Sounds fair to me GretschWretch. After rereading your post, I have to agree, that is a problem here on TB.
It is true, no one even asked what type of Bass it was, for all we know it could be a previously undiscovered 1/4 Stradivarius or Montagnana bass.
So what type of bass is it tuBass?
Sorry I took it more as something more personal GW, my bad. I just felt like you threw people under the bus, without you yourself actually addressing anything either. So I ask this question in love, what's your opinion GW, should he get this 1/4 size bass as a first DB? I attempted to give real world advice on DB's and my share my experience with my 1/2 kay, the technique that I use on it, and point out that's it's not as loud as any of my larger basses. Why I expanded is, sometimes what we want today, may not be what we want tomorrow. When I first got interested in DB, like the OP I wanted a DB for playing pizz amplified too. However, once I had a DB, I quickly got invited to a lot of big acoustic jams, unamplified outside situations, got asked to play arco stuff etc.. I discovered players outside of jazz, like Rabbath, Meyer, Karr, Fons-Garcia, even our own Sypher..etc. I quickly fell in love with arco playing and today, I probably play more with a bow then I do with my fingers. I was just trying to give him things to consider, and point out, that our wants and needs might change quickly. For a first DB I personally thought it might be better to have 1 instrument that works in as many playing situations as possible. The size of the bass wasn't as much of an issue for me, as I just felt the OP might benefit from taking a step back and weighing his options, before jumping on the purchase.
Fair all around, Matty. Thanks for your gracious response. I will say, first, that I envy your experience and skill level. I'm not there yet; maybe one day. Also, from your perspective and with your intent, I probably would have posted the same comments as you. No gaps between intent and execution on your part. And, taking the large view of embarking on an adventure with upright bass,
they are things that should be said. I just wished some words could have been directed towards OP's specific query as well.
So, for OP's initial query and intended application, I am fine with the quarter-sizer. But, to reply to your direct question to me, "So I ask this question in love, what's your opinion GW, should he get this 1/4 size bass as a first DB?" I would reply, if OP is looking to become an upright bassplayer beyond the occasional bluegrass tune in church (still trying to wrap my mind around that one), no, he should not. It is too much a niche instrument. It would be like someone getting a six-string bass for their first electric. IMO we should begin with the industry standard and then diversify.
Having said all this (sheesh, this is going to be a long post), let me say that I an an extremely curious fella who has been blessed to be able to obtain lots of different instruments. So I have upright basses in three different sizes, as well as mandobasses and bassoguitars, even a couple of those weird Musikits basses. And that is counting just the basses that have endpins. But while there may be some overlap in application, I purpose them differently. If it's a coffee-house gig I'm more likely to take the half-size upright because that is all I need to fill the room. An outdoor stage mandates the 3/4 bass, whereas if I can play seated I'll put a 1/4 on my knee and play it like a guitar. If I just want to upset people, I'll bring the suitcase bass.
But for many years, my only upright was a 3/4 size. As it should have been.
Also, I would recommend making friends with other DB players in the area. Having a knowledgable friend or luthier to check out an instrument before you purchase, would be an invaluable resource to have.
