My dad was saying that I should try out a stand up bass for jazz music. I was wondering if anyone have played a stand up and if they could give me some feedback on what it is like, etc. I was also thinking of getting a 5 string bass guitar when I get a little better and was wondering what kind I should get and the level that I should look into buying one.
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Stand up Bass or 5 string?
- Thread starter Vinnyfunk
- Start date
I would suggest renting an upright from a music store before buying as they are a couple thousand dollars and thats a huge investment for something you try out. Your profile says you already have a 5 string?? Also, what do YOU want to play, I don't think its fair your dad should tell you what bass to get and what style of music you should play.
Honestly? The one that would do good is the one that you thinks sounds and plays best of all the different basses you try.
True,but I think that it should ultimately be his decision on what he wants to play.
I play both a 5-string and an upright, and that leads to more invitations to play because of the versatility. So if I were you I'd give both a try.
Years ago when all I had was two crummy quality 4 string basses, and was getting more serious about jazz, I'd thought about getting an upright. But then I played an ibanez SR905 that just happened to be perfectly setup at the store and at the time I was in love. I then had it strung EADGC.
I do not regret my decision at all, That bass made me a much better player as the years went by, as I no longer struggled with my instrument to get the results I was after.
I do not regret my decision at all, That bass made me a much better player as the years went by, as I no longer struggled with my instrument to get the results I was after.
+1000000
I highly recommend checking out upright. You will think differently about your electric even if you don't continue with upright. But rent one and find a good teacher. Do *not* try to "teach yourself" or have some buddy who thinks they can play teach you. Bad habits are easily learned and will either make you miserable (and you'll give up the instrument) or can hurt you down the road.
I don't play upright anymore, but I miss it from time to time. It is a much more physical and involving experience imho. But to be good and play jazz, you have to practice. A lot. Every day. You need a lot of physical stamina to be able to play a bop tune at 200bpm. Unfortunately I don't have time to woodshed enough, but the lessons learned from the upright still show up in my playing on electric.
I just got an upright and wish I would've gotten one years ago. A 5er is one extra string, 5 extra notes, but an upright is a completely different beast, in a good way of course. Renting would be a good idea for sure. Also know that what DB'ers consider "good" or "pro" upright basses are in the 10,000+ dollar range...
5's are common-ish. A lot of orchestras require them now. Somewhere, there's a guy building 6 string uprights. I really want one of those.
Another +1000000 for a good teacher. For all the reason given above.
My daily upright is an old Kay. Perfect for what I play. I played a $85,000 bass a few months ago. And at that price it needed a proper restoration which would run another 15~20K. Still, what a truly amazing instrument. Almost makes me wish I was still playing in orchestras.
Another +1000000 for a good teacher. For all the reason given above.
My daily upright is an old Kay. Perfect for what I play. I played a $85,000 bass a few months ago. And at that price it needed a proper restoration which would run another 15~20K. Still, what a truly amazing instrument. Almost makes me wish I was still playing in orchestras.
Playing an URB requires a different approach.
There are a few players who sometimes use a 5 string URB, more with C extension (longer E string)
Given the vision I have as an amateur player (who is getting older --50+-- and plays both) with my youngest son an aspiring bassist:
I have loved the sound of URB from childhood. I heard and sometimes actually listened to jazz and classical music from when I was really little (3 and 4).
But I could not afford an URB until my early 30's
I played electric bass from age 14.
If you can possibly get/rent/borrow/(steal) an URB and bow, go for it.
It will be one of the best things you do in your life.
1) Your technique and appreciation for tone will be much different.
2) You will listen to different music, at reasonable volume.
3) Possibly, you will gain ensemble skills.
4) You will meet all sorts of interesting people. Both fellow musicians and in the audience.
The gear is vastly more costly. "Decent" student bows cost around $1K, graphite a bit less. "Cheap" student basses $2-4K, what are considered budget $5-7K, and OK lower quality basses begin ~10K. Many electric players on this forum may disagree with me, (that it is way too much, if anything, I think it's low)however it really costs money for gear that you will grow with. If you don't like it, stay with it, or have any talent, good gear can be sold at excellent return. Junk will always be......
A good teacher will save you years of time, even if you are as talentless a hacker as I am. The best money I have ever invested was in lessons with George Vance.
Maybe see Pat Neher (a brilliant teacher) on the acoustic bass 'Ask the Pro' side of this forum if you can't find more help there.
There are a few players who sometimes use a 5 string URB, more with C extension (longer E string)
Given the vision I have as an amateur player (who is getting older --50+-- and plays both) with my youngest son an aspiring bassist:
I have loved the sound of URB from childhood. I heard and sometimes actually listened to jazz and classical music from when I was really little (3 and 4).
But I could not afford an URB until my early 30's
I played electric bass from age 14.
If you can possibly get/rent/borrow/(steal) an URB and bow, go for it.
It will be one of the best things you do in your life.
1) Your technique and appreciation for tone will be much different.
2) You will listen to different music, at reasonable volume.
3) Possibly, you will gain ensemble skills.
4) You will meet all sorts of interesting people. Both fellow musicians and in the audience.
The gear is vastly more costly. "Decent" student bows cost around $1K, graphite a bit less. "Cheap" student basses $2-4K, what are considered budget $5-7K, and OK lower quality basses begin ~10K. Many electric players on this forum may disagree with me, (that it is way too much, if anything, I think it's low)however it really costs money for gear that you will grow with. If you don't like it, stay with it, or have any talent, good gear can be sold at excellent return. Junk will always be......
A good teacher will save you years of time, even if you are as talentless a hacker as I am. The best money I have ever invested was in lessons with George Vance.
Maybe see Pat Neher (a brilliant teacher) on the acoustic bass 'Ask the Pro' side of this forum if you can't find more help there.
