Double Bass Thinking about getting an upright.

[GanonInACannon]

I've always loved the menacing sound of sustained, bowed pedal notes and am considering getting an upright bass with a $1500-2500 budget. To give me more low end, I would want it tuned BEAD (like the top four strings of a five string bass guitar). I know there is no stock upright tuned like this, so I would want one that could be somewhat easily modded for this tuning. With the proper strings, would a 1/4 or 1/2 bass be large enough, or would it be wiser to get a 3/4 or 4/4? Are there any specific models that might be better suited for this setup?

 

[DrayMiles]

Get a 3/4 ...

 

[RSBBass]

A low B on either a half or quarter size is likely to be so floppy as to be un-bowable. You would have to modify the nut and bridge slots. Unless you have a very good ear, I would consider starting with normal tuning as intonation on those lower notes can take a lot of practice. This can lead to frustration and abandoning the instrument. Also for best bowing response, particularly on low notes, you would do best with a hybrid or fully carved bass. Your price range barely makes it to cover one if you are lucky.

 

[AGCurry]

In addition to the "floppy" thing, even a 3/4-size bass is not big enough to resonate a low B (most really don't do even low E well). It's a little like asking a trumpet to play tuba notes. Size matters in double basses much more than in bass guitars.

 

[SBassman]

I have always wanted one. I love the tone. But I don't dare. I don't think I can do it justice, I have short arms, and, I'd only be able to afford junk, and the advice is generally - for a DB, buy something quality, or be prepared to eventually fling it in a wood chipper.

 

[carl h.]

I've dropped my old (1930s) King down to low C a few times with good results, but they are 43" scale and I was playing silver wound guts at the time. Haven't tried it with modern strings.

 

[Rabidsquids]

As others are saying it's quite difficult to get a double bass tuned that low to sound good, especially in that price range. I've played a 5 string chubby jackson Kay laminate bass ,and not gonna lie, the b string was really weak and it would have been better without. The cheapest way I can think of to do this and have a bass that sounds good is to get an entry level carved/hybrid, then have a luthier put a C extension on it. You'd probably need to shell out an extra few thousand above your budget though.

 

[DrayMiles]

I said get a 3/4, but I’ll add the thought...

You would be better served playing a standard 3/4 and then you can add an extension and a b bender. But, the first thing is you need to not think about it like an electric bassist. I suspect you’re doing a little bit of that....

 

[Lee Moses]

Bassists who use 5ths tuning typically have the lowest string tuned to C, and they don't necessarily use large basses. 1/2 or less would be pushing it, though.

You do know 5 string double basses are not uncommon, right?

I think either way, you'd want to expand your budget significantly.

 

[GanonInACannon]

Thank you all.

After a bit further contemplating, I'm thinking an electric upright might be a better choice for me at the moment. If I'm still yearning for an acoustic after becoming adequately proficient (likely several years from now), I'll probably have enough for a decent 4/4 (or, perhaps, a custom "borderline-octobass").

 

[DrayMiles]

If your end goal is to play an acoustic bass, then get one. Electric upright basses aren’t comparable regarding feel, and aural experience.
It’s hard to bs on an upright bass, and you should try it first for awhile. It is an experience and a physical one at that... Learning the physical issues of an acoustic instrument won’t be learned on anything electric. ... imo...

 

[damonsmith]

I would worry about the low B after you learn to play. You will want to use normal methods and study with a teacher for a few years if you want any hope of playing in tune.

I am one of the few that recommends an EUB to start over a plywood. Still, a basic 3/4 hybrid will get you started just fine. You can worry about your low B later!
There is more to the sound of a double bass than the bass guitar. You will more than likely find you don't need the extra low end. The sound is full and complex in a whole other way.

Go to Quantum Bass on La Branch, see what they have. You can get a good Bahn Mi nearby as well!

 

[james condino]

If you are coming from the electric bass world, an electric upright with an octave pedal might fit your needs and be an easier transition. Most of the money notes are in the standard range. When I wanna' go low, my original 1985 OC-2 does exactly what I'm looking for without all of the associated issues trying to get a well made upright that goes that low. Plus, you can get REALY LOUD on an electric upright bass.

Purists will whine the endless, "...but my carved bass...", even though the reality is that only you, me, and one other person in the audience will notice.....

 

[D Garr]

I've always loved the menacing sound of sustained, bowed pedal notes and am considering getting an upright bass with a $1500-2500 budget. To give me more low end, I would want it tuned BEAD (like the top four strings of a five string bass guitar). I know there is no stock upright tuned like this, so I would want one that could be somewhat easily modded for this tuning. With the proper strings, would a 1/4 or 1/2 bass be large enough, or would it be wiser to get a 3/4 or 4/4? Are there any specific models that might be better suited for this setup?

I think you are looking for a headache

 

[sean_on_bass]

Thank you all.

After a bit further contemplating, I'm thinking an electric upright might be a better choice for me at the moment. If I'm still yearning for an acoustic after becoming adequately proficient (likely several years from now), I'll probably have enough for a decent 4/4 (or, perhaps, a custom "borderline-octobass").

You mentioned wanting to bow low notes, so a decent acoustic bass is the way to go. Electric uprights are in no way a substitute, and i see alot of folks wanting to learn on one. It's money wasted, just go straight to a real bass. You can try renting one for a little while from a local music shop to get your feet wet before buying your own.

 

[damonsmith]

Purists will whine the endless, "...but my carved bass...", even though the reality is that only you, me, and one other person in the audience will notice.....

See this is where we kind of agree! When you don't care about the top of the bass, I say get rid of altogether and get an EUB. I'll take a good, well set up EUB over plywood bass any day of the week.

 

[Rabidsquids]

As others are saying it's quite difficult to get a double bass tuned that low to sound good, especially in that price range. I've played a 5 string chubby jackson Kay laminate bass ,and not gonna lie, the b string was really weak and it would have been better without. The cheapest way I can think of to do this and have a bass that sounds good is to get an entry level carved/hybrid, then have a luthier put a C extension on it. You'd probably need to shell out an extra few thousand above your budget though.

Thought I'd chime back in and say that if your end goal is to play acoustic upright, I'd agree that an electric upright will not help you much. Physically, they are two different beasts. It's also important to note that a B string may not be as helpful as you think, it's really not useful in the same way on upright that it is on an electric bass. This is coming from a 5-string electric player who transferred to upright with the same mentality, but went with a 4 string under my teachers advice, and now I really get why this is advisable with a little more experience. The double bass has a lot more sub-bass harmonics in its timbre already that will probably give you the "menacing" sound you're looking for. I really think that your best bet is to buy/rent a decent acoustic bass for awhile, then if you decide you really need the range, you can always add a C extension. If you've decided that EUB fits your needs just fine then go with that, however, you should really treat them as completely different instruments IMO.