Interesting idea. C-G-D-A-E I suppose? I'm am not a string expert, so please take these comments as coming from a hack 4-string DB player. If this is the tuning you plan on using, what will you use for your E string? Is such a thing manufactured?

Structurally, the nxt should be up to the task. New nut, new bridge, or some 're-engineering'. The only other issue that I can think of is muting, but I guess after a few gigs you will have an idea of how you want to approach this issue.

One thing is for sure- no one will ever sit in.

Maybe it will catch on. Maybe it will be "the best EUB for metal." Let us know how it turns out.
 

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