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Double Bass This should be a quick answer.

E

EthanTheBassist

Sep 2, 2008
33
0
Albany, OR
#1
Why is it bad to store/transport/etc. a stand-up lying on its back? I've always been told not to do that, but why? And let's say you have a high-quality, hard case (one of those nice shiny ones that i don't have because they cost more than my bass), then is it okay to lay it on its back? And what if you lay it on something soft, say, a bed. Thanks everyone in advance! and thanks to those who told me to get my bass fixed immediately because my soundpost was way too tight/long...it was worth it.
Godspeed.
 
#3
Laying a double bass on it's back puts most of it's weight on one point of the back, whereas on it's side it's resting on 4 points, and structurally I believe it will take the stresses much better. Someone will most likely come along & expalin it much more clearly. As for on the bed, in a case, etc- I'd call it a bad habit for the above reasons. If I NEVER lie it on it's back, I will never lie it on it's back. :)
 
#4
ehochberg said:
I didn't know it was bad to lay it on its back. I've been transporting mine in a wagon/van/suv like that for many years without incident.
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me too. the only thing i've ever worried about while doing this was pressure on the neck / scroll. for that reason i always support it with a pillow under the neck block. keeps the scroll from bouncing around on my center console / armrest in between the front seats.
 
#6
It isn't bad to transport a bass on its back, I and the majority of my colleagues have done this for decades without incedent. It is bad, however, to put it on its back at home/rehearsal/gig/practice room. Setting the bass on the side minimizes the potential damage if it's bumped or tripped over. Typically this damage is limited to the edges of the top/back by the ribs. If the bass is tipped over from this position it rarely does little more than knock the bridge out of alignment. This isn't to suggest that more significant damage can't occur, but if the bass is on its back out in the open, it's more likely to not be seen by passers-by because of it being all so near the floor. If someone were to trip and fall into it, there could be substantial structural damage to the top, back, neck or scroll.

Has anyone else noticed this phenomenon? In orchestra rehearsals - if there is a 'cello on its side in the middle of the floor, people go out of their way to give it a wide berth as they walk past it. But a with a bass in the same environment, people will stride alongside it or mill about standing right next to the scroll or end pin as if it weren't there at all!

Chris
 
#7
bassteban said:
Laying a double bass on it's back puts most of it's weight on one point of the back, whereas on it's side it's resting on 4 points, and structurally I believe it will take the stresses much better. Someone will most likely come along & expalin it much more clearly. As for on the bed, in a case, etc- I'd call it a bad habit for the above reasons. If I NEVER lie it on it's back, I will never lie it on it's back. :)
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Would many thousands of trips by car with my bass to gigs over the last 30 years without any trouble at all convince you that there is nothing wrong with transporting a bass on its back? Maybe a little...?

I set the bass on its side (as out of the way as possible) or preferably, standing up in a corner when on the bandstand or at a rehearsal. Not on its back when out of the bag.
 
#8
Let me clarify my post; I'm not claiming it's bad, though I've heard that. My reply was my opinion/guess as to why some say it's bad. Another guess is that(if bad at all)it's not as bad for a flatback, given it's resting fully flat w/no pressure on the neck/pegbox. Also just trying to keep the *conversation* going. :)
 
#9
Ha ha I noticed I contradicted myself - "more likely to be seen by passers-by" then I describe those same passers-by milling about right next to the bass! Oh well, you get the idea - nothing you can do, short of locking the bass up in a closet or trunk can prevent damage to a bass by people walking around, but there are likelihoods to consider based on time-tested practices and experience.

Chris
 
#11
bassteban said:
Let me clarify my post; I'm not claiming it's bad, though I've heard that. My reply was my opinion/guess as to why some say it's bad. Another guess is that(if bad at all)it's not as bad for a flatback, given it's resting fully flat w/no pressure on the neck/pegbox. Also just trying to keep the *conversation* going. :)
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Indeed, but not all flatback basses lie with the scroll not touching the floor! Also, if a flatback bass is lying truly flush with the floor and it gets bumped, then you could have many nasty scratches all over the back...
 
#15
ehochberg said:
I never learn either, many edge repairs and still no bumpers...
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Apparently, You are too new here too know about my fabulous "Warburton Fan Belt Bass Bumpers"; Commonly know as WFBBB 's to the civilized world (as we know it ), Eric. :atoz:
Try a TB search under the quoted name.
Only ONE of my great ingenious, inventions for our beloved instrument.
Less that an hour of yer time, a fan belt and a bit of hide glue.

Ethan. Basses are always laid on thier backs in transport for obvious reasons. They are always laid on thier side when out of their cases, or in their cases for obvious reasons. They should have bumpers installed on thier edges for obvious reasons. I gotta get the hell outta here for obvious reasons.
 
#16
Paul Warburton said:
Apparently, You are too new here too know about my fabulous "Warburton Fan Belt Bass Bumpers"; Commonly know as WFBBB 's to the civilized world (as we know it ), Eric. :atoz:
Try a TB search under the quoted name.
Only ONE of my great ingenious, inventions for our beloved instrument.
Less that an hour of yer time, a fan belt and a bit of hide glue.
Click to expand...

No, I've heard of these beauties for "auto" application, but I didn't know they were your invention. Congrats on that spiffy idea, I'll have to give 'em a try. :cool:
 
#17
ehochberg said:
No, I've heard of these beauties for "auto" application, but I didn't know they were your invention. Congrats on that spiffy idea, I'll have to give 'em a try. :cool:
Click to expand...

How long I been tellin' ya to lisin up to me on these here pages, Eric....doncha know. Ha! I strike again! Bamm! Right outta the godamn blue..ya' never know do ya huh.
I KNOW my ****. Lemme put that another way may be. :eek:

WARNING: SERIOUS. Do that search for a couple tricks. Some belts have colored laminate edges....paint them flat black before installing. They look like ebony. The rubber absorbs a shock. Can be bent in a vise to match curvature of ribs. BRILLIANT!!!!!!!

Pss....I love the title to this thread: "This should be a quick answer".
 

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