Double Bass URIGHT VS ABG with Sound Samples

[rickwolff]

Ok, so we all know nothing else sounds like a REAL DOUBLE BASS.

BUT, might you be able to get a sound that is 'close', or that can be used IN PLACE of a DB when logistics or other considerations require it?

To try and answer that again (as so many other have) I offer for your consideration several audio clips I made today using my Shen 150 through the Ischell A3 microphone in the f hole to my Genzler Acoustic Pro Gollihur model and recorded into my Zoom with the onboard mic about 6 feet in front of the amp.

You'll hear that my ABG is Fretted, and I know some believe you can get a more DB sound with a fretless instrument, BUT I am definitely NOT going for that Jaco sound.

I'd love to hear your comments.

 

[PB+J]

Sounds good, but piezo-ish. What strings are you using? I think a fretless with flats would sound more convincing, and Jaco imitations are not necessary. Also I think so much of the attack/decay of the UB comes from the arched top.

In the right mix people would probably think it was a DB. It could certainly be a pleasing sound in a mix, whether or not it was a good imitation of a UB

 

[bass player 53]

I think it sounds pretty convincing, aside from the fret clacking (clanking?).
However… would you show up at a jazz gig with that thing, from an esthetic pov?

 

[rickwolff]

Sounds good, but piezo-ish. What strings are you using? I think a fretless with flats would sound more convincing, and Jaco imitations are not necessary. Also I think so much of the attack/decay of the UB comes from the arched top.

In the right mix people would probably think it was a DB. It could certainly be a pleasing sound in a mix, whether or not it was a good imitation of a UB

I'm using TI Jazz Flats

 

[rickwolff]

I think it sounds pretty convincing, aside from the fret clacking (clanking?).
However… would you show up at a jazz gig with that thing, from an esthetic pov?

No, I wouldn't 'show up' at a jazz gig with this bass unless they knew and approved ahead of time. I think a real 'jazz gig' needs the upright -as much for the visual as for the sound. However, at an unpretentious casual gig I think it would be fine.

I'd better clarify so as not to give the impression I think jazz gigs are pretentious. I no longer think of myself as a jazz player per se. That's a lot easier now that I moved from NC and left behind the group I founded: City Lights Jazz. (I should probably say it's also a lot easier since I don't have any gigs).

 

[rickwolff]

I think it sounds pretty convincing, aside from the fret clacking (clanking?).
However… would you show up at a jazz gig with that thing, from an esthetic pov?

My bass is an older model, made in Korea in 1988. It has an eliptical (oval) soundhole.

I added the LaceSensor magnetic pickup that I bought from Godin.

 

[bass player 53]

My bass is an older model, made in Korea in 1988. It has an eliptical (oval) soundhole.

I added the LaceSensor magnetic pickup that I bought from Godin.

Yeah, that’s very nice. I also like the bridge better. The wood has a nice patina, of sorts, as well. It does have a nice sound, too.

 

[Ketbass]

I think a fretless with flats would sound more convincing, and Jaco imitations are not necessary.

I have a Washburn AB20 ABG with TI flats on it and it still muwahs more than an upright. When pizzed carefully I can create a reasonable upright sound, but fretless is still its own thing, probably due to the sustain, length/density of strings and the position it’s played in. Despite that my regular jazz group loves it when I bring it to a gig or rehearsal as it gives me some freedoms for soloing of an electric bass but still retains some “jazz” aesthetics