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Double Bass String Theory (How long is it?)

B

Bin Son of Bin

Guest
Oct 28, 2012
163
1
Ottawa/Gatineau
#1
I'm looking at the 5/35 Strunal 4/4 sized Bass.

The length from Nut to Bridge is 1100mm's.

On another thread someone mentioned that 4/4 sized basses prove to make left hand technique harder and he suggested avoiding a full sized 4/4.

But when I played it (i've gone several times now) I found it very lovely to play. Is there something I'm missing? Is there a reason to avoid a 4/4 of any make?

Jason
 
#2
According to me calculations that is 43.3 inches. Yes, that would be a scale length of a full size bass. Usually the issue is the stretch between fingers in the lower position and playing in tune. This is not to say it isn't done, but sometimes you trade off speed or some technical ability to pull it off. If you have larger hands might not pose a problem at all.
 
#3
If it's your first bass (profile is empty), I wouldn't do it just because it's available. You're creating work for yourself, limiting your string choices and will make it hard to play 3/4 basses in tune if you sit in. If you're 6'5", maybe
 
#4
TroyK said:
If it's your first bass (profile is empty), I wouldn't do it just because it's available. You're creating work for yourself, limiting your string choices and will make it hard to play 3/4 basses in tune if you sit in. If you're 6'5", maybe
Click to expand...

It is indeed my first DB. I do have large hands but i'm not sure if they are large enough. I did like how it sounded and the body did not seem so drasticaly different than a 3/4's, but I don't want to jump into something that might prove to be more difficult.

There does seem to be a bit of distaste towards the 4/4's on Talkbass. Sadly, I do like the sound coming from it. I just have to decide if I want the added difficulty of play.

I need to keep trying basses. Argghh!!

Jason
 
#5
I would not advise you to do it. Sorry, I know that's not what you were hoping to hear.

I personally wouldn't do it. There's a small subset of experienced players who I think could reasonably make that choice for themselves, but not me and I don't think you either.
 
#7
Having dealt with many Strunals so far i'd say NO. The 4/4 is a big instrument, not only in terms of string length but also physically. It is difficult to reach the thump position and during the learning process it is harder to remain in tune. The 3/4 size offers a comparable sound without these problems.
I made the same mistake almost 20 years ago starting my DB venture with a 4/4 instrument. After two hard years i changed to a 3/4 instrument and things became normal.
Mike
 
#9
Having dealt with many Strunals so far i'd say NO. The 4/4 is a big instrument, not only in terms of string length but also physically. It is difficult to reach the thump position and during the learning process it is harder to remain in tune. The 3/4 size offers a comparable sound without these problems.
I made the same mistake almost 20 years ago starting my DB venture with a 4/4 instrument. After two hard years i changed to a 3/4 instrument and things became normal.
Mike
 
#10
To everyone.

Thanks for your very informed opinions. I think that I am going to take your advice. As much as I really liked it I am concerned about these issues. As a new DB player I don't think I want to add on all the extra work.

Much appreciated.

Jason


Now back to my research for a Shen 150 3/4 or a Calin Wulter Hybrid 3/4. What to do....what to do....:(
 
#11
If you liked the Strunal 5/35, 4/4 then at least go around town and try out some Strunal 5/35 (or 5/27 , 5/21) 3/4 sized basses too. They have vibrating string lengths of about 107cm.

Two bassists I know were happy with the setup work of Peter Mach. Travelled from Montreal to Gatineau to get the work done. Call him up, maybe he has something...

http://petermach.com/

there is also..

Link Removed


http://www.thesoundpost.com/
 
#12
longfinger said:
Link Removed


http://www.thesoundpost.com/
Click to expand...

David Doyle at the Soundpost is a great dude, and he's who I take my repairs and rehairs to, but He's got a small shop and can't really carry much bass stock. I think he may only have one bass there right now, and it may or may not be a plywood bass.

Peter Dawson: I've been to the shop once, and I wasn't overly impressed. there was some stock, but it was all sort of around the beginner level. Maybe he'll have what you want, but it wasn't what I was looking for. Very nice people, very helpful.

eerbrev
 
#13
longfinger said:
If you liked the Strunal 5/35, 4/4 then at least go around town and try out some Strunal 5/35 (or 5/27 , 5/21) 3/4 sized basses too. They have vibrating string lengths of about 107cm.

Two bassists I know were happy with the setup work of Peter Mach. Travelled from Montreal to Gatineau to get the work done. Call him up, maybe he has something...

http://petermach.com/

there is also..

Link Removed


http://www.thesoundpost.com/
Click to expand...

I have been talking with the guys at Dawsons and with David at the Soundpost. David is the one that recommended the 4/4 Strunal.

I am going to talk to Peter Mach. I've heard good things about him.
 

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