Wanting to know More

[farmchic11]

Hi! I've been playing bass guitar since i was 12 so i've been playing for about 5 yrs. And i have played in jazz band for 4 years and i auditioned for a clinic this summer and while i was there this other bass that also made it had an upright and he allowed me to play it and now i want one! lol And i'm looking into buying one i've been on www.greatmusicproductsonline.com/proddetail.asp?prod=SB-1 (I'm interested in that bass) But my big question is what does the 3/4-1/4 mean? Is that string size? I'm also 5'3" and have very small hands so i've been told i'm at a great disadvantage at playing but would this possibly be a good upright to start out on as far as an upright goes?

Thankyou! Farmchic11

 

[thedbassist]

I wouldn't recommend that upright, but if that's the only bass you can afford, go for it. Btw, its not a professional bass. If you want to become better, I would highly recommend getting a double bass teacher(its extremely hard to teach yourself on double bass compared to bass guitar). I just thought I'd add my two cents. . I'd also recommend getting the half size, the sizes have to do with the size of the bass.

 

[PNeher]

Hi! I've been playing bass guitar since i was 12 so i've been playing for about 5 yrs. And i have played in jazz band for 4 years and i auditioned for a clinic this summer and while i was there this other bass that also made it had an upright and he allowed me to play it and now i want one! lol And i'm looking into buying one i've been on www.greatmusicproductsonline.com/proddetail.asp?prod=SB-1 (I'm interested in that bass) But my big question is what does the 3/4-1/4 mean? Is that string size? I'm also 5'3" and have very small hands so i've been told i'm at a great disadvantage at playing but would this possibly be a good upright to start out on as far as an upright goes?

Thankyou! Farmchic11

Sounds like you mean 34 and 1/4 inches string length? If that is the case, the bass is very small. Normal 3/4 bass has string length of 41-42 inches (apx). At 5'3" you are tall enough for a "normal" string length bass (3/4 size) but watch out for the strng length and shoulder width\
A 1/2 size bass might be best to start on. Get a good teacher, and work from there up to a 3/4. Professional basses are 3/4 - 7/8 size (41-42, 43-44 respectively). Since you are beginning, get a 1/2 siz bass, for not much money, then graduate to a pro bass after about five years.
Best to you!
PN