Double Bass Upright basses

[pecBass]

I understand that upright basses should be considered a new instrument and not much of the technique from electric bass applies.

Is it a hard jump to upright? What about electric double basses such as the Ibanez UB804 - are they are good place to start?

 

[dc-upright]

I switched to upright in the 90s after playing electric a long time.

the technique is pretty different and I wound up putting my P bass in the closet for about 6 months concentrating solely on upright. Now I can switch back and forth with no trouble! It’s worth the effort.
A teacher for a few lessons will help a lot, I got with a music major at our towns college and he helped me with fingering etc a lot!

 

[Jason Stock]

I also made a switch to playing upright in the late 90's/early 00's. As stated, it is a big change, but we were doing rock covers and wanted to add something "different" to the local cover scene. A tonne of fun to play, you know you like the bass and if you want to do it......do it. I rented to start, now I own one.
Just took me a lot to get the right preamp/pickup combination for me and the sound techs we used. I don't perform with it anymore (been years) cause most of the places and clubs we play now are smaller or its too much hassle but I will again someday and still enjoy having it.
Have fun....now I want to go to the studio and play my upright...

 

[bass12]

To me the difficult part about moving from electric to upright was the difference in scale and the endurance factor. Also, the fact that you have to consider your entire body (in terms of posture/positioning) much more so with upright than with electric (I’m just remembering all of the aches and pains I’ve experienced as I’ve adjusted). The difference in hand technique wasn’t such an issue until moving to thumb position, but the overall “technique” involved in playing such a large instrument is definitely a process. Regardless, a lot of your skills on electric will transfer nicely to upright. If you’re curious about it (and can afford it - don’t forget about future physiotherapist bills! ) then jump in. Just make sure you get a teacher who will keep an eye on your technique and posture. You don’t want to develop bad habits.

 

[Ric Vice]

Since I started on Double Bass, I simply transferred my DB technique over to EB. Going the other direction is a bit more challenging. The Ibanez is more like a longer scale fretless EB. My feeling is that if you’re going to take the plunge, you should rent a DB from a reputable dealer and take some lessons before you “take the plunge”. Just my take.

 

[Wisebass]

Hi pecBass

I understand that upright basses should be considered a new instrument

A different instrument and older! (not new )

not much of the technique from electric bass applies.

Yep they are not in the same league, but that applies to any other instrument as well.

Ergonomics are different, the technigue is different (playing with a bow )

Is it a hard jump to upright?

No!

The only thing hard is to sit down on your sofa everyday to play it.

greetings

Wise(b)ass

 

[Jefenator]

My mentor told me I'd get more work if I doubled on upright, and he sure didn't lie.
I've also had some extra fun and broadened my mental horizons with it. So, never one iota of regret.
The transition may take some doing. I haven't really thought about it for many years. (If anything, I am still a little hampered on bass guitar after doing my first few years unplugged.)
You don't have to get as proficient as Edgar Meyer to start reaping some benefit.
I tried an EUB for a minute but my Kay absolutely blew it out of the water. I would look for a good plywood upright, and maybe budget for a setup if necessary.

 

[J Posega]

The physical aspects of playing are way different, unless you get a 34" scale EUB. "Real" upright tend to be 40" to 42" scale. The thing with a 34" scale EUB is they really don't sound much like the bigger real deal. At a 34" scale, you might as well just play a fretless regular bass with high action.

I got an Ergo EUB this year and just haven't had the time to dedicate to learning how to play it properly.

 

[salmon256]

Some playing Upright here and there, not much these days very busy

But my controversial opinion is, going to Bass guitar to Upright, it is a whole new league I agree, but knowing bass guitar theory, the fretboard can put you miles ahead and just knowing basic theory, and playing Upright can help your electric playing IMO and has helped my for sure and has helped me understand the fretboard better, it is a different mindset to play it but I think you are at an advantage playing electric bass in the pass. My Upright teacher actually brought in his electric bass and showed me where notes were to help me visual to an extent, it helped and he only used it once to give me an idea.

Just my 2 cents. - Also I say this, but do not play without a teacher, the reason I shy to share that electric bass can be similar is that many go in playing without lesson, you can damage your body seriously so please get teacher!

 

[JazznFunk]

As someone who's doubled for the better part of my 27 years as a bassist, I can say the 2 are a very different world entirely. And, there is some music that simply translates better on electric vs upright (and vice versa). I think about improvising and soloing differently on upright. It's actually easier for me to sight read on upright as well.

An electric upright feels like an electric bass on a stick.... nothing like a true double bass. Most of the electric uprights I've tried were impossible for me to really get on with after having played real double bass for so long. It's a physical touch thing with how your whole body relates to the instrument.

Playing fretless electric before trying upright certainly helps your ear, but technique wise it's a whole other ballgame, and one that takes a while to develop. Getting a great tone and proper feel out of upright bass involves the whole upper body, not just the hand/fingers like on electric.

I highly advise having a teacher early on without question to ensure you don't develop bad habits, especially with regard to posture and right/left hand technique.

 

[primusfan1989]

I play both, they are different beasts but at least all the notes are played out the same, you could walk up to one today and likely get some basic stuff you already know out of it

If you're serious about learning upright I wouldn't suggest and Electric upright of any sort, Id suggest you find a beater acoustic upright to learn how to get good tone out of it before amplifying the thing

 

[Hasty]

I think about improvising and soloing differently on upright. It's actually easier for me to sight read on upright as well.

Yes a thousand times over! Most of my electric bass solos feel (to me) like an afterthought.

Another vote here for finding a good instructor to establish good habits from the beginning. I started as self taught and when I started getting lessons from a fantastic teacher, my physical technique completely changed.

My original style of playing left me exhausted after a three hour gig. I felt like I had spent the whole time trying to wrestle with an energetic toddler that refused to get ready for bed. Now I just feel tired because I'm getting older, but the bass feels more like a part of me than it ever did before.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

I understand that upright basses should be considered a new instrument and not much of the technique from electric bass applies.

Is it a hard jump to upright? What about electric double basses such as the Ibanez UB804 - are they are good place to start?

It is different for sure. Take your time as acclamation is going to take a while. Do not short time invested on your technique, which is best developed in conjunction with a qualified instructor.

Best wishes

 

[nealw]

Another vote here for not bothering with an eub. Just get a reasonably priced upright. Factor in new strings and a setup by an experienced luthier. You might luck up but in my experience, a lot of less expensive uprights, new or used, are sold with mile-high action and very stiff strings, which can unnecessarily put you off the instrument when these are both things that can be easily remedied.

 

[Pings Bass]

IME learning upright makes electric seem easy. It is as hard as learning any of the orchestral strings, and more physically demanding.

This is not to discourage you. It's not impossible, it just takes a solid and enduring commitment to study and practice.

I've played EUBs that are easier to play that a regular bass, but you miss out on the warm embrace of those woody tones vibrating your bones.

 

[wintremute]

I really thought the title said "uptight" and not "upright". It appears that I am both and neither. Good luck on your musical journey.

 

[Passinwind]

I understand that upright basses should be considered a new instrument and not much of the technique from electric bass applies.

Is it a hard jump to upright? What about electric double basses such as the Ibanez UB804 - are they are good place to start?

You might want to post a similar thread on the DB side, just sayin'.

As a longtime EUB player with hundreds of gigs on it under my belt, I'd highly recommend starting on a decent acoustic upright and taking lessons from day one.

 

[jTrolt]

I enjoy the heck out of my EUB. Bought it because, at the time, it was a more budget friendly option than the cheapest entry level/used double I could find. It is 42" scale. It sounds a bit like a fretless electric bass guitar, yes, but with string selection and an adjustment or two, you've got a reasonable proximation for the genre I use it for. (Much easier to bow than a fretless bass guitar, BTW.)

Band loves it - constant conversation starter, but moreover, truly adds a unique, fresh voicing to things. It's musicality and looks both contribute to the show. It's a real shocker for the average observer when seen for the first time. But the tone... That huge, warm tone and radical alteration of playing technique really adds up to a rewarding venture. Practicalities of a full-bodied double is also a consideration. Transport, amplification are all just a bit more streamlined with the "electric fretless on a stick".

The EUB has helped me enhance and personalize the look and sound of the band I'm in without needing to drag a doghouse around. The voice is such that you honestly play much differently than the electric, in a very good way. The minute I laid hands on it, it felt more like home than a foreign entity. Feels like I found a new voice that I was missing, even though I already have a fretless bass guitar. It's still much, much different, in a very good way!

EUB definitely has it's place. A real enhancement to the sheer joy of playing. I couldn't be happier that I gave it a try. I absolutely look forward to reaching for it, when called for. If you're of the means, go try one out. The rafter shaking fullness of a 5 string EUB is sheer bliss for me.


(but I still lust after a true double, and man, I could use some lessons in using the bow!)

 

[lermgalieu]

Would suggest posting this in the Double Bass side - you'd probably get a lot of good replies in addition to the good replies above.

 

[ole Jason]

Completely different instrument. I believe it's pretty much impossible for the vast majority of people to attain proficiency on upright without lessons to get started, regardless of bass guitar experience. It's very rare to find an upright player who is 'self taught' and pretty much unheard of to find a self taught upright player who is actually good and plays with technique that isn't going to give them hand, neck, or back trouble down the line.